wet Archives - Womens Post

I love watching the world slowly wake up again after a long winter. However, with the snow melting and the sun rising, a new element is introduced into our daily lives. Yes, I’m talking about rain, slush, and more rain. Is this something you are ready for? Instead of succumbing to the rainy weather, there are ways to dress for it, be prepared, and still look great.

Kate Spade Trench Coat, $320, Hudson’s Bay.

A lightweight trench coat

A waterproof trench coat will protect all of your clothes and it is versatile for cooler and warmer weather. If you purchase a light-weight trench, you can layer under it or dress lighter depending on the temperature outside. Trench coats are also flattering and fit where as a typical raincoat can end up looking quite boxy. Trench coats can be quite affordable second-hand or online, or you can opt for a pricier option to use for years to come.

Patterned Rain Bonnet

A problem all women experience in rainy weather is their hair getting frizzy from the water and if you find umbrellas incredibly annoying, keeping hair dry is a problem. Instead, use a waterproof rain bonnet to make a unique fashion statement and keep your hair dry. There are bonnets that have patterns on them as well such as leopard spots, which is a sassy addition to a great outfit.

Patagonia Torrentshell

The Patagonia Torrentshell ($129) is an affordable raincoat that looks great and is versatile for city commuting and outdoor activities such as hiking. This jacket is also made out of 100 per cent recyclable nylon material collected from post-industrial waste fiber and yarn collected from a spinning factory. It is also made from discarded industrial fishing nets and all parts of the jacket can be recycled. It is affordable and protects the planet, a double win!

Lock and Love Faux Leather Women’s Jacket, $50, Amazon.

Pleather Jacket

Another great rain jacket is a pleather jacket. Avoid leather because wearing animal skin is honestly out of fashion, but pleather is a great way to look amazing and it is waterproof! Pleather jackets are also cheaper than real leather and are easier to find. A nice bomber jacket for your nights on the town looks sexy with a pair of great rain boots and you won’t be soaking wet at the bar. Longer pleather jackets look great too, and can be roomier to have layers on underneath.

Pashmina Scarf

It is too warm for a wool scarf and if it gets wet, it will take a long time to dry. Instead go for a pashmina that is lighter and will still keep your neck warm. If you decide to choose a bold colour or pattern, it will also contrast the dreary weather as well.

Another important addition to a rainy outfit is great boots to pull the whole outfit together. Check out Women’s Post Editor-in-Chief Katherine DeClerq’s great tips on which boots to wear this wet season. Making sure your outfit is waterproof and looks sexy will make you feel prepared, warm, and fashionable.

I love hats — but I hate taking them off. My beautifully-styled hair gets completely full of static. If the static is under control, my hair gets flat or twisted in knots. The terribly annoying part is that I never know which problem I’m going to get.

Winter is just getting comfortable here in Canada, and promises to stay for a few more months. Here are some tips to keep your hair office-ready while still dressing appropriately for the below-freezing temperatures that are bound to ensue:

Make sure your hair is completely dry: I’m terrible at this. My hair takes forever to dry in the morning, so if I don’t straighten it the night before, there is no way to make it work the next morning. It also means that my hair dries in the shape of my hat during the morning commute. Make sure that your hair is dry AND styled before you put that hat on, or else there is no hope for a good look once you get to work.

Choose the hat wisely: Make sure the hat you are wearing isn’t too tight. A looser material will allow your head to breath and therefore avoid the flat-head look. Wool hats, surprisingly, can prevent static while more synthetic materials will make your hair frizzy and dry. You can also try a loose beret.

Try braids or a knot: Put your hair in a style that is not affected by static or hats in general. A little static in a braid adds texture, and can come off looking more professional than a hat mess (get it!?). If you don’t like to braid your hair, try putting it in a small bun or knot. This way, you can take the bun out when you get into the office and let your locks fall gracefully, without the added frizz or static.

Use anti-frizz: Moisturizing oils or creams can help settle your hair before you put in the hat and trap the moisture in. This should avoid a) dry ends and b) any added static from the hat. Again, make sure that your hair isn’t damp when you leave the house. I’ve used some leave-in conditioner and it’s had similar effects. Make sure you style your hair and let it settle before you put on the hat.

Touch up once you get to work: Make sure to have some elastic bands and bobby pins on your desk in case of disaster. Maybe even a small can of hairspray. When you take your hat off, shake your head upside down to get more volume. Sometimes, that’s all it takes — other times, it requires a bit more work. And then, there are the times when nothing you do helps. In that case, put your hair in a bun or a ponytail and say “screw it”.

Everyone is entitled to a bad hair day, especially in the winter.

How do you deal with hat head? Let us know in the comments below!

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