If you’re a regular around Seasons+Salt, you have a pretty good idea of just how rainy it is in Portland. Wet season in Western Oregon runs approximately from mid-October to mid-June. No joke. This leaves me perpetually scheming on how to stay dry and not look like I’m on the bow of an Alaskan fishing boat in the middle of winter. Over the weekend I added a pretty solid raincoat to my wet weather repertoire, and I thought I’d share more, along with the rest of my rainy day lineup.
JACKETS
In the spring and early fall, I am a big fan of wearing my lightweight anorak by Everlane (seen here). It provides some protection on light rain days without making me too hot. It’s a great topper for wet days that aren’t too cold. However on the days with heavy rain, I need a little more. Since last rainy season I’ve been on the hunt for a more waterproof (and slightly warmer) jacket. Before moving to Portland, my rain jacket game just wasn’t as strong because, in the smaller town I moved from, I could more easily dart from car to cover. Now, living in a city means we do lot more walking between the car and the destination.
Last year, I thought I wanted something by Patagonia, but after waiting it out, I decided it was a bit too serious for me. After reading Elaine’s review of the City Anorak (also by Everlane) I decided to see if this would be the answer to my next level of rain gear. The jacket is high quality, and I like the design quite a bit, but it is really wide. I ordered a medium, and it’s possible that a small would have been better, but at the time, they didn’t have smalls in-stock, and mid-January seemed like too long to wait. The City Anorak isn’t lined, but the weight of the fabric is substantially thicker than the lightweight anorak, and seemed like it would provide a bit more warmth than it’s fair-weather younger sister. If there had been a small in-stock a few weeks ago, this post might look totally different.
Finally, I decided on a waxed cotton jacket from Bridge & Burn. The designers there are really good at creating outerwear for the Oregon rain because they all live here and know the rain challenges first-hand. No one wants to live in ski gear for nine months out of the year to stay dry. Apparently waxed cotton is really waterproof and it can be re-waxed each season to ensure the water continues to bead up. The kind salesman at the store showed me how to rub the fabric with a wax bar, and then blend it in, so I would know how to maintain my jacket when the time came.
This jacket is a hair longer than I’d like, but the next option was just below my hip, which was not enough coverage for me. The waxed cotton is substantial enough to provide more warmth than the anorak, and the flannel lining is perfect to keep me cozy on the days when a puffer jacket would be too much. Style note: This jacket is just a tad more ‘outdoorsy’ than I normally dress, but I’m hoping I can bring enough of my city vibe to make it feel like home. I love the classic cut and shape of this jacket, and hope it will be in my closet for many years to come.
FOOTWEAR
When it comes to footwear that works in the rain, I tend to run into all of the same challenges as jackets. Tall Hunter boots are not my jam so I’m always trying to decode the dry-but-still-chic playbook. I’m currently wearing the J.Crew chelsea rain boots I bought from a consignment shop last year, and they work great. (Last seen here.) At times, I feel they’re a bit shiny for my taste, but they are easy to wear, comfortable, and feel like slippers when combined with my thick, wool socks. I wish I could direct you toward an ethical version of these, but I honestly don’t know where to look. If anybody knows about responsibly made rubber boots, let me know! For now, hit the second-hand market if you’re looking.
Next year, I think I’d like to add some Bean Boots to my winter wardrobe. I love that they are made in Maine. It’s unusual to find shoes still manufactured in the US. I think the chain-tread soles would make them great for snow, and the shearling lined-version would probably be really cozy. I do find the sizing to be a little confusing. If anyone has a pair of these, I’d love to hear more.
Everlane’s new Brixton Boot seems like it would be a great option for a rain-resistant footwear as well. They’re made with full grain leather – which makes them more breathable than most rubber or polyurethane rainboots – and the crepe rubber sole would be a nice match for rainy days.
MAINTENANCE
To keep the non-waterproof shoes in my closet well-functioning in the damp weather, I employ a handful of methods. I have all of my leather-soled shoes (anything from Nisolo, even my trusty Frye’s) sealed with a toppy sole, which helps keep the water out and add a bit of grip. Most cobblers can do this for around $30. Recently, at the advice of the kind folks at Loeffler Randal, I picked up Shoe Guard by Scotchguard to keep the water off the tops of my leather shoes. I’ve only used it on two pairs, but it seems to help the water bead up nicely.
There’s a little peek at my water-proofing strategies. For the most part, I’ve just learned to be okay with living with rain for so much of the year, and that there are ways to keep dry when I want to be.
xo,
Andrea
Thanks for the shoutout Andrea! And you’re right the everlane city anorak is really wide. I think even the small would have been wider than this b&b one, which I love by the way! The shape of the coat is really flattering and I like the brown hood-drawstrings.
Thanks Elaine! The brown hood drawstrings have little fir trees on them, so appropriate for Oregon! ;)
This jacket looks a lot like my rain jacket, which I love! We actually get as much rain here in Virginia as you do in Portland. When I moved here I had nothing in the form of rain gear, but have really ramped it up over the past 3 years. I own a pair of boot like the LL Bean boots, (unfortunately NOT made in the USA) and love them! They are great for keeping my feet warm when I take the dog out on rainy, chilly mornings. I also own a dressier rain jacket from Madewell which I thrifted, and a pair of tall rain boots I wear when it’s pouring. I want to find a pair of smooth leather booties I can waterproof and wear on days where it is just sprinkling. My booties and oxfords are both suede and even with water proofing I don’t wear them when it’s wet out.
Do you find you wear your tall boots a lot? I find them heavy, but they are so practical on the super rainy days.
And I had no idea it rained that much there!!
I rarely wear my tall boots. I agree, I don’t like the heaviness of them and they hurt my back if I wear them too long. They were my first purchase a couple months after we moved here when I was tired of drying my shoes ever time I took the dog out! Yes, it is rainy here, but different from Portland, I believe. You have more rainy days with less accumulation per week. We have a rainy season where we get many inches a week for about 2-3 months, then it only rains occasionally the rest of the year. We have only had 1 rainy day in the last 6 weeks. We also get 1-2 snowstorms with large accumulations of snow in the winter, (which melt the following day). :-)
Buy your regular size in bean boots. I am from Maine and they are a staple. I usually am either an 8.5 or 9 in most shoes and have a 9 in the boots. They don’t do half sizes though. The 9 fits perfectly with socks. :)
Thanks Tess!! That is helpful. Are yours lined or unlined?
Unlined. The non shearling ones but those have been on my wishlist forever. I just haven’t needed them yet! Plus I think they are super good with returns and stuff so go for it! ☺️
I just bought my first pair of Bean Boots – they’re amazing! As for sizing, I’m usually between a 7-7.5 in shoe sizes with a very narrow foot. I ordered a 7 which is the perfect length, with room for thick socks. They are a tad wide, but most shoes are for me. Again, I’m wearing them with thick socks. They’re totally waterproof, and very comfortable. They’ll be my winter walk-the-dog boots.
LOVE that bridge & burn jacket. I’m needing a warmer winter coat right now, and just not sure what I want. My old (like going on 7 years) American Eagle jacket is in desperate need of being replaced, though it’s so comfortable, it’s hard to give it up!
It’s so hard to find a multi-use jacket, right?! I really like this one so far. I wore it out tonight when it was in the 40’s with just a crew sweatshirt underneath (and a wooly scarf) and it did a great job!
Which color of bean boots did you get? Good luck on your jacket hunt!
Excellent post, Andrea! I think that your sleek, shiny boots definitely amp up the “city factor” in your outfit, and help to balance the woodsy jacket (which sounds like an awesome choice, by the way). I really love all of your wet-weather tips. Isn’t it funny – you really do have to think through these things and create a contingency plan of sorts for difficult weather, before said difficult weather actually arrives. After living in Hawaii for three years I haven’t given much thought to weather beyond our 80-degrees-and-sunny daily existence…if our next assignment takes us to a more temperate/seasonal climate, I’ll be hitting you up for tips!
How much longer do you guys have there? Honestly, 80’s year round sounds so nice sometimes! Just curious, do you ever wear close-toed shoes? :)
Originally we were going to leave now-ish but my husband extended for another year, and I’m so grateful. And speaking of grateful…consistent weather IS so nice! But we do have rainy, cooler weather in the “winter” and it totally throws me off because I do sometimes need to wear pants and close-toed shoes, and I’m way out of practice. I’ll sometimes wear Cons/sneakers or ballet flats, but that’s as serious as it gets around here ;)
The jacket is really nice! I think the length is cosy – I like longer jackets like that! I also love the colour, it’s neutral but not black. I have 4 winter coats 3 of which are black or dark grey (4th one is green and pink so I kind of overcompensated there ;) ). I’ve been considering how many winter jackets is too many to own and came to the conclusion that because winter lasts about 5 months here it’s okay to have more than 2. I’m currently keeping an eye out for either a super oldschool 70s coat with embroidery or a dusty pink one (I love the idea of a dusty pink parka, though everyone has a parka these days!)
I also love this idea for a post – how to keep dry. I might do one about how to keep warm and explore the coat idea a bit more ;) It’s not freezing yet but lately I’ve been feeling like I found the thin line between cosy/warm and stylish.
I do like the Patagonia jacket too – the cut of it, that it’s slightly fitted at the waist. I think that’s a nice change from all the big bulky things a lot of us wear.
Have a lovely day
xo Kat
I would love to see ‘how to keep warm’ post from you! It can certainly be tricky during the cooler months. And who wants to hide indoors ALL the time?
I think thrifted winter jackets can be some of the best ones! They have so much for style, and are often warmer because they’re made back when it was more common to use purer materials (100% wool, etc.). Keep me posted on the 70’s coat – I could totally see you pulling that off!
What is the fit like on those J.Crew boots? I’ve seen some around at secondhand sources, and I’m not sure whether to size up.
They are pretty true to size. I wear 9.5 or 10 in most shoes, and my boots are 10s.
Thanks! I also just happened upon these rubber chelsea boots from a sustainable company. In case anyone else is looking…
http://mattandnat.com/shop/shoes/rubber
Hey Andrea!
I recently learned about these boots. They say they’re fair trade, so that give me some hope they’re made responsibly.
http://www.aliceandwhittles.com/products/minimalist-black-ankle-rain-boot
Now those are slick! Thanks for sharing.
I love my Bean boots. I ended up going down a size. Also, I bought the unlined ones, and with thick socks I find them pretty perfect for Portland temps. I often wear them for moderate hikes in the winter, too, since they have good tread.
Enjoying your blog!
Hi Kate! Thanks for the kind words about my blog. I always love having Portlanders around here. :) I have thought the same thing, that those Bean Boots would probably be great for flat trail hiking around here! Did you get the 6 or 8 inch?
I think I have the 8″, mainly because I was going for the all-black model, which doesn’t seem to be available anymore except with shearling (also beautiful).
Love this jacket. It’s actually the length I’ve been looking for – not too long for me, haha. I’ve been eyeing Bridge and Burn for a while and you may have convinced me to finally take the plunge!
Good luck Savannah! B&B has great stuff! The flannel lining is definitely a plus. I am hoping I’ll be able to wear this coat across multiple seasons.
Just got my first pair of Kamik rain boots & I’m loving them. Canadian made, recyclable, zero waste factory.
What a great company! Thanks for sharing Kim!
Oh did I need this post! I currently live in Nelson, British Columbia, and we’ve been drenched by full-on, late-autumn, chill-your-bones rain mode for weeks and weeks. I have yet to purchase appropriate attire this go-round (recently moved back to BC, after my last home in Fort Collins, CO).
I’m finding it hard to invest in rainwear, somehow (and wondering whether I should just wait for snow and swing that way). A big part of this is trouble finding something that fits the rest of my style…while still being functional (dry + warm).
Girl, I hear alllll of this! It’s hard to find the balance of spending between rain appropriate jackets and ones that work in the snow too. That’s why those 3-in-1 coats with the zipout liners are always appealing. Ultimately it’s not very snowy here, more rainy, so I stuck with a jacket that would work primarily for that weather. If/when it does snow, I will add the layers, or pull out my thicker jackets. Have you checked out the Patagonia 3-in-1 options? They look pretty stylish.
I have been thinking about the Brixton boot for this very purpose for a while now. It’s challenging to find nice rain shoes that don’t make your feet look monster huge. I’ve been waiting for someone to review them first though…. none came up on google. You can find really unique vintage rain shoes on etsy that have the bean boot vibe by typing in “duck boot”. <3
I really like the winter boots you shared on your blog Michelle, they seem so cozy. Are you still liking them?
Agreed on the Brixton boots, I haven’t seen anyone review them yet. If I do, I’ll send it your way!
I LOVE that jacket! I have no need for hard-core rain gear but find myself trying to figure out a way to fit this jacket into my life somehow.
Ha! That’s funny! You’re lucky you don’t need hard-core rain gear. You can stick to all the cut, cozy wool jackets out there! All the boxy and cocoon ones out right now are super cute.
For rubber boots you should try Aigle! I have the Miss Juliettes and I love the shape, plus they’re super comfortable and made in France.
Thanks Sarah, that’s a great tip!
I like the jacket! It looks great, not too outdoorsy, just enough to fit in the style scene of the PNW. It’s kind of a rugged urban vibe. Waxed cotton sounds interesting, thanks for always having new informational tidbits for us.
I love this!! So good to have more options. I’ve decided that I need to replace my trench with something more practical like this (rain jackets without hoods are perhaps pointless, right?) So thanks for the lead! :)
As a New Yorker, I spend an enormous amount of time outdoors with my kids, going to and from the bus/train, and playing for hours in the park and at playgrounds. For my money, the very best heavy raincoat/fall jacket is the LL Bean Trail Model Raincoat; the long one that’s lined in fleece. It doesn’t really look that way on the pic, but I 100% promise that in black, it’s perfectly chic in an edgy sort of way. It’s perfect for chilly rainy days – and chilly dry days too – definitely in fall, but even in the winter with a warm layer underneath. And it isn’t at all stiff, so if I get warm, I can wear it open and shove the sleeves up. I seriously don’t know what I’d do without this thing. It’s a serious treasure. The reason that I’m not including a link is because I don’t see it online right now – I only see the unlined version. But I swear I saw it in the catalogue just a week or so ago, and they’ve had it for many years, so keep a sharp eye out!
Oh, and work boots are great in the rain, mud, etc, and always look tough-girl chic. Chippewa and Red Wing are both made in the USA. :)
That is such a great tip! I have a pair of old Frye Harness boots, which are basically workboots, and they are so functional! Love your idea Koyuki!!!
Late to chime in as I just saw this but…
I have the unlined Bean Boots in the bison leather and I LOVE them. I wear a 9.5 in just about every brand, very rarely a 10, and I got an 8 as the site sizing advised. I would have been swimming in a 9. I can get my shearling insoles in the boot (recommended!) and still wear them with decent Smartwool socks. I suspect that’s all you’d need in the PNW. Truly that setup kept my feet toasty when shopping Michigan Ave recently here in Chicago, when the cold wind was whipping, and I am someone who gets cold pretty easily once temps are below about 70.
I also have the shearling ones that are now about 10 years old. I just got them resoled which is a HUGE benefit of Bean Boots (you mail them in, 4-6 weeks later they mail them back, and it was ~$40 in total). It wasn’t extra to get the shearling ones resoled either, despite them having the Thinsulate lining. These I bring out for the snow in Chicago and again use the shearling insoles to keep the cold from creeping up through the soles. I bought these in a 9, as the sizing advised at the time. I originally bought a 10 at my grandmother’s insistance but they were absolutely enormous – even with thick wool socks they were huge.
Thank you Jen, this is totally helpful! Good to know about the sizing especially!
Hi Andrea,
I live in Eugene, I and used to have the shearling-lined Bean Boots. I wore them for about a season and then sold them. I found them to be too clunky and overly warm for our non-snowy weather here in the PNW. They were much heavier than I expected them to be, and I do a fair amount of walking so I was tired of feeling like I was plodding around. The only time I felt comfortable wearing them was when I went to Bend for New Years. In retrospect, I could have kept them for snow trips, but they have good resale value and I really wanted a pair of winter rain boots. I got them in my regular size 9 for reference.
Thanks Brianna, that is totally helpful. I was wondering if the shearling-lined Bean Boots might be a bit much for our climate. I know what you mean, I’d love a great pair of snow boots, but when we only wear them like once per year, it’s hard to justify the $$ and closet space!
I’ve been going back and forth about the City Anorak– I think I like that it doesn’t nip at the waist and is more A-line but I can’t decide between small and medium (I believe both are in stock now. The length and olive color are calling my name! Anyway, I think I’m like a 6/8. If 7 were a thing, I’d be a 7. 5’5″, about 135 ish lbs— I was thinking I’d order the medium– what do you think based on your experience? I won’t hold it against you. ;) PS I’m binge-reading your blog! You are by far my new fave blogger. So accessible and normal but still lots of style inspiration and food for thought. Love it!
Hi Abbi! I’d try the small first. I tried the medium and it was huge! And I normally take medium in everything else Everlane.
And I’m so happy you’re here!! 😘😘