It’s March, and finally, the weather is starting to improve. Although it may not seem like it on the East Coast where flowers are blooming and temperatures are rising, we know that there can still be cold rain and snow. This kind of weather brings wet pants, cuffs, toes, and hair (#firstworldproblems).

With these tips, you can look professional even when the weather is causing you to feel (and look) like a wet rat.

1. Tailor Your Pants

Not only will investing in a good tailor save you money in the long run by prolonging the life of your clothes, but they can also help you maintain a professional appearance. Furthermore, during bad weather, getting your pants hemmed to an appropriate length will keep them from dragging on the ground and ruining them.

2. Wear Rain Boots

No longer just for kids, rain boots come in many different fashionable designs (tall, short, heeled). Kat Griffin, the founder of the work attire blog Corporette, reminds readers that although it is perfectly acceptable to commute in Wellies, they are not appropriate for wear inside the office. Carrying around your extra nice shoes all day can be tiring. An easy way to fix that is to bring them in your bag or keep a second nicer pair at work under your desk.

3. Get the Right Trench

If you want to look like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Purchase a nylon trench instead of a cotton one. Not only will you stay dry, but also appear chic and stylish.

For a more sophisticated look, try a classic raincoat. Gone are the days of the bright yellow slickers we wore as kids; nowadays, raincoats can look very professional. Just be sure your coat has a hood and is made of water-resistant fabric.

Griffin suggests picking a coat size that is large enough to comfortably fit over your blazer. Never be the person who skips wearing a coat because it doesn’t fit over their blazer, especially during a job interview. If it’s cold and you walk in without a coat, you will appear to lack good judgment.

4. Go for Simple Hair

Let’s be honest: On a wet day, getting your hair to look good is going to be next to impossible. That’s the perfect time to wear a chignon. Make sure you have a good hood or umbrella for your walk to work, or get all retro movie-star style and wear a head scarf.

5. Rock the Right Tights

Apparently, nude/sheer pantyhose are the pair most loved by customers based on a poll done by Corporette. 23 percent of those surveyed said black tights were also an acceptable choice for work environments.

6. Invest in a Good Umbrella

A $10 umbrella is suitable for emergencies, but it’s worth investing in a more durable option that can withstand strong winds. Moreover, a well-made umbrella can also act as a stylish rain accessory.

In what ways do you adjust your wardrobe for inclement weather? Let us know in the comments below!

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