.: Overhead Protection

Poorly constructed umbrellas are as likely to keep you dry as they are to stay right-side out or not maim an innocent bystander with a sharp metal spoke. With new hi-tech umbrella designs that combine form and functionality, the days of B-list umbrellas are over.

For ladies living in the Windy City, this ShedRain Wind Pro umbrella is a must. Unlike others that easily flip inside-out with slightest gust of wind, the heavy-duty construction of this umbrella won't buckle under stress, even in winds up to 33 mph. In addition to its strength, this compact umbrella pops open to a jumbo 54” arc.

Romantic walks in the spring rain are a lot more pleasurable when you and your honey aren't fighting for umbrella space. Share the love with an umbrella built for two and indulge in some serious eye gazing without risking pneumonia.

If sacrificing precious bag space or toting a bulky umbrella is not an option, check out a mini. The Samsonite Ultra Mini Flat lightweight pocket umbrella claims to be the world's smallest, lightest umbrella, yet still it opens to full size weighing a mere 6.2 ounces. Indulge your artistic side with this Galleria Degas Ballerinas Auto Super-Mini Umbrella which tips the scales at 1.2 pounds.

Can't bring yourself to lug an umbrella no matter how small it is? Keep your head covered with an Esja Souwester hat or try one of the brightly colored Reversible Rain Hats from ShopIntuition.

Galleria Degas Ballerinas Auto Stick Umbrella, $27 @ eBags.com Save $35 on any purchase of $150 at eBags.com.	Umbrella for Two, $44 @ umbrellastand.com
Esja Souwester Hat, $39 @ 66° North	Reversible Rain Hats, $32 @ ShopIntuition.com

.: Sleek Slickers

When the sun is nowhere to be seen it can be tempting to throw on an outfit as dreary as the day. Resist the urge to indulge in a day of moping and take the world by storm in this stunning Andrew Marc Illusion Trench Raincoat. With a detachable hood and figure-accentuating, self-tie belt, you'll want to wear this coat even when there's not a cloud in the sky. Just as classic, but easily wearable with the rest of your wardrobe is this classic Larry Levine All Weather Poplin Coat with a preppy collar and stylish button belt.

When traveling it seems no matter how big your bag is, there's just never enough room for everything you need. All too often, practical items like raincoats and appropriate footwear are sacrificed in the name of one more pairs of strappy sandals. Instead of choosing between fun and function, bring this bright citrus Unisex Nylon Taffeta A-Way Jacket that folds up into a funky zip pouch to be worn around your waist fanny-pack style.

For complete coverage, try Esja's Women's Rain Coat by 66°North, a brand that was originally known for developing protective clothing for commercial fisherman. The styles have evolved in the eighty years since the brand's inception, but the original quality remains. Those in need of coverage but in a sleeker style suited for city life, consider this Jane Post for Saks Fifth Avenue Quilted Raincoat.

Larry Levine All Weather Poplin Coat, $98 @ Nordstrom.com Check out their Great Women's Brands on Sale.	Unisex Nylon Taffeta A-Way Jacket, $54 @ American Apparel
Esja Women's Rain Coat, $120 @ 66° North	Jane Post for Saks Fifth Avenue Quilted Raincoat, $395 @ Saks.com Get 30 - 40% Off at the Saks First Cut Sale.

.: Pound the Puddles

We've hemmed out pants so that they fall to just the right place when we wear our kitten-heel mules. No way are we wasting that tailoring dragging our pants through muddy puddles. It may still be acceptable when wearing Uggs, but don't even think about tucking your work pants into your rain boots. The Sperry Top-Sider Pelican Wedge Sadie will give you the lift you need to preserve your precious hems and the non-slip rubber sole will keep you right side up. Want to go a little more luxe? Choose these Tretorn Plask Boots instead.

Looking for something a little funkier? Target's got a great selection of rain boots for around $20, like these multicolor floral boots or these purple ditsy dots rainboots. For a power look, try these military style Trentorn Gullwing Ballena Boots with laces and a solid rubber sole for superior traction.

Keep your look classic with these Gucci rubber knee-high rain wellies and add some sophistication to your splashing.

That awkward time between full on storm mode and breaking out your strappy stilettos can be a dangerous one. The streets are still wet and slippery, but you're dying to get into some 'normal' shoes. Put your best (dry) foot forward with Tretorn's Karin rubber shoe boot. You may not see it on the cover of Vogue, but as far as rubber shoes go, this one is pretty sleek. The rubber wedge keeps you firmly planted on the ground while the sweet bow and feminine shape add some style to your step.

Tretorn Plask W Boot, $130 @ Zappos.com Check out Zappos' clearance section..	Ditsy Dots Rainboots, $20 @ Target.com Get 10% Off your purchase through SheFindsCoupons.com.
Tretorn Gullwing Ballena boots, $117 @ Zappos.com	Tretorn Karin Rubber Shoe Boot, $79 @ Zappos.com