Spring has been quite the odd season here in Atlanta. One day, it’ll be sweltering hot, with dense humidity, and the next, we’ll hit a cold spell where everyone’s pulling out their winter coats. It’s a city where you should keep a little bit of seasonal clothes in your closet all year round.
One piece that I’ve found to be useful across seasons is a lightweight, unlined rain jacket. With spring showers on a biweekly basis, the light jacket will keep you dry, without sweating you out. It’ll also comes in handy for winter rain. It’s a great top piece to layer with and you won’t feel overly bulky. Here are my favorite light jackets worn both in the winter and spring, giving you an idea on how to style for the seasons:
1. Navy Short Parka – H&M

Left (Winter): Wool V-Neck Sweater – Paul Frank, Khaki Cargo Pants – Land’s End Canvas, Rain Boots – Tretorn
Right (Spring): Plaid Button Down – Gap Kids, Cotton Twill Drop Crotch Pants – Nortwick, Chuck Taylor Slip Ons – Converse
This was the first jacket I purchased this past winter in Atlanta. Not great for warmth, but it’s very functional as a layering piece. For winter, it was great to add on to my already warmier layers, ie wool, which also needed to be kept dry. Also, the pockets of the jacket go with the military look of the cargo pants, which also adds warmth due to their heavier weight.
For spring, the unlined jacket goes well with lighter layers, the neutral colors of my outfit all blend very well, allowing for the plaid to stand out, without sticking out.
Rubber soled shoes are also perfect for rainy weather, especially if you’re not planning on being outside for long. Water will run off the shoes, with out you slipping. Though, I wouldn’t recommend canvas if you’re planning on walking a lot in the rain. Instead, invest in good rain boots, rubber toes, or rubber shoe covers.
2. Sunny Yellow Rain Jacket - Levi’s Capital E

Left (Winter): Beanie – Hat Shop in Berkeley, CA, Work Shirt – J.Crew, 510 Super Skinny Pants – Levi’s, Rain Boots – Tretorn
Right (Spring): Denim Shirt – Levi’s, 510 Super Skinny Pants – Levi’s, Canvas Era Sneakers – Vans
I’m a huge fan of Levis and how they are a staple in classic Americana wear. Heck, Levi Strauss gets the credit for birthing the blue jeans in 1873.
Above, I’m wearing the same jacket and pants, which have both been versatile in GA weather (more on pants coming soon). A yellow rain jacket will surely brighten your day, even in the gloomiest of rain weather. You really can’t help but smile when you’re reminded of sunshine.
Bonus: Camouflage Parka – Topman

Left: T-shirt – Marc by Marc Jacobs, Cotton Twill Drop Crotch Pants – Nortwick, Leather Boots – Bed Stu
Right – White V-Neck – Hanes, Skinny Jeans – Corpus, Leather Boots – Steve Madden
This counts as a bonus because I didn’t purchase the jacket until spring, but it has come in mighty handy in the rainy days of March/April/May. It’s unlined, as well and the camouflage color not only gives a nice change in the typical sea of navy, grey, and black rain coats, but it goes well with b*tchin boots. The length of the jacket also keeps my butt dry, in case any water kicks up from the ground.
A post on more formal rainwear coming in the later months.
Dress Easy,
Ken