STYLE : FASHION : City Slickers

After five years of drought, Southern California retailers aren’t exactly stocked for stormy weather, so finding coats, boots and hats for occasional downpours can be a challenge. Department stores offer some items, but better bets are marine and outdoor stores that carry waterproof and water-resistant gear year-round.

For a material to be waterproof, it must have a certain fiber content, weave and coating. Says Barbara Strauss at West Marine Products: “Fabric technology these days is making that possible, and outdoor-clothing designers are making good-looking gear that really works.” Patagonia’s ocean smock and Henry Lloyd’s jumpsuit are two good examples. Made of lightweight yet heavy-duty fibers, both have snaps, zippers and a foldaway hood and are stylish enough to stand out under a cloud.

Army surplus stores are another reliable source of functional rain gear. Originally made for military use, rubberized ponchos, two-piece rain suits, overalls and coveralls work just as well for civilian maneuvers. Meanwhile, fashion designers are taking advantage of new fabric developments. Watch for metallic finishes and classic outerwear shapes.

Photographed at Beamers, Los Angeles; hair and makeup: Jetty Stutzman/ Cloutier; models: Akana/ IT Models, Ben Gruenberg/ OMAR’S MEN, Renee Hodak/ Wilhelmina