Umbrellas could be thought of as the ultimate accessory. Because they come in all colors and designs, they can easily accent an outfit and keep you dry or shield you from the sun. Pictured here is an embellished umbrella from the Little India area of Artesia. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)
“Glee’s” Matthew Morrison and guest star Gwyneth Paltrow perform “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Umbrella” on an episode of “Glee.”(Adam Rose / FOX)
Stylish rain wear. Models Heather and Bryan stay dry under an umbrella by Burberry. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Sofia Vergara gets by with a little umbrella help during coverage of the 2010 Golden Globe Awards show at the Beverly Hilton. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
More stylish rain gear with a blue and pink polka dot umbrella by Chooka, pink flower umbrella by Unique Vintage and gray, white and pink rose print umbrella by Unique Vintage. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Stylish rain gear for men with model Bryan in JC rags jeans and T-shirt, H&M sweater and an umbrella by Burberry. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Tatum Lane, age 5, left, and her cousin Ella Lane, 5, share an umbrella while visiting Ports O’ Call in San Pedro in January 2010. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
More stylish rain gear with an umbrella by Unique Vintage. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Pedestrians break out umbrellas on the wet Santa Monica Pier in October as light rain covers parts of Los Angeles. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Melanie Brown, known as Mel B, stays dry and stylish under a black umbrella at the AAMI Victoria Derby Day in Melbourne, Australia. (Scott Barbour / Getty Images)
Umbrellas aren’t just for the rain. They come in handy for those days when the sun’s rays are shining strong. On Memorial Day in Santa Monica last year, hundreds of thousands of people celebrated the weekday off with barbecues, picnics and beach parties. (Damon Winter / Los Angeles Times)
