APRIL 11, 2011

It is no secret that the weather in State College is temperamental. My freshman year someone told me that the meteorology program at Penn State is one of the best because the weather changes about seven times in any given class period. All that fluctuation can cause quite a strain on your wardrobe.

A few good rules of thumb are to always dress in layers. But (especially in April) your most important layer is your outer layer. One of the best investments to make during Spring in Happy Valley is a raincoat. A raincoat should be light enough that it doesn't cause you to overheat on a murky day, big enough that you could wear a sweater underneath on a cold day and water resistant — because what is the point of a rain coat if you can't even wear it in the rain.

1. Practical and Charming (Topshop)

Rubber raincoats like this are made to channel your inner child, but an added bonus is that it is sure to keep you dry. Look for coats with a hood incase you ever get caught without an umbrella.

2. Bold and Bright (Topshop)

This is the perfect light-weight jacket for a spring shower. A deep red jacket is the perfect accessory in the rain, and the material is light enough to shove in your bag when the storm passes.

3. Feminine and Floral (Modcloth)

Jackets are a great way to experiment with style. If you're too nervous to branch out from neutral options try adding a floral scarf or accessory to brighten your style on a rainy day. A jacket like this is a great statement piece to wear in gloomy weather.