We often talk about a go-to or staple outfit, or ‘momiform’ around here. It just makes all the things easier, right mamas? Well, if I had to have just one outfit to wear for the better part of the year in the Pacific Northwest, it comes down to four hardworking (yet cute!) pieces — a stylish raincoat, cool jeans, the right shoes & a good bag.
After years of perusing/trying/failing/trying (again) SO many rain jackets and SO many jeans, I now know exactly what I want to wear on those inevitable rainy and cold days. Give me a pretty-yet-functional raincoat and some rad jeans that fit right, are warm and keep me dry (emphasis on the rad part, though). Let’s all do a little happy dance that these two things exist! Nordstrom came through with this raincoat and these jeans, and now I’m one happy mama. Hooray!
Go-To Rainy Day Momiform: An Outfit For City Mamas
As you’ll see in some of the photos below, this day was blustery and rainy — and by ‘blustery and rainy’ I mean, umm, rainy sideways with crazy winds. This stuff was immediately tried and tested — and they performed so well! I felt cute, stylish, warm, dry AND like I had just nailed my favorite type of look.
jacket (s) / sweatshirt (s) / jeans (2) / boots (on sale!) / bag
A Stylish Trench Rain Coat
My North Face jacket has some magical rain-blasting fabric and the drops just fall right off. It also has adorable trench coat details that make it feel more special and chic than your typical rain jacket. The color is seriously stunning, and the whole thing is warm, but also lightweight. It’s a real winner. (Just a note that our winters hover in the 40s most of the time, so this raincoat is perfect for those kinds of temps!)

jacket (size small)
Cool Combat Boots
After nearly 10 years in this rainy climate, I’ve all but given up on wearing rain boots, y’all. They’re great for gardening, dog-walking, clamming or the occasional walk on the beach at the coast, but they’re definitely no fashion statement. I’d have to sport rain boots 75% of the time and that’s just boring. Plus, they always cut off my already not-so-long legs making them look like short stumps. Not what I’m ever going for.
Enter my current favorite replacement..combat boots. I’ve had an obsession with combat boots since early fall, and I’m currently loving this pair from Sam Edelman with the cute red laces (they come with a black pair, too!) and their combat-meets-hiking-boot vibe. The pop of color is fun, and these hold up just as well as the rest of the outfit.

A Good Water-Resistant Bag
And let’s talk about this bag. It’s sustainably made (thanks, Adidas!), stylish, convenient, sporty and water-resistant. It holds plenty of items and doesn’t sag (a common backpack purse problem) I also love the top tote-style handles for easy grabbing. Bonus? It’s $60 for all this fabulousness. Score. Pair all of these great pieces with a cozy graphic sweatshirt for added outfit fun, and you’re set for all-day cuteness and comfort.


jacket (s) / sweatshirt (s) / jeans (2) / boots (on sale!) / bag
Shop Cute Rain Jackets & Trench Coats at Nordstrom
I can’t tell you how finding a rainy winter uniform now is helping me get through this time of year. It is so dark here still, and rainy with some snow and sleet — it actually hailed the other day! I love the rain, but I’m gonna need some sun about right now.
xo,
L
Thank you so much to Nordstrom and ShopStyle for sponsoring this post. We love that you continually offer the best selection of rain gear to look chic but stay dry on (all) those rainy city days. And thank you so much readers for your continued support of our blog. It is appreciated and noticed!
Check out the latest in my world over at @laurajansenstyle, and join us in our everyday adventuring around Portland, Oregon. If you want to shop my current pieces I’m loving and wearing, head over to My Closet!
Fab photos by Posy Quarterman Photography
Ah, I love posts like these. As a resident Portlander myself, I’ve been looking for a pair of waterproof suede or leather lace up style boots. Something less Doc Marten combat and slightly more streamlined (without being full-on Victorian). Something softer to get me through spring. Any ideas?
Ah yes hmm. If you don’t mind some heel I’m liking these and they’re waterproof. They come in black and brown https://shopstyle.it/l/bcS3x
OR this one from Blondo https://shopstyle.it/l/bcSYV I’ll keep an eye out! We all love Sorel wedges, too.
Yep, same here. Fellow PNW- up in Seattle area. Thanks for your suggestions on the raincoats. I need to get a new one, probably for next year though.
I’m not super into the combat boots look but as you said clunky rain boots are often not practical for everyday.
here’s hoping for a sunnier and earlier spring!
Ah YES please! This January has been tough! The rain I can handle, but paired with these super short dark days…it’s a lot. Good luck out there!
Yikes. $169 for a sweatshirt….
Cobb Hill Bethany boots (Cobb Hill is a Rockport brand, very comfy) I’m on my second pair, still wearing them basically every day – my feet are my primary mode of transportation. Combat style, with a back zip. Less heavy looking than Docs. Even my size 10 look ok with a dress.
Ah awesome thanks for the recommendation!
Love that coat! I’ve lived in Illinois for 15 years, but still buy clothes like the native PNW girl I am…so I had to buy the coat!
YES… you can take the girl out of the PNW…love it! I hope you love this coat. I’ve been wearing it a ton!
Just hit ‘place order’ on the Adidas backpack! Love my RM Julian, but not always practical.
Ah same! This has really been a great find. I hope you love it, too!
Laura – looking for a jacket for a March trip to London. Could this one go rain or shine or is it definitely just for wet days. Torn between this and a jcrew icon trench.