Galoshes Galore

Perhaps the single most frustrating endeavor, at least for the Grand Mademoiselle, is the seemingly endless search for a fashionable pair of rain boots. Nothing screams style crisis more than knee-high, rubber slushies, and nearly every venerable shoe designer stays as far away from this Bermuda Triangle of footwear as possible. With good reason, methinks. How does one navigate this daunting junction of form meets function? Furthermore, should one simply acknowledge that the rain boot is meant to keep dry and stick with a simple sheath or brave an attempt at fashion forward with bold patterns?

The answer, my dear Grand M's, is twofold, and there are ways to satisfy both style inclinations, all while keeping your sweet tootsies high and dry. In this situation, a good tactic is to approach the selection of rain boots as one would approach any other needs-based apparel predicament, i.e., pick the item best suited to combat the meteorological prediction. For example, it would be silly to tote a frothy, satin parasol in a downpour, and downright unreasonable to expect frostbite protection from fingerless cotton gloves. Any boot you choose should be constructed of thick rubber, and be high enough to prevent water from swallowing your heels and ruining your cashmere socks. With this in mind, and in the spirit of paying homage to a garment based on its intended function, there is something remarkably romantic about donning a pair of classic Hunter Wellingtons. The gripped sole and iconic brand name convey substance and conviction, reassuring the lucky wearer that she will indeed successfully combat the elements, no matter how treacherous. For the Grand Mademoiselle, there is an undeniable glee that accompanies the realization of donning a shoe meant for a specific purpose, and Hunter does not disappoint. These boots were made to keep the rain out, which is certainly what they do, and for this reason alone they acquire a brute beauty as they silently carry out their noble mission. If mere function isn't enough to convince you to pull on a pair of rain boots, consider sticking with the simple silhouette and merely upgrading it a style notch to reflect your gentrified sensibilities. Nestled solidly within this middle group rests Burberry's uptown twist on a strictly bucolic Wellington staple. The reduced calf height, chic signature check-print lining, and glossy black patent finish are a wonderful way to introduce a low-key but fashionable twist to a well crafted standby. The heavy rubber toe and grooved sole are enough to remind you of the purpose, while Burberry's refined outlook lends a pointedly stylish air to an otherwise purely functional bit of rain gear. Still, this middle-of-the-road fashion compromise may not satisfy those in search of a truly unique pair of galoshes. What about style vision? Why are they all so bland? Can't we find a way to inject excitement? The answer, my fellow footwear lovers, is a resounding yes, albeit a yes with some cautionary caveats. Caveat #1: Beware bold colors. This does not reduce one's options to a dull palette of muted blues and tired mauves. However, this does urge one to forgo bright, rainbow shades like magenta, neon yellow, and lime green. Nothing says elementary school hussy quite like a pair of screaming purple slushies. Caveat #2: Beware cartoon characters, daisies, and smiley faces. Lean away from boots ablaze with Minnie Mouse winks and pink, polka-dotted pentagons, and lean toward a single, elegant pattern with a limited color spectrum in grownup colors like wine, moss, and cobalt. An overall textile or comprehensive art rendering can be lovely, and a rain boot affords an excellent canvas upon which to display such handsome prints. Pick a quiet paisley or a demure set of chevron stripes with a constrasting band and sole in any tame, solid shade. This gorgeous Wellington from the Barefoot Tess Private Label Collection is the perfect example of a set of stylish slushies in a big girl print. The lovely cream toile pattern is trendy without being ridiculous, offset by a heavenly, rich peat green pleat, proving beyond a reasonable doubt that form and function really do enjoy a happy marriage. Brave the slick streets in any of these styles and say goodbye to dowdy rain boots forever!