Rainy day summer faves

Weather these days is a bit of a wild card. Summer here in New Jersey is usually pretty moderate, but this year has been anything but. We’ve already had stretches approaching 100 degrees followed by day after day of rain — the kind of rain that makes everything feel heavy, slow, and a little bit blah. Rain admittedly is not my favorite. It makes me drag, with my motivation becoming nonexistent. So I’ve been trying to be resourceful and find little things that help me power through the dreariest and soggiest of summer days.

Here are a few of my rainy‑day summer faves that are keeping me sane, dry, and moving.

Umbrella

My must‑have is obviously a good umbrella. Between getting in and out of the car, shuttling the kids to their appointments and camp pickups, and commuting into NYC for office days, I need something that actually works — not another flimsy drugstore umbrella that flips inside out the second the wind picks up. I don’t even want to think about how much money I’ve wasted over the years on umbrellas that ended up in the trash.

This summer, I finally upgraded. I recently had the opportunity to try the Breliio Origin, and it has been a total gamechanger. Breliio is one of the newest names in the U.S. umbrella space, and they’re rethinking what an everyday umbrella can be. Most umbrellas haven’t changed in decades — same look, same weak frame, same fate. Breliio is intentionally designing umbrellas people are proud to carry, not just something you grab in a panic.

What I’ve noticed most:

• It looks like an accessory, not a “rain gadget.” Clean, modern, minimal.
• The water‑repellent canopy actually works — rain rolls off quickly, and it’s made without PFAS.
• The construction feels strong. It’s engineered to absorb and spread out wind forces, so instead of snapping, it flexes.
• The automatic open/close is clutch when I’m juggling bags or trying to get the kids out of the car without soaking them.
• The reflective detailing is subtle but smart — especially helpful on those dark, rainy commutes.

I’ve used it in heavy rain, wind, and the classic NJ “sideways drizzle,” and it’s held up beautifully. It’s practical for everyday life, but also feels elevated — like something I actually want to carry. If you’re tired of umbrellas that break after two uses, this is one worth having in your rainy‑day arsenal.

Everyday / recovery shoes

Rainy days are tricky for footwear — you want something comfortable, something that won’t get ruined, and something that can handle the weird mix of humidity + puddles. My Oofos have been the MVP here.

They’re technically recovery shoes, and I absolutely rely on them after long runs, but they’ve also become my go‑to for everyday errands when the weather is unpredictable. A few things I’ve loved:

They dry quickly, which is huge when you’re hopping in and out of the car or running into stores during passing showers.

• They’re supportive, especially on days when my feet are tired from training or from chasing kids around.
• They’re lightweight and easy to slip on — perfect for those “I just need to get out the door” moments.
• They don’t get that soggy, heavy feeling that some sandals do when they’re wet.

I’ve been wearing them nonstop this summer, and they’ve saved me from ruining more than one pair of “real” shoes.

Running shoe

When it comes to actual running — especially on trails or routes that stay damp for days — the Brooks Cascadias are my go-to. The Gore‑Tex version is water‑repellent, which means I can still get my miles in even if the trail is muddy or soggy from earlier storms.

A few reasons they’ve been clutch:

• The Gore‑Tex keeps my feet dry without overheating, which is a hard balance to strike in summer.
• The traction is solid, so I feel stable even when the ground is soft or slippery.
• They transition well between trail and road, which is ideal for New Jersey routes that mix both.
• They’re durable — mine have held up through rain, mud, and long mileage.

If you haven’t checked them out, Brooks ReStart which features lightly used pairs at a discount. Or, of course, my favorite, Poshmark (get $10 off here if you’re new!). I found mine brand new on Poshmark for a great deal.

Bright hair clip

This one isn’t a must‑have, but it’s a mood‑booster — and honestly, rainy days need all the mood‑boosters they can get. I love having a fun, bright hair clip to add a little contrast to the gloom. It keeps my hair out of my face when the humidity hits and adds a tiny bit of joy to an otherwise dreary day.

My current favorite is a New York coffee cup clip I tracked down on Amazon after seeing Levi wear it on Season 10 of Summer House. It’s quirky, colorful, and makes me smile. Plus, on rainy days when my hair starts to frizz and obscure my view, a clip is the quickest fix.

A Few Other Rainy‑Day Helpers

To round things out, here are a few smaller things I’ve been reaching for:

• A lightweight rain jacket that folds easily into my bag (like this OFFLINE by Aerie quarter zip)
• A compact tote for commuting days when I need to carry extra layers or swap shoes. (OFFLINE by Aerie Neoprene Tote, PiccoliNY Bacon Egg and Cheese tote, Kate Spade NYC Tote)
• A bright lip or cheek tint — something small that makes me feel pulled together even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. (Julep Skip the Brush Cream to Powder Blush Stick, Pixi On the Glow Blush, NYX Shine Loud Lipstick)
• A good playlist for rainy drives or slow mornings (I’ve been leaning into mellow indie and acoustic lately. Love this Accoustic Covers playlist. TSwift’s Folklore and Evermore are also fab for this.)