The weather can play havoc with your wardrobe choices but it's easier than you think to choose great rainy day outfits. With a few key pieces, and some well-chosen accessories you can face the weather with style and flair.

Staying dry is your biggest challenge on wet, windy days and it can be tricky getting your look just right. The weather shouldn't dictate your fashion choices and while we don't suggest oilskins and waders it's certainly worth investing in a good waterproof or wind-resistant coat and rain appropriate footwear to create rainy day outfits which work.

With the right coat and boots, you can even wear on-trend shorts when it rains. Team your favourite denim, cord or wool mix shorts with ribbed, wooly tights or thermal opaques and add over-the-knee boots. Complete the look with an oversized parka or a cool duffel. Instead of shorts choose a mini kilt or an A-line skirt. Hooded coats are a bonus on wet, windy days when your umbrella refuses to cooperate.

Wear jeans during the day or cocktail dresses for dates or parties. If hooded coats don't appeal to you, grab a signature-style hat and wear it with a trench coat, pea coat or mac. Trapper-style hats, waterproof trilbys and oversized berets made of shower-resistant fabrics are ideal and you can pin them on with a couple of grips to keep them in place.

Choose a fashionable coat and your rainy day outfits will easily fall into place. Trench coats are timeless and elegant and they look fabulous over suits for the office or over skinny jeans and a jumper. Explore designer styles in classic colours like beige, navy or black or add a splash of colour with primary hues and neon brights.

A pea coat or mac is a good alternative; choose three-quarter length or on-the-knee styles to keep wind and rain out and wear jersey dresses or cigarette pants for a sultry, 70s inspired look.

You don't think trousers work in the rain? With the right boots, you can wear anything. Choose ankle-length jeans or skinnies to ensure they don't trail on the ground or pick a stylish pair of cigarette pants and add some fringe boots. If you like flares, team them with high-heeled ankle boots. Try knee-length boots with skirts; they keep your legs dry and look great with trench coats and macs.

Every woman needs wellies and a vast range of colours and styles has made this one-time utility boot a fashion must-have. An umbrella is an essential piece of kit; pick a transparent or patterned, classic black or girly pink one to highlight your individual style. Once you've chosen your key pieces, add a hat, scarf and gloves and a chic tote or across body bag to carry the accessories that make your rainy day outfits work.