Too many tacky ... tacky ... tacky preschool rain boots are clunking their way through campus, causing the fashionable few to close their eyes in disgust and possibly fall into a puddle. Rain chic does not include bubbles, pink swirls and floral print from the '70s.

It's very ironic how the boring North Face Fleece girls walk out with their Rainbow Brite boots and duck umbrellas. Why are they so boring during the non-rainy days and then all of sudden want to stick out like sore thumbs with their iridescent, ugly attire?

Rain chic is simple. Always go for black, navy or brown umbrellas. Stop trying to be cute by wearing those dorky rain boots and head to Target or Urban Outfitters for plain black rainboots that are under $30. You don't have to wear rain boots; regular leather boots are waterproof enough.

I understand Seattle is anti-umbrella. They're just not part of our culture, and that's fine; we love to be one with the rain. But using an umbrella gives you the ability to dress fashionably because a majority of trench, bomber and wool peacoats are not waterproof. Using an umbrella is a great way to stay dry while looking French-chic at the same time, as long as it's black and you are not wearing a frumpy sweatshirt.

Fortunately, there is one affordable waterproof fashionable jacket. Senior Lillian van Someren Greve gets a shout-out for her amazingly fabulous North Face rain-resistant navy trench coat, costing only $199. For the love. This jacket is beyond fabulous for rain. Features that I like are the belt that can adjust to your waist, its sleek metro fit and removable hood.

Several people have asked me how to stay warm and look stylish at the same time. The solution for girls: the parka. This season the parka is clearly the one trend that supports our Seattle climate. My suggestion of brands that are affordable and tasteful include Free Country's $170 nylon-polyester down parka, Nautica's really cool down parka with belt buttons for $179, and, if you can afford it, Lacoste's blue waterproof parka for $255. Parkas are hot items and will still be in style next fall and winter. I've worn my Bik-Bok parka from Norway for the past four years and it's held on strong.

For guys, staying warm and waterproof is easy. Purchase a nice versatile jacket with a hood in black, gray or navy in a larger size, then layer it underneath ... you don't have to worry about losing your figure.

Another rain concern is how to protect all your notebooks and class essentials without wearing one of those ugly on-the-shoulder bags. There are several possibilities. A side-bag style that is in right now is the saddle strap bag. You can buy a cheap fake leather saddle bag at Target or even Wal-Mart; I wouldn't spend too much because they will be out by the end of this season.

Brands of side-bags that are a good investment include: the Timbuktu bags at the bookstore (although expensive), the solid-color LeSportsac bags ($40 at the outlet store in Marysville) and, my personal favorite, Longchamp bags in any color of the Le Pliage style available at Nordstrom (the biggest European-bag trend ever).

Girl outfit of the week: Black knee-high boots, black skinny pants, black trench coat, brown bag, brown sweater, brown pashmina scarf, pearl earrings. (Simple, classy and chic)

[Reach columnist Shanelle Smith at features@thedaily.washington.edu.]