April Showers...Brings Out Anoraks!

This April, most of the forecast here in Des Moines has been cloudy and rainy.  Every once in a while the sun comes out to play, but then the next day it is usually followed by rain.  Since April is regularly a rainy month, one spring staple I think every woman (and man) needs to own is a lightweight anorak.  An anorak is a waterproof jacket, typically with a hood.  Not only are anoraks functional to keep rain off of you, but they can come in cute styles as well.  They are a good option when you have already put away your heavier coats and the weather is still a little chilly, windy, or of course raining outside.  I recently bought this yellow anorak at Target for only $40.  This jacket comes in variety of colors, click on the link above to find more colors.  I was drawn to this jacket because 1) I loved the bright color, 2)the cinched waist helps to create and define your waist (which looks great on many body types), and 3) it covers your butt (great for those women who like something long enough to cover their behind or are self-conscious about their backside).  Below I’ve created three outfits utilizing this newly bought anorak jacket. 

Outfit #1 – Floral Print + Anorak

This first outfit I actually wore for this past Easter.  This year’s Easter weather was a little chilly and cloudy outside.  Even though it wasn’t sunny, I wanted to wear a bright spring color.  I paired a floral button-up with black skinny jeans and topped the outfit with my yellow anorak.  Since it wasn’t sunny enough for sandals, I opted for a pair of leopard flats to add another print into the ensemble.

Shirt: Target //Jeans: JCPenny //Jacket: Target (this spring)//Shoes: DSW // Bracelet: BCBG Max Azria

Outfit #2 – Nautical Stripes + Anorak

I wore this second outfit a couple weekends ago running errands when the weather was sunny, but scattered showers.  For this outfit, I was inspired by the destination of walking on a beach in the Northeast or sailing on a boat.  I paired a red and white Breton stripe knit tee and white skinny jeans.  I continued the nautical theme with red Keds sneakers and topped the outfit off with the yellow anorak.

Shirt: Target (this spring)// Jeans: Kohl's (Lauren Conrad Collection)// Jacket: Target (this spring)// Shoes: Target 

Outfit #3 – Scout’s Honor

For this last outfit, I was inspired by taking a hike through the woods with a Boy Scout troop.  For my Scout’s uniform interpretation, I paired a white safari inspired shirt with sage green chino ankle pants.  I accessorized with an olive paisley print bandana tied around my neck in reference to the neckerchiefs the Scouts wear.  I amped up the footwear by slipping on a pair of faux suede ankle booties and added a camel colored saddle bag to potentially hold a compass and a fire starter kitJ.  I finished the ensemble off with the yellow anorak and a top knot for functionality while hiking through the woods.

Shirt: TJMaxx (old)//Pants: Old Navy (this spring - see here)//Jacket: Target (spring)//Boots: Charlotte Russe//Bandana: old 

Which outfit is your favorite and why?  How would you wear an anorak?