Due to widespread climate changes, it seems that Massachusetts has been introduced to an unpleasant taste of the hurricane season. But as I've been known to mention, it's in our nature to adapt, and adapting to the rainy weather couldn't be easier with a few key fashion pointers. Boots, rain jackets and umbrellas are burdens, unless they are fashionable and exciting to show off. Umbrellas are essential to survive in heavy rain, and if used correctly, can keep us completely dry in the heaviest of downpours. Umbrellas are about 1700 years old, (doubling the age of the oldest galosh or poncho) and no wonder: they are so useful and so convenient. They are portable and it's easy to keep more than one (car, home, office, etc.) so you never get caught in the rain without shield.

Practicality and fashion, while distinctly different, are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, with umbrellas they are often intertwined. Asprey, London-manufacturer of timepieces, jewelry, equestrian equipment, crystal and fashion accessories-is one of my favorite companies in the world, and they produce some beautiful fashion umbrellas every year. They are simple and luxurious in design and durable in structure. With their solid-colored or floral-patterned tops and strong wooden handles, Asprey umbrellas make the perfect bad-weather accent.

Umbrellas from high-end companies like Asprey are preferable to ones with flashy designer logos like those from Burberry and Louis Vuitton. What's more, they are usually a bit higher in quality. But that's not to say that high end designers don't have some merit: In fact, Burberry's famous World War I trench coats still inspire the company's tradition of quality outerwear.

Burberry is just one of the many manufacturers of high quality rain gear: Patagonia, the North Face and Ralph Lauren are just a few of the others. Rain jackets should be made from a lightweight and breathable material, like nylon. Also, remember that rain jackets range in look from camping-appropriate to business. The length is key: Longer coats are more suited for men and women most often sport shorter ones. The last point: color. Yellow slickers are a very classic New England look, and gray and brown ones are very appropriate for dressy events or work. Bright colored slickers are very attractive for camping or fun.

The last piece is the boots, which protect what the umbrella can't. Your feet are especially susceptible to puddles and other possible liquid disasters. There are so many different styles of boot that are equally functional in the rain: gumboots, waders, galoshes, etc... Men's Uggs are particularly waterproof and strong in the inclement weather. Boots that are effective in the rain come in all different levels of dress as well. Designers make snakeskin or black leather dress boots, and galoshes come in standard rubber.

One last exciting challenge is making sure all three pieces coordinate. Bear in mind, coordinate does not mean match. Coordinate means make sure the colors, textures and materials complement each other and are all the same level of dress. That means you don't want to wear Ugg hiking boots with an Asprey umbrella and a bright blue poncho. Frankly, I think that matching is a little bit over-the-top when it comes to all three pieces, but if you are going to an event you need to dress up slightly. It's not hard to keep your beautiful outfit dry with equally stellar raingear. A wood-handled umbrella with a simple print, a muted-color rain jacket and a pair of really nice hiking or business-casual rain boots go perfectly. Just remember to be yourself, dress appropriately for the occasion and stay dry: You're much less likely to catch cold that way.