The Best Bet
Given current weather trends, rainstorms have replaced blizzards as winter’s foul-weather experience. Most umbrellas, especially those purchased hastily on the street, expire after a few hours of wind combat. Commit to serious protection with the aptly named GustBuster Classic Automatic umbrella ($29.99 at Paragon Sports, 867 Broadway, nr. 18th St.; 212-255-8036). Its flexible fiberglass frame, tested in wind tunnels, can fight off gusts topping 50 mph and spring back into shape. Rain cascades over and away from its double-canopy design, meaning less wetness on your freshly dry-cleaned suit. GustBusters come in several sizes, from the compact, folding Metro model to the massive, sidewalk-hogging 68-inch doorman model. (The 48-inch classic, seen here, should provide ample coverage.)
For the Anglophile
This umbrella will make every suit look more stylish: a handmade, silk-line beauty from Swaine Adeney Brigg of England ($350 at Brella Bar, 1043 Third Ave., nr. 61st St.; 212-813-9530).
For the Unprepared
The ubiquitous cheap collapsible version is always near to hand ($3 from a vendor at Penn Station, Seventh Ave. at 31st St.).
For Retro Flair
A seventies-style plastic umbrella cocoons you ($70 at Rain or Shine, 45 E. 45th St., at Second Ave.; 212-741-9650).
For Precipitation Princesses
Felix Rey’s cute design opens to reveal a big bow ($50 at Henri Bendel, 712 Fifth Ave., nr. 56th St.; 212-247-1100).
Dress for Wetness…
Scoff at the Curbside Pools
Those lakes that form on every corner are powerless against J.Crew’s cheery yellow Wellies ($59.50; 91 Fifth Ave., nr. 17th St.; 212-255-4848).
Avoid Shape-shifting Shoes
If leather shoes get soggy, immediately insert wood shoe trees to keep the shape as they dry ($9.99 at the Container Store, 629 Sixth Ave., nr. 19th St.; 212-366-4200).
Buy a Proper Trench Coat
Because waterproof ski jackets have no business in the office ($695; J. Press, 7 E. 44th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-687-7642).
How to Make the Best of It…
Visit the Home Theater
Escape into high-def splendor with Pioneer’s Elite PureVision 50-inch plasma TV ($4,500 at Park Avenue Audio, 425 Park Ave. S., nr. 29th St.; 212-685-8101).
Settle In for the Afternoon
Billy Wilder’s Ace in the Hole is playing at Film Forum (209 W. Houston St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-727-8110).
Tame Stir-crazy Kids
Take them to Jazz for Kids at Jazz Standard, every Sunday at 2 p.m. ($5 per person; 116 E. 27th St., nr. Lexington Ave.; 212-576-2232).
De-frizz
Sebastian Evokativ Smoothing Serum keeps errant hairs in control ($16.50 at Faces Salon and Spa, 2205 Ave. U, nr. E. 22nd St., Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn; 718-332-6557).
Soak In the Atmosphere
Get a dreamy perspective on the city from Top of the Rock ($17.50; 30 Rockefeller Plaza, nr. 49th St.; 212-698-2000).