Mud Season is the term used by northern New Englanders to describe the months between winter and our incredibly brief spring. And after the snowfall we’ve experienced this winter, our mud season certainly won’t disappoint. Owning the right gear to help you stay dry—and feel good doing it—can certainly help! We’ve collected a few of our favorites to get you started.
Coats
The right coat is always a great place to start. There is a reason wax coats are such classics; they’re just that durable, they last forever, and they’re incredibly effective at keeping you dry. But not every style is warm enough for cold spring days. Dubarry’s version below is insulated and is on my shopping list for when my waxed Burberry from high school (yes, that’s correct, it’s nearly 40 years old) finally wears out. It’s an investment piece that is well worth the investment. If you live in a climate like ours? You’ll likely reach for it at least six months a year. My other favorite piece—and the one my children try to steal—is my waxed vest. The version below is by Tom Beckbe, and it’s just enough on warmer days, looks fantastic with jeans, and is popular with shooters because it provides a layer of warmth without compromising mobility. And as our dogs well know, the pockets hold loads of biscuits for long walks.
This last coat—just longer than a traditional car coat—is such a pretty version of the more traditional double-breasted trench. The modern silhouette and collar are so sharp, and this coat by Ralph Lauren is similar to several others, which are equally handsome but considerably more expensive.
Rain Hats
Have you never considered a rain hat? If not, spring is the time to start. I prefer them to hoods because they don’t hamper visibility and because they stay put. Each of the featured hats here is waxed cotton, so they’ll keep your lid nice and dry. I personally like a full brim, but if you prefer a ball cap style, this version by Berretta is very sporty.
Rain Shoes & Boots
If you like dry feet? You probably own a pair of rain shoes. We live in a rainy climate, so owning several is not at all unreasonable. And these versions are so much fun! Why not?
Accessories
This red scarf is actually a shawl from Benaar LA and is as close a dupe to Hermes’ beautiful cashmere shawls as I’ve ever seen. I love them all, but think this one is particularly fun with this collection. The same goes for the Parker + Thatch tote here, which is perfect to hold your hat and travel umbrella during the spring months; I use totes instead of a purse most of the time anyway, and think this one is particularly stunning.
This mini-Barbour umbrella is so attractive, I love the wooden handle that most minis don’t include. And the Repel umbrella in red is not only fun, it’s also resistant to wind; they say it can withstand gusts up to 85 mph—although I have no plans to test that claim. I keep these not only in my tote bags, but also have at least one in each car.
For the Home
Finally, keeping your home free of mud and water can feel like a full-time effort in the spring months. Boot brushes, scrapers, and proper outdoor mats for removing the worst of it can be a tremendous help. The antique duck scraper is heavy, charming, and functional. My parents have two at their house and you can find them here and there at antique stores; Right Proper Home sells this early 20th century version linked here—at least until it’s gone. Brushes are helpful for both wet and dry debris. We have a Scrusher at our front door, and because our soil is comprised largely of sandstone and our driveway is river gravel, we use it daily, rain or shine. There are several models, one can be secured to a deck with screws, we have a field stone enterance and our version has a plate that you can step on withone foot while you brush the other, keeping it secure through the process. They do offer a version with neither, and I don’t recommend taking that route. Proper outdoor mats are also a sanity-saver. This rubber Porte + Hall mat is perfect for grabbing and trapping all sorts of debris and can easily be hosed clean. The Waterhog mat is a complete wonder and is also perfect during snowy months. It comes in a variety of colors, and they offer a demi-lune and a larger version as well.
