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• The rain isn’t so bad when you have the proper gear

Jackie Maravilla hates it when her socks get wet. Her rainy day solution calls for only the best and the brightest: canary yellow rain boots with navy blue trimming.

With this month’s onslaught of rain storms brought in from Hurricane Ike, investing in durable rain gear might be more than just a dry idea.

According to the Illinois State Climatologist Office, September’s state-wide precipitation average was set at 7.61 inches, making it the fourth wettest September on record for Illinois since 1895.

Maravilla, a sophomore in LAS, said that she vouches for both an umbrella and rain boots when she’s caught in a storm. “I would not go out in the rain with anything on besides rain boots,” she said. “Sneakers get soggy. If you wear flip-flops, your feet get really dirty, and you slip all over the place — that could be dangerous.”

And she’s right. Along with being a safety hazard, neither sneakers nor flip-flops keep the water from soaking your feet. Hooded sweatshirts can only do so much to keep you dry, and umbrellas are known to flip out when harsh winds attack. What are some other options, you say? Let’s explore.

Coming in at number 24 in Teen Vogue’s “Spring Fashion A to Z” feature last March, rain boots (also known as “Wellies”) became a fashion essential in 2008.

From the bright and cutesy to the dull and sturdy, rain boots come in plenty of styles and prices to satisfy your fashion fix. Choose from ankle- or knee-length.

For those who like to splurge on designer labels, you can find fashion-savvy rain boots from designers like Coach, Burberry, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana. Look for them online or at the nearest department store. If your budget is tight, like most college students, you can find affordable rain boots that sport colorful all-over print designs at Target or Gap.

Hunter Boots, the more practical choice, are a staple from Britain. Although they sell for a pricey $115, they’re designed to take on the deepest, most oceanic of puddles. Given the more basic designs and colors, these boots may not be the fashionista’s first boot of choice, but they serve their purpose well.

If you want to go the full rain-gear mile, look into raincoats, which are also available in designer labels. Designer rain boots and coats can often be found in a set, matching in style and color. Again, for cheaper prices check out designer Isaac Mizrahi’s line of trench coats at Target.

Of course, the rain boots and coat mean nothing without the guarded protection of a good umbrella. While umbrellas come in a myriad of fanciful colors and designs, the best advice about this piece of equipment is to keep it simple. Find an umbrella that’s built to last: a strong metal skeleton with a sturdy handle.

So give it some thought. Long gone are the days of the basic yellow raincoat and matching rubber boots. There are choices that’ll keep you dry and fashion forward at the same time.