Stay smart and stylish in the rain with our edit of the ultimate umbrellas, and what to wear with them.

Few people look out the window on a wet Friday morning and think “hurrah!” as they bound towards their wardrobe. Yes, the rain does tend to be something of a downer when it comes to one’s personal style (not to mention social life and a general feeling of everything-might-actually-be-OK-ness). But maybe it doesn’t have to. This thought struck the team at MR PORTER as we witnessed the latest influx of quite frankly beautiful umbrellas (a phrase we don’t often find ourselves uttering) from Francesco Maglia, a fifth-generation family-run Italian business, whose artisans craft their products in no fewer than 70 steps. Scroll down to discover our favourite pieces and what to wear with them – a selection of items that should ensure you’ve got a spring in your step, even when it’s completely grim outside.

For business purposes, an all-black umbrella is appropriately sober, sleek and stylish – defend your suit from the elements by pulling this one out as you hustle between the train and your office, sidestepping puddles as you go. You can make sure your feet are equally well shielded should your footwork fail you with these leather brogues from Tricker’s, which come with a Dainite sole to prevent water seepage and slipping.

A contrast colour on the underside of your umbrella will add a sharp, graphic twist to your off-duty outfit (and also cheer you up a bit when everything looks grey and miserable). Keep the rest of it neat and tidy with this nifty zip-up shell jacket from Japanese brand Beams, which has a pleasing, 1950s leisurewear feel to it.

As with all accessories, an umbrella offers an easy and non-committal way to make a sartorial statement. The charming example above takes its design cues from a classic chalk-stripe print (as you might have seen on a boat-club blazer in the 1930s), so simply push it up as you step on to the street, and you’ll already be slightly better dressed than everyone around you. Complement its quirky, slightly nostalgic feel with a wool mac from Thom Browne, which is lined with a similarly nautical striped fabric.