In a matter of minutes, Miami’s weather can change from sunny skies to darker clouds, leaving University of Miami students stuck in flooded sidewalks on the way to class. And even though the rain has eased up, hurricane season is keeping students alert.
For many freshmen, the semester’s soggy start has been a surprise. They’ve shared videos on TikTok showing deep puddles across campus, with the drainage system struggling to keep up. Daily walks across the UM bridge now often end with soaked clothes and a ruined mood.
“I always have to leave earlier for class because the walk from Mahoney can turn into a disaster if it’s pouring,” said UM freshman, Fiorella Manfio.”Sometimes I just end up stuck inside waiting for the rain to stop before I move”. She explained that now she checks the weather app every morning.
The weather’s unpredictability makes smart outfit planning a necessary part of students’ routines. Without thoughtful gear, even the most carefully chosen look can get ruined the second you step outside.
Here’s a guide on how to rethink how to balance comfort, function and personal style before a rainy day starts.
Get some rain boots
The biggest upgrade begins at ground level. We do not want stinky wet sneakers around dorms so it’s best toinvest in a good pair of rain boots. Rain boots come in all types of colors, like wine red and baby yellow, with designs that’ll help you stand out, like stripes or polka dots. Knowing your style will help you get the right pair and be ready to walk the rainy runway.
“I got mine on Amazon, they are pink, cheap and very cute,” UM student Camila Ayala said. “I get lots of compliments every time I go out with them.” You can pair them with skirts, sundresses or oversized sweaters to get indoor comfort and outdoor protection.
Another option is wearing nostalgic ‘90s jelly sandals. ttThey’re making a comeback for their playful look and quick-dry practicality.
“I haven’t worn my jeans since I got here” shared Gabriella Vazquez, a freshman Architecture student from Puerto Rico.“ The weather is similar to home, so my style didn’t change much – just my shoes.”
A rain jacket for the best protection
Cropped trench coats, pastel ponchos and translucent rain jackets are appearing more often, proving that outerwear can be functional and fun at the same time. For some international students, the weather has been a surprising welcoming to Miami. “I was surprised when I revived – I expected full sun,” said Sol Montefiore , a freshman Industrial Engineering student from Argentina.
“The weather at home is different, but since it’s warm here I dress like I do in summer back home.” For others, the rainy season has felt almost familiar. “Honestly, the weather here has helped with my homesickness,” added Gabriella coming to the US directly from Puerto Rico.
Tuck-away umbrellas & accessories
Rain showers in Miami can come out of nowhere, often catching students halfway between Mahoney and the Shalala Student Center. On stormy afternoons, it’s common to see a crowd of umbrellas popping open across campus as students try to pass across puddles without ruining their outfits. For many, a sturdy umbrella is more than just protection – it’s part of their daily strategy.
”I always carry my big black umbrella,” Fiorella said. “It’s the only thing that actually saved my outfits when it started raining out of nowhere. Honestly, I would be lost without it.”
Umbrella choices have become a mini fashion statement on their own. Bubble umbrellas, in particular, have gained popularity for their stylish look and extra coverage. Unlike flimsy foldable umbrellas that flip inside out with the first gust, bubble and big umbrellas shield students from both wind and sideways rain while still showing off their outfits.
But umbrellas alone don’t solve everything. Campus pathways flood quickly, leaving students with soaked shoes and drenched bags if they are unprepared. “One day after class, the rain felt like a hurricane,” Sol recalled. “Even with an umbrella, all my notes were completely soaked by the time I got to my dorm.”
That’s why accessories go hand in hand with umbrellas. Waterproof totes keep laptops and books dry, while smaller pouches protect phones, charges and an extra pair of dry socks– as Fiorella recommends. Shoe covers are also starting to appear in students’ backpacks. “They’re my hack,” Sol explained. “You can wear your usual shoes, and when it pours, you just pull the covers on. It saved me more than once.”
UM students have learned to read the skies like locals. Quick check for that familiar gray haze over the Gables have become part of the routine between classes. And for reaffirmation, many rely on the weather app before leaving the dorms, treating it as the final accessory to any outfit.
Planning goes digital
Preparing for Miami’s unpredictable storms isn’t just happening in closets – it’s going digital. Laurie Lewis, a sophomore majoring in Marketing and Business Analytics, interned for Alta, an AI styling app that builds looks from photos of your own wardrobe. “You upload your clothes and the AI generates outfits based on your location, plans and the weather,” she said.
Alta pulls live data from The Weather Channel to personalize recommendations; it thinks of a cardigan or light rain jacket on days when the forecast turns stormy, which makes it a go-to fit for a UM rain-soaked semester.
Rainy days may be unpredictable, but UM students are showing that being prepared is also chic. For students who plan their looks as carefully as their schedules, these strategies aren’t just about staying dry. These stylistic choices are acts of self-expression and proof of how quickly students adapt to Miami’s radical weather and to life away from home.