We won't argue about whether you should know enough to come in out of the rain, because this spring and summer, you may not want to. Cover up in a trench coat that features a classic or updated style, and your outerwear will be on a fashion par with the outfit it protects from April showers. The bright and sunny clothes underneath are sure to make you feel all warm inside.

Women's apparel and accessories intertwine bohemian, peasant, vintage and retro-American influences, reaching across continents to borrow liberally from traditional African, Asian, Indian and Russian influences.

Collections for men play off some of the same themes, from mixed patterns and colors that scream to white pants and suits, tropical florals and even embroidery.

For those rainy spring days when all of nature's blossoms aren't enough to brighten the dreariness, don't be distressed. The latest trench coats and rain ponchos, especially for women, are available in so many eye-catching bright colors, shiny metallics, explosive patterns and sartorially splendid styles that you'll shine even on the cloudiest day.

Meteorologists from three local newscasts demonstrate which way the wind is blowing in spring outerwear:

John Beale, Post-Gazette WTAE's Stephen Cropper has the jump on April showers with a London Fog trench coat ($300) and Totes umbrella ($25, both from Kaufmann's.) Click photo for larger image.

John Beale, Post-Gazette KDKA's Rebecca Hower, left, and WPXI's Krista Villareal know the spring forecast for women's trenches is bright bursts of color and bold prints. Hower sports a shocking pink metallic trench ($156) with a matching airline bag ($51) and rain hat ($20), while Villareal dons a graphic black-and-white print ($178), all by F.L.A.G. Accessories at the Spoiled Chics boutique, Sewickley. Click photo for larger image.