Just because there’s torrential rain falling from the heavens doesn’t mean it’s not summer.  Check the humidity that just won’t give up.  There’s no way you can wear a trench and if you try a rain slicker you’ll be spending a good ten minutes peeling that thing from your skin once you get inside.  And let’s not forget about the foolishness of wearing rain boots.  So here’s a handy little guide on beating the heat (and humidity) while also staying reasonably dry.

As much of a pain in the ass as it is to carry an umbrella around, it’s totally necessary.  You can find a huge variety of cheapies around the city.  Go to Chinatown, Muji, Macy’s, Barneys, or Brooks Brothers, all with umbrellas ranging from $3 to $50.  By using an umbrella, you don’t have to drop a huge amount of coin on a windbreaker which–let’s face it–probably isn’t waterproof anyways.  And what rain does make it through?  It’ll feel damn good.For your top, wear a thin cotton button down.  A t-shirt is liable to get wet and stick to your body and when it dries, it’ll be wrinkled and unsightly.  Furthermore, t-shirts are extremely constricting in this weather.  You’re basically asking to get hot and sweaty (and not in the good, Al Green way).  You can leave the top few buttons undone and allow the shirt to breathe around you.  If a good breeze hits, it might even inflate the shirt and you’ll feel like you’re parachuting/Puff Daddy in that one Ma$e video.  That’s always a plus…if you’re particularly immature like I am.

Concerning your bottom?  Don’t wear pants, guys.  Most young men likely to frequent Fashion Indie probably also wear slim or skinny pants.  Your legs are the most likely part of you that will get wet.  If they do and you’re wearing pants, you’ll be extremely uncomfortable and it will take forever to dry.  If you’re wearing loose pants, you will still be extremely uncomfortable and probably look half-retarded.  Think about it–you’ll have your pants plastered to your shins while the rest droops off to the back.  Not a good look.

Go with a pair of shorts–preferably of a solid, darker color.  We don’t want the rain to soak through and show your privates off now, do we?

Now for the most daunting task of summer rainwear: the shoes.  You can always go the flip-flop route, but if you’re in a walking city, you might find it ‘icky’ or ‘eww-ie’ to leave your feet so exposed to the inevitable puddles you’ll have to traipse through.  If you can’t buck up, go for shoes that will dry fast, you won’t mind tossing, and that don’t look like you’re wearing them for those exact reasons.

Try going with plimsolls or the always reliable Vans and Chucks.  Or get your old-school Bruce Lee on with a pair of espadrilles which are being pushed hard this summer.  The shoes that make the most sense to wear, however, are some genuine boat shoes.  Seeing as they’re made to be worn on a boat, they should serve you well in rainy weather.

Finally, carry a tote.  A backpack’s going to extend too far out from the umbrella and get soaked, a messenger bag is just going to make things hotter.  A tote, however, stays close to your side, is of a quick-drying material, allows for a variety of patterns and styles for cheap and, most importantly, can hold a surprising amount of goods.

So there you have it.  How to stay cool in the summer without burning a hole in  your wallet, the rainy day edition.  A roundup of one suggested outfit culled from this article’s linked pieces below.

1. Navy and White Totes umbrella from Macy’s, $25

2. J. Crew Secret Wash lightweight point-collar poplin shirt, $59.50

3. Topman blue smart shorts, $50

4. United Bamboo Skull Tote, $50

5. Cole Haan Air Yacht Club boat shoes, $56.64

TITLE LOVE: McArthur Joseph

The reason that Akira is such a killer nominee for this Friday feature is that it’s probably the most detailed animated film ever made.  It literally puts anything Disney has ever done to shame.  Factor in that the movie takes place on such a massive scale (a re-imagining of post-World War III Tokyo) that there’s a helluva lot of detail.

Based on Ôtomo’s as of then yet-unfinished manga (it just gets nerdier and nerdier, doesn’t it?) the film starts off extremely strong focusing on a group of teenage reprobates and secret military experiments but soon loses its way.  Fortunately for those of us who like looking at beautiful things, however, it never loses its style.  So, with that, on to the outfits!

As stated above: super-macro.  The outfit that pops out most is the man in the yellow chinos.  It’s getting towards the end of pastel season (i.e. Spring is being burned to death) but it’s always a good/super-preppy look when someone gets all Nantucket on their own ass with a basic blue oxford and some colored slacks.  Then there’s Mr. Punk I and Mr. Punk II to the left with looks reminiscent of the most recent Balmain men’s collection.  Leather jackets with a little bit of prep mixed in (a button down and olive green slouch neck sweater).  Who knew cartoons could dress so damn well?

But Ôtomo can go super-micro too.  If you want to look like a teenage derelict/leader of a futuristic bike gang, here’s how you do it, from head to toe.  Check the fit on all the items: slightly oversized polo to let the cool breeze in, cropped just-slim-enough chinos, killer mid-top white sneaks.

Second from the left, and the guy all the way towards the right.  Neither of these characters plays a major role in the film.  In fact, the rightmost character might not even have a line.  Nevertheless, both of these guys have got it going on.  Hello Joe Strummer, and hello sweet shearling collar overcoat.  We’ll refrain from commenting on the cutoff graphic tee on the left.

The girls get in on the action too, of course.  From left to right, some real-world finds.  Honestly, this movie’s like a schizophrenic sketchbook come to life mixed with a lot of Mad Max, Max’s Kansas City, and, uh…Max Fischer.  It’s totally max, basically.

Check the gallery and see if you can match the following with their pictures.  It’s like one of those quizzes on children’s placemats at roadside diners.  Or, you know, don’t.  Whatever you do, pick up Akira (or watch it on YouTube).  Enjoy all the pretty pictures, pretend to soak up the philosophy and the Kubrick-ian 2001-style ending.  When else can you say you’re-a-learnin’ while watchin’ car-toons?

A. Burberry Prorsum Felted Military Coat

B. J. Crew Aldridge Suit

C. Marc Jacobs Gladiator Sandals

D. Mr. Hare Fitzgerald Shoe

E. Kitsuné Espadrille

F. Patrik Ervell Collegiate Jacket

Answers (pics numbered L-R): A-12, B-11, C-8, D-9, E-9, F-15

The latest A.P.C ad campaign has been released featuring model Jessica Miller with photos shot by Vinoodh Matadin and Inez van Lamsweerde.

LINKAGE: Fashion Copious

Here’s a little bit of a sneak peek (courtesy of Selectism) into what A.P.C. has to offer us for the upcoming Fall 2009 season. Looks pretty standard for A.P.C, but high quality none the less.