How Celebrities Made Black Rain Boots a Street-Style Staple: Hunter, SAX, and Ash

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Rain boots—whether you call them wellingtons, galoshes, or simply practical chic—have long been a cold-weather essential, but they’ve also earned a permanent place in celebrity street style.

In early 2013, as rain and late-winter snow swept through cities like New York and Los Angeles, stars repeatedly stepped out in sleek black rain boots, proving that function and fashion don’t have to compete.

From school drop-offs to rainy-day errands, these looks show how classic black rain boots became a go-to choice for staying polished in unpredictable weather—then, now, and well beyond any single season.

1. Classic Black Wellies: Sarah Jessica Parker in Hunter Boots

Sarah Jessica Parker tackled winter weather in original short Hunter Wellington boots, styling them with floral socks for a playful contrast that added personality to an otherwise classic, practical cold-weather look.

Sarah Jessica Parker keeps rainy-day school drop-off chic in the West Village on March 12, 2013, pairing black Hunter Original Short Wellies with colorful knee socks, skinny jeans, a fitted black jacket, and oversized sunglasses for a polished yet practical lookSarah Jessica Parker keeps rainy-day school drop-off chic in the West Village on March 12, 2013, pairing black Hunter Original Short Wellies with colorful knee socks, skinny jeans, a fitted black jacket, and oversized sunglasses for a polished yet practical look (Credit: TNYF / WENN)

A close-up highlights Sarah Jessica Parker’s black Hunter Original Short Wellies, styled with colorful floral knee socks peeking out for a playful twist on classic rainy-day footwearA close-up highlights Sarah Jessica Parker’s black Hunter Original Short Wellies, styled with colorful floral knee socks peeking out for a playful twist on classic rainy-day footwear

2. Polished Rainy-Day Edge: Gwen Stefani in SAX Knee-High Boots

Gwen Stefani delivered a refined take on rainy-day street style, grounding her layered look in sleek black leather SAX boots that balanced practicality with her signature edge, proving that wet-weather footwear can still feel intentional and fashion-driven.

Gwen Stefani steps out with her new puppy in Sherman Oaks on November 29, 2012, braving the rain in sleek black knee-high rain boots paired with an olive trench coat, gray scarf, and fedora for effortless wet-weather styleGwen Stefani steps out with her new puppy in Sherman Oaks on November 29, 2012, braving the rain in sleek black knee-high rain boots paired with an olive trench coat, gray scarf, and fedora for effortless wet-weather style

A close-up captures Gwen Stefani’s black knee-high rain boots splashing through rain-soaked streets in Sherman OaksA close-up captures Gwen Stefani’s black knee-high rain boots splashing through rain-soaked streets in Sherman Oaks

3. Studded Utility Style: Jennifer Ellison in Ash Titan Rain Boots

Six months pregnant at the time, Jennifer Ellison stepped out after rehearsals in Ash Titan studded rain boots, pairing practical wet-weather footwear with an off-duty look that felt both comfortable and confidently styled.

Jennifer Ellison steps out after performing in Singin’ in the Rain at London’s Palace Theatre on March 19, 2013, pairing a cozy oversized knit and black leggings with edgy studded rain boots for a practical yet polished post-show lookJennifer Ellison steps out after performing in Singin’ in the Rain at London’s Palace Theatre on March 19, 2013, pairing a cozy oversized knit and black leggings with edgy studded rain boots for a practical yet polished post-show look

A close-up spotlights Jennifer Ellison’s black studded rain boots on March 19, 2013, adding a tough, fashion-forward edge to her off-duty theater style outside the Palace TheatreA close-up spotlights Jennifer Ellison’s black studded rain boots on March 19, 2013, adding a tough, fashion-forward edge to her off-duty theater style outside the Palace Theatre

More Celebrity Rain Boot Inspiration on Your Next Shoes

From city sidewalks to muddy festival grounds, rain boots have consistently proven their place in celebrity wardrobes—balancing practicality with personal style.

If you’re looking for more wet-weather footwear inspiration, these Your Next Shoes features explore how stars and designers alike have made rain-ready boots feel polished, wearable, and fashion-forward across seasons and settings.

👢 Rain Boots & Wet-Weather Shoe Style on Your Next Shoes: