I don’t think that a pair of shoes has ever made me wish for inclement weather quite so fervently as the Givenchy Tall Rubber Rainboots do. They may be utilitarian rubber wellies, but they’re also completely sleek and gorgeous.

Really, these things put your precious pair of Hunters to shame. (not that there’s anything wrong with Hunters – they’re great!) Only recently has style been a consideration when choosing rainboots, but now that very serious designers are starting to turn out their own versions of the functional footwear, inclement weather is no longer a reasonable excuse to not look your most fabulous.

In fact, these boots might be so chic that I’d wear them even if the weather wasn’t bad. Over a pair of leggings, they’d have a cool, industrial look to them that is best achieved with matte black rubber. Not to mention that forgoing the leather not only saves a cow, but also saves you a couple grand, based on what knee-high designer boots are currently fetching at America’s fine retailers. Buy through Saks for $250.