The arrival of monsoon is usually a happy prospect for most Indians. A respite from the soaring heat levels of May and June, the ability to finally sit in the balcony without getting barbequed, and that sweet smell of damp earth, it’s like when the skies begin to pour so do a number of pleasant occurrences. But for the class of fashionistas, it can be quite a terrible fate. I mean, for those of us who enjoy putting our most fashionable foot forward always, the risk of accidentally stepping into a puddle instead, is troubling.
From smeared mascara to sodden shoes, and from soaked through white shirts to pants splattered by vicious stains of mud, I empathise with your rain-induced fashion hassles. And all I have to say is, don’t reach for those chunky gumboots, yet. Because we’ve thought this whole looking cute despite wet weather thing through. So this rainy season, glam up without a care in the world, with these 10 monsoon fashion tips.
1. Keep It Till The Knees
How many times have you walked onto the streets after a bout of rain and skillfully dodged all the puddles, only to discover angry marks of mud and dirty water on the legs of your jeans? The best way to avoid this sad mishap, and also look ultra-trendy, is to go for clothes that fall at or above your knees. Think high-waisted shorts, skater skirts, or tailored midi dresses. If you want to wear pants, it’s advisable to go for cropped trousers that fall somewhere on your calf.
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2. Whip Out Your Rompers
I think monsoons make for the perfect season to don a cute romper. This is a fashion department that comes with a lot of versatility, and depending on where you’re headed you can take your pick. Pin-striped rompers with quarter sleeves, off-shoulder rompers, or ones speckled with a dainty floral print are all immensely chic options, especially when it’s pouring buckets outside.
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3. Flaunt A Printed Scarf
A super cute hack to not just looking stylish, but also protecting your freshly washed hair from droplets of rain, is to sport a statement scarf. Select one with a chic print, like a geometric pattern, something botanical, or the good old Aztec design. Animal prints or bright solid colours that complement the rest of your outfit are clear winners as well. You can wear it around your neck warding off cold gusts of wind, and quickly wrap it around the head when the rain starts to splash.
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4. Choose Your Fabrics Wisely
When you’re dressing for a rainy day, it’s important to be wise about the fabrics you decide to don. You should go for lighter materials that won’t get damaged by exposure to rainwater, and are also quick to dry. Cotton, chiffon or nylon are examples of such light fabrics. On the other hand, heavier material like denim can stay damp through the day, or fabrics like expensive silk are prone to getting wrecked.
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5. Dress In Bright Colours
An overcast day has enough shades of grey already, you don’t need to add to the dull environ! So like a figurative splash of sunshine, opt for brighter shades to lift up your spirits and grab the fashion spotlight. Colours like red, purple, or blue look attractive under the dark skies. It’s advisable to avoid shades like pastels, or yellow, to keep stains at bay.
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6. Layer Up
Unexpected rains also bring along an unexpected drop in the temperature. Which means it’s the perfect time for layering your outfit! If there’s a pretty shrug that’s been sitting in your closet in anticipation of fall, now is the time to whip it out. You can also go with a chic cape to throw on top of your outfit, or a knitted poncho that straddles the line between summertime and sweater weather perfectly! Another classic layer up trick is to wear knee-high socks with boots that reach your calves. So preppy and cute!
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7. Pair Your Kurtas With Cropped Pants
Who said you can’t choose to wear ethnic when it’s raining outside? Indian clothes like kurtas get a bad rep for being less manageable than a typical t-shirt and pants combo, but there’s little truth to that. All you gotta do is customise your ethnic look in accordance with the weather outside. Pair a kurta with cropped straight fit pants, or black leggings that fall slightly above your ankle. Like any other outfit choice during monsoons, go with darker or brighter hues, and a slightly relaxed silhouette on your kurta.
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8. Carry A Big Waterproof Tote
A big waterproof tote bag during the rainy season is very much like a secret weapon. You can use it to protect all your belongings that are prone to damage if they get wet, from your cellphone to your makeup, and from a trusty paperback to the cash in your wallet. You can also use it to as an emergency make-shift shield to fend off the drizzle. No matter what, keep your leather bags safely tucked in your wardrobe and away from the outside world during monsoons.
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9. Opt For Ballerinas & Flip-Flops
Indian roads don’t have a bad reputation for no reason. While yes, sometimes you’re greeted with stable concrete, most other times you have to jump over puddles and walk gingerly to avoid slipping on wet mud. Doing all of this and reaching where you intend to in one piece, is a big challenge in itself. Adding heels to the equation only ups the difficulty level exponentially. Also, the same logic that applies to leather handbags, goes with footwear. Keep them in the house, and instead wear shoes that are easily washable, such as string flip-flops, PVC ballerinas or jelly sandals.
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10. Fun Umbrella = Easy Accessory
If we had to look at the bright side of dreary monsoons, adorable bright umbrellas have got to be it! It’s a very practical thing to carry when it’s raining outside, and also an ultra-easy way to make a fashion statement. Invest in an umbrella with a bright pop of colours, one with large polka dots, or any other eccentric yet vibrant print, and you’re sure to stand out in the sea of black covers.
