The smell of rain-washed earth. Fluffy clouds and tumescent rain-drops. Hot pakoras and masala chai. Rainbows and green grass and fresh beginnings — that is what monsoons are about.
But they also play havoc with your looks. Snarly hair, sopping clothes and smelly socks are barely a fashion statement, after all.
But the diva in you, wouldn’t want to let fashion take a back seat now, would it? So brave these wet months with panache by choosing the right clothes, shoes and accessories.
“Monsoons are a time for new beginnings so work with the rain not against it. Incorporate an element of functionality in your styling,” says Mumbai-based designer Nachiket Barve.
“Opt for fabrics that dry quickly. Choose tops in pastel or neutral shades and bottoms in dark colours. Wet patches on light pants look terrible,” he says.
Adds Kerala-based Sreejith Jeevan, whose fashion film, Strung Together won an award at the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014 film session, you need to, “Choose materials that take water well and make it fun. Monsoons aren’t about grey; it is about celebration. Even if you opt for muted colours, you can make up for it with bright trimmings and accessories,” he says, adding that chiffons and georgettes work best in this season.
The rain-gods are unpredictable. So it is best to be prepared. “Keep a camisole and a change of shoes in the bottom drawer of your office desk. It is good to have a quick change option if you get soaked, especially since the air-conditioners in most offices end-up freezing you to death,” says Nachiket. “Layering is also a great idea,” says Sreejith. “Even if you get wet you can take a layer off or add an extra one.”
Bring out those umbrellas and rain-coats, by all means. But think beyond boring black and hideous floral prints.
“A fun umbrella or bright raincoat is a great thing,” says Sreejith. “Or maybe even a clear trench jacket or a poncho. They look smart and are easy to carry,” adds Nachiket.
Another thing you would want to be aware of is length. A layer of dirt lining the base of your skirt or trousers looks awful, says Nachiket. So stow away your maxis, gypsy skirts, palazzo pants, patiala salwars and formal pants. Instead opt for well-tailored mid-calf or knee length clothes, “This is a great time to bring out those capris,” says Nachiket. “You need to keep a check on the length of your bottoms.”
“A skirt which falls just below the knee is a good idea too,” says Sreejith. “Add a jacket, throw on a tank top and you look effortlessly chic.”
Don’t ruin your leather bags and shoes this season. “Opt for a large bag that you can dump a lot of stuff into in faux leather or a nice synthetic material,” says Sreejith. Nachiket agrees, “It is a great idea to carry a large tote in which you can store an umbrella and change of footwear," he says, adding, “Always wear footwear that breathes. Functional flats in a water-proof material with some girl embellishments are great. Avoid heels completely—you don’t want them digging into mud or tripping you on wet surfaces.”
