It’s that time of the year again when people are usually confused whether they ought to choose comfort over style and practicality over fashion. But this is also when we tell you that you don’t have to choose. The monsoons are here and with these fashion fundas you can look haute in the wet season!
According to fashion designer Deepika Govind, some of the styles we will be seeing around a lot at this time of the year include vibrant ombrey dyed kaftans. She advises: “Opt for light, drapy fabrics like muls, crepes and cottons. Vintage prints would be another option for a cloudy day. Ruffle tunics in lightweight soft muls and cotton, in a solid vivid palette, teamed with cropped trousers or capris are a wise option.”
If you’re a fan of prints, you could go in for “floral printed long shorts (turn-up) where the hemline falls on the knee, or loose-fitting Bermudas, or capris teamed with layered tops or relaxed tunics in saturated brights,” she says.
Designer Neeta Lulla states: “Monsoon 2013 is all about lively colours, tunics, short dresses and ankle length pants.”
If you’re wondering about the cuts and silhouettes that are in vogue, asymmetric top wear and tunics in strong colour blocks, teamed with anything from cotton knit ruche leggings to cropped trousers, make a fine monsoon statement.
As far as fabric is concerned, it is best to avoid denims and materials that bleed colour. Soft cottons and mulmul are in. Silicon washed materials for trousers are advised. A blend of rayon and cotton is a prudent choice.
The colour palette for this season would be neon. Go berserk and experiment with shocking pink, psychedelic orange, bright yellow or even green! As you know, fashion trends are cyclic in nature and there are few styles making a comeback this season as well. Deepika says: “Jumbo-sized statement stripes and bold graphic prints are hot again. We will return to grunge. A 90s nostalgia has hit us; be it in the resurrection of baggy jeans, high-waisted trousers or slip dresses. Grunge, with a hint of shine, however, is what it will be. The Bermuda is back. The Oriental influence, in a trend called the geisha girl effect, seen in rich fabrics, detailed prints, kimono sleeves, etc, will be popular during Monsoon 2013.”
For those that like bling, you would be glad to know that shimmer is back, with high-shine dresses and shimmering textures.
What’s out
On the flipside, while Neeta says: “Women must stop wearing flared skirts from now,” Deepika adds: “Androgynous clothing is out. Baroque is fading away and a kind of minimalism is creeping in. The lavish metallic brocade, heavy lace, diamante detailing is giving way to easier, more relaxed sartorial sense. The romantic trend, with floaty hemlines, feather accessories, etc, are on their way out.”
Stylist Niyanta Gupta says: “Straight fit trousers won’t be seen as much. We must embrace its high-waisted wide-leg variant instead.”
When it comes to accessories for Monsoon 2013, don’t wear anything leather! Bags must be waterproof, printed and colourful. Umbrellas are a must-have, but leave the boring block coloured ones at home and buy yourself a floral print umbrella or maybe even a funky newsprint one. Wearing the right footwear in the rains is important. Opt for flip-flops, crocs or mules depending on the clothes you’re wearing. Wedges are stylish.
This is when you must ensure your make up is waterproof. As far as hairstyles are concerned, high ponytails and French braids are chic. Now that you’ve style-checked yourself, you don’t have to worry if it’s raining or pouring! Kaftans, tunics, short dresses, cropped pants and high-waisted trousers are fashionable during Monsoon 2013.
