Don’t let rains wash away your wardrobe: Fashion tips for the monsoon

Every season brings with it the need to customise your wardrobe. With the monsoon around the corner, experts suggest style tips that will help you up your sartorial tempo.

Last week, light showers brought relief to certain parts of Mumbai. Ever since, the rain clouds have been playing hide and seek. But if the Indian Meteorological Department is to be believed, the monsoon is not too far away. So, before the drizzle turns into a downpour, it is time to make your wardrobe monsoon-ready.

Read: Who said monsoon footwear has to be plain and dull?

Experts say “light” and “minimal” are the key words this season, and will help you make an effective fashion statement. “The monsoon season can often be a dampener when it comes to making a style statement. Having said that, it is also one of the best times of the year to wear bright colours. Easy silhouettes in natural fabrics are the go-to looks in the rains,” says designer Ritu Kumar.

Read: Monsoon Fashion: Designers Shivan and Narresh say what to wear

So, don’t dial down your playful vibe, as designers reveal how you can give your looks a monsoon makeover. — With inputs from designers Pallavi Mohan and Rinku Sobti.

A shirt dress is a comfortable yet chic option for rainy days.

1) Think utilitarian styles, in terms of culottes, midis and T-shirts

2) Maxi dresses with a high-knot, and gladiator sandals should be tried out

3) Replace your high heels with strappy sandals or funky rubber flip-flops

4) Forget the basic black umbrella, and opt for more funky designs and colours

5) The shirt dress is a go-to outfit this monsoon due to its versatility

6) Rain ponchos in fun prints are a great idea

7) Bright-coloured tank tops and shorts make for a comfortable combination

8) Choose lightweight clothing that can be dried easily. Nylon, silk and synthetic blend cotton are ideal

9) Transparent plastic accessories — be it sling bags, totes, umbrellas or gumboots in fun and quirky prints — are trending.

Culottes can be your go-to lowers during the monsoon.

Dos and don’ts

1) Add an element of fun to those overcast days by wearing bright colours

2) Experiment with shorter silhouettes

3) Avoid wearing sheer

4) Avoid purely synthetic fabrics. They cling to the body when wet

5) Denim should be avoided, as it takes longer to dry

6) Heavy make-up is a big no-no

7) Avoid wearing metallic jewellery if possible, as it might get spoilt or irritate your skin

8) Leave your leather accessories — footwear, phone covers, bags, and jewellery — at home, to protect them from getting damp.

Plastic rain ponchos are stylish and functional .

Replace your high heels with strappy sandals.