Monsoon gear: Take a rain check

With the rains already creating havoc, it’s time to give up your regular wear for water-proof #OOTDs. But that doesn’t have to mean dark umbrellas, ill-fitted plastic shoes or monotone capri pants. Stay afloat with funky monsoon-wear from local markets and e-stores, such as coloured wraparound rain-skirts or quirky umbrellas.

“Trendy gumboots work great with denims, and you can wear midi-skirts instead of cropped pants,” says celebrity stylist Allia Al Rufai. “A bright trench-style raincoat in opaque PVC can accentuate your style. Finish the look with an umbrella that complements your personality.”

“Umbrellas are fashion statements too,” says Pratik Doshi, founder of e-commerce website Cheeky Chunk. “The gloomy weather gets a lift with quirky designs, and people have the chance to flaunt their style.”

Pair faded capris with sneaker-style rain shoes for a grunge look, or a cute dress with strappy, glittery jelly sandals.

Umbrellas

It’s raining hashtags and catchphrases this monsoon. E-stores Cheeky Chunk and Modern Ape have ‘mitti ki khushboo’, ‘chutti aur masti’, ‘do dil ek chaata’ and other Mumbai phrases doodled on umbrellas. Social media junkies can flash umbrellas with rain-related hashtags, such as #ChaiTime and #Baarish.

Where: CheekyChunk.com, TheModernApe.in
Cost: Prices start at Rs 595

Poncho raincoats and wraparound rain-skirts can protect your clothes and up your style quotient.

Raincoats

Need to stay dry but don’t want to look like every other person on the street? Try trendy poncho-style raincoats, or a co-ords raincoat set.

“Pair a T-shirt dress with gumboots and a transparent poncho-style raincoat. This way, you can show off your outfit as well as protect yourself from heavy showers,” says fashion blogger and stylist Santoshi Shetty.

Where: ZeelRetail.com
Cost: Prices start at Rs 549

Checkered moccasins and metal-studded thongs available in variety of rain-friendly materials.

Shoes

An absolute necessity in the mucky monsoon, your rain shoes do not need to be boring or unfeminine. Continue to wear thong and strappy sandals, but ones that come in rain-friendly material. Men can pair shorts with checkered, water-resistant moccasins.

“Wear loafers and cut-out shoe styles with knee-length shorts or culottes for a sporty-chic look,” adds Shetty.

Where: Jabong; Amazon; AJIO; HyperCity Retail, Malad (West); Irla Market
Cost: Prices start at Rs 250