With monsoon just round the corner, we asked some city-based fashion designers and stylists the ultimate do and don’t for the ladies to keep their style game on without worrying too much about their outfits at the whims and fancies of the rain Gods. Treading through waterlogged roads in rainswept hair and outfits is very unpleasant. Fret not, we are here to guide you.
Monsoon is all about how smartly you play around with colours…
Designer Abhishek Dutta says, “Monsoon means gloomy weather. The idea is to reflect your inner vibrancy. Opt for Viva Magenta, which is Pantone’s 2023 colour of the year. Aqua is also very predominant in this season and so are teal blue, coral and lilac. These are the colours of monsoon. What is better than a chance to brighten up one’s mood by making the right colour choices?”
As far as fabric is concerned, try and go for something water resistant. It’s better to avoid cotton and linen. Cotton retains water while linen tends to become soggy and crunched, which makes it not suitable for monsoon. Blended fabric which has some fluidity and is a bit slippery in nature would make a good choice for monsoon. It will keep one from getting damp.
However, fashion stylist and designer Davina Thacker has a completely different view about fabrics. She says, “Choose cotton because it allows your skin to breathe. Wear loose kurtis made of cotton. Avoid leather and velvet by all means”.
Ditch your denims?
Fashionistas ask if denims can be their friends in this season of gloom and doom. Davina opposes it vehemently. “Denim is a strict no-no for me. It’s not stretchable and can make you feel all tightened up. But if you are not willing to part from your pair of jeans, opt for the cropped ones or loose boyfriend jeans.”
Fashion designer Sandip Jaiswal, however, swears by denims. “ I am a crazy denim lover, and I believe monsoon cannot be a reason for saying no to your denims. Denims with gumboots are very trendy. Just tuck your denim pants inside your boots and carry an umbrella, simple!”
He adds, “Avoid cotton. Chiffon or georgette saris will make your evening party look gorgeous and manageable.”
Do you really need a separate wardrobe for monsoon?
Abhishek says, “First of all, I believe monsoon is a very small segment. Our summer collection only extends to the monsoon. And also the fact that it is not the wedding season. Women will be in a relaxed mood. They can keep their style quotient high by teaming up mid-length dresses with oversized jackets. If one is going to a party, I think this combination will look nice and it is no way day or night specific. However, the colour can vary depending on the time of the day. Wear coral in daytime and opt for more vibrant colours in the evening only if you are going to a party. At any time avoid full-length dresses for obvious reasons — you do not want splashes of mud stain your clothes, do you?” He also advises accessorising right. “Take your style quotient up several notches by wearing ankle-length, neon PVC boots. If you are wearing a rainwear, make sure it is not in those boring greys and blacks and blues. You can actually go for transparent raincoat. It provides you with the essential layering and the clothes underneath are visible too, just a win-win. Layering is an art. Ladies can team up their midi dresses with bomber jackets with graphic prints or even Bolero jackets.”
Davina is also on the same page. “You do not want to damp your clothes. Opt for ankle-length clothing. Add drama to your outfits. Use scarf instead of dupatta. If you are wearing plain, simple outfit in one tone, opt for a monochrome scarf in a funky and abstract pattern. If you are wearing a knee-length, bright-coloured dress, don’t forget to carry a one-tone scarf. This look can be further enhanced by jelly shoes. Don a cap if you are planning to slip into a pair of denim crop pants. Pair it with a simple black or white tee.”
And quickly take out your umbrella before stepping out. It’s a huge fashion statement in itself. “Umbrella can be a very important fashion accessory. So rather than carrying those boring, monochrome umbrellas, go for funky prints in vibrant colours. ”.
Sandip agrees. “We no longer associate umbrellas with grandpas and uncles”. As far as the overall looks go, he says, “Opt for frock-style one-piece dresses. A knot on the shoulder lifts the whole look altogether. Pair it up with colourful gumboots.
Do not neglect your feet
Your footwear deserve equal attention as the rest of your wardrobe. Keep away from germs by opting for rubberized boots. Davina says, “Rubberized footwear, colourful crocs and jelly shoes are trendy this season. Not to mention, rubberized footwear takes care of your tender, delicate feet like no other in monsoon.”
Sandip says, “The Internet has made the fashion space so much competitive. You get anything while sitting in the comfort of your home. Look for gumboots with floral and intricate embroideries embossed on them. Fret not, they can be waterproof. It meets your fashion needs and gives you the necessary protection as well. Wear transparent raincoats.”
Take great care when you are layering yourself
Davina’s tips are: “Trench coats, oversized jackets, parkas and hooded ponchos should be your go-to things this monsoon. Even better, opt for pocketable parkas. Parka jackets look excellent when paired with rubberized sandals. Carry a quirky umbrella as a fashion accessory as it serves dual purpose. Accessorise your hooded ponchos with ankle-length rubber boots, and pair your trench coat with tall, hunter boots. If you are wearing a midi skirt, layer it with a trenchcoat to achieve a polished look. Wear rubberized boots and finish off the look with a trendy cap. Your another chic look for the monsoon could be ankle-length pants with a funky, patterned scarf that will add pop of colours to your look. Put on ankle boots and a bomber jacket for the necessary warmth without compromising on your style quotient. You are good to go. ”
Quick tips on how to accessorise yourself
Davina says, “Avoid wearing any bracelet or anklet as anyway you are going to be covered. A pair of loop earrings will do. Always wear fake jewellery this particular season.” Sandip echoes her thoughts. “Wear a pair of danglers or Hobbs studs. Better not to wear anything junky. Monsoon requires very few accessories.”