Don’t let your wardrobe be a washout this monsoon
Monsoons are not synonymous with either pretty or well- put- together. Rains love to remind you that you are but human, capable of looking damp and sticky and that St. Vincent dress with those you so covet, is not here forever. To look your best in monsoon can be a Herculean task — you do not have the sun to help bleach out the stray hair and skin defect, and if you end up getting caught in a shower, it could be the end of your expensive outfit. Neither can we resort to overcoats and blazers to smoothen over a look like in the winters. In this situation, here is a cheat code to help you get by. FLOWY MAXI DRESSES Here’s the thing, this is when your all-purpose chiffon maxi dress comes into use. The best part about the monsoon is because of the rich saturated warm tones of a cloudy day, you can carry off any colour that you wish to wear. Choose anything under the sun from a wide range of prints available, the louder the better cheer. Animal, floral, tropical, abstract, geometrical prints, Aztec and other ethnic prints all work well on a maxi dress. Team it up with metal jewellery, such as big chunky neckpieces, those evergreen hoops, or colourful beady pieces to bring out your outfit. MONSOON JACKETS Lighter jackets can come to the rescue of a more delicate outfit in these days. Throw over a loose hanging trench coat over your peplum dress or office skirt to get you past the roads without muck getting in the way. You could include the jacket permanently in your attire by going for distressed denim, the hottest trend of this year. Opt for the very popular denim jacket over a T shirt and boyfriend jeans (or classic jeans for men), or pair up the jacket with a pair of bright coloured denim shorts and a sailor tee. Denim is harder than most materials and can withstand some amount of rain- and-wind damage without making you look like a lost puppy. In fact, some amount of tousle may actually work in your favour here. The cropped jacket is a great idea to cheat your way into looking taller and slimmer, especially paired with a darker block coloured dress, or pair of trousers. If you dared to buy a floral or tropical print (another raging trend) waistcoat recently, this might be the time it can be put to use without you getting too aware of how bright you look (yes, even the lime green one works.) THE RIGHT SHOES I know t his has been said enough number of times, but retire those crocs. No weather can be so demanding that no other pair of shoes will do. Take out a pair of jelly sandals instead, and strap them on with a bright beady anklet. Conversely, you could go in for PVC boots, the ones with medium stocky heels are particularly useful while crossing puddles. This way you save your pedicure and style both at ones. RAIN-PROOF ACCESSORIES Accessories are the one thing that gives you more options, so try being a little creative. Try an aqua or lime coloured water-proof tote, with proper zip-lined pockets to save your iPad and phone from getting destroyed. A waterproof satchel is a good idea as well, in faux leather, with straps to sling it across your back when the dire need arises. What you lack in style due to the practicality of your outfit, make up for it by wearing colour with your accessories. Go bohemian with rings, anklets, and neck pieces, both as chokers as well as hanging pieces. Or sport a water-proof watch (there are plenty in the market) to add gravity or fun to your attire. A colourless, transparent raincoat may not be the most gorgeous thing to wear on the streets, but if it helps you protect your very expensive dress, why not? If you are the romantic kinds, a pretty umbrella is all it takes to make you picture perfect in the pelting rain. Instead of kohl, line your eyes with a water-proof eye-liner, and use gel based moisturizers to protect your face as well as control oil secretion. Go for candy pinks, peaches, and nude shades of lip colours and nail varnishes to really make them pop. FIGHT THE FRIZZ The rain creates havoc for most people’s tresses, whether by making them too oily, or conversely too dry and break prone. To fight frizz during the monsoon, avoid washing your hair very often. Go in for deep conditioning as much as you can, and stay away from that air drier. If you must, opt for an ionic blow dryer. Try to keep it out of harm’s way by wearing it up in a top knot, or a loose side bun, braiding it up. For a day out with friends or when on holiday, you could even try tying it up in a scarf, or making a turban with the scarf that you then gently braid with your hair. With these tips handy, you are all ready to go out and fight even the tardiest monsoons. Good luck!