JOIN USThe rains are here and it’s time to bring out those gum boots and umbrellas. Mohini Boparai Guleria shares tips to nail the trendy look this.
I love when it rains. To me, monsoon is all about the calming smells of wet earth, a steaming hot cup of cappuccino, entertaining friends at home and well, yet another style adventure. Having grown up in
Amsterdam, where it rains through the year, my monsoon style mantra is to keep it simple, with a pop of colour. What better way to look the monsoon blues right in the eye!
So, here is a monsoon checklist that is high on fashion and perfect for the rainy days ahead:
Flirty yet chic
Summer without sundresses is a bit of an oxymoron. Even for the monsoons, these light, breezy dresses are perfect for an effortless chic look. Nothing spells flirty better than a floral sundress paired with a floppy straw hat and barely there strappy sandals. Perfect for daytime brunches with the girlfriends or balmy evenings with that special someone, some petal power will stand you in good stead, be it day or night.
Style tip: Avoid whites. It would be a miracle if you were to survive the day unscathed in white!
Androgynous apparel
Channel old-world androgyny into your look, while keeping it light and breezy with oversized tie-up shirts. To get the look, go raid your dad/brother/boyfriend/husband/best friend’s closet, pull out a crisp shirt and knot it up. For a smart casual look, team them up with coloured denims, brogues and a cross-body sling bag. For a more sensuous version, rewind to the 70s style – pair sheer tie-up shirts with flowing printed skirts and finish the look with tousled hair and dewy makeup.
Style tip: Go beyond the regular shirts and try the tie-up look with other shirts in your closet, be it tunic style shirts or faded tees, for a quick style fix.
Straight from the gym
If you think sports luxe is for jocks, think again. Besides being the trend of the season, sports luxe is, by far, the most practical look for the sticky monsoons. Fashion critics have been raving about perforated fabrics, neoprene and jersey and it is not difficult to see why. Be it the international or the Indian brand, relaxed silhouettes, breathable fabrics and straight from the gym style is the way to go this monsoon.
Style tip: Steer clear of actual joggers and hoodies. There is gym-inspired chic and just plain going-to-the-gym look, and you don’t want to fall in the latter category.
Pretty feet
A good pair of all-weather sneakers is an investment worth making in the long run, not just for the season. From gladiator to ikat print-inspired – find your perfect pair of pumped-up kicks and you are ready to take on the world. Stay low on the ground when it rains. Because you don’t want to ruin your six-inch works of art! Gumboots or wellies are also catching up with monsoon trends this year. But my allegiance stays with the sneakers.
Style tip: Let the professional runners be just for that, running! Look at more fun versions for your day-to-day style.
Trendy canopies
If Rihanna can, so can you. Seriously. People always forget that accessories such as your umbrella could also have people turning their heads. Available in a myriad of colours, prints and even illustrations, umbrellas are your perfect monsoon accessory. Invest in the ones that call out to you: psychedelic, graphic or neon-coloured. Actually, keep a few colours handy to chose from a different look every day.
Style tip: No cartoon characters please, unless you want to be a Harajuku Girl.
Make-up basics
Keep it minimum. Ditch the foundation and rely on a non-greasy gel-based moisturiser and light compact for a fresh look through the day. Water-proof mascara and eye-liner are beauty kit essentials you should not leave home without. Go light on eye makeup and invest in long-lasting lip stains and lip colours in bright shades for the dressed-up evening look.
Style tip: Again, keep it minimum. ‘Au Naturel’ is the best bet for both your skin and your fuss-free style this monsoon.
Monsoon fragrances
Breezy and mellow scents of summer won’t work for this season. With the general increase in moisture levels, opt for a stronger fragrance. A combination of wood and musk with a citrus twist is recommended. Many brands make specific rain-infused perfumes to help the wearer rejoice the sweet smell of the rains and invoke a happy feeling.
Style tip: Don’t go overboard with the strong fragrances. You don’t want to have a cloying presence wherever you go!
(The author is general manager,
fashion and lifestyle, Exclusively.com)