Monsoon fashion guide for women

Fabrics that work

Choose polyester blends, rayon, georgette, crepe, nylon and quick-dry cotton blends. They dry quickly and do not hold smell. Skip pure cotton in heavy rain, since it stays wet for hours. Skip chiffon in white, because it goes see-through. Skip denim, which stays heavy and cold. Skip silk and suede, because water leaves marks.

• Pick prints and mid tones. They hide mud splashes.
• Pick cropped or ankle-length trousers.
• Wear a lightweight rain jacket or a packable poncho.
• Carry a spare pair of socks and a small towel.

Outfit formulas

Each includes footwear and one accessory.

Colour strategy

Monsoon skies are grey, so colour brings relief. Wear mustard, coral, teal, bottle green or fuchsia. Colour also hides mud. Avoid white and pale pastels on wet days, as they show everything. If you love neutrals, add a bright scarf or umbrella. Choose the colour that sits well near your face.

Commute and office looks

Monsoon commutes are wet, crowded and slow. Plan the outfit for the whole trip, not only the desk. Wear quick-dry trousers and a top in a print. Carry a small umbrella and a rain jacket. Keep a plastic bag for wet shoes and a pair of office shoes in your drawer. Tie hair up. Use a waterproof backpack for your laptop. If you wear a saree, choose a synthetic blend such as georgette or crepe, and pin the pleats shorter. Hold the hem off the ground as you cross water.

• Carry office shoes in the bag and wear rubber sandals to work.
• Choose prints and dark colours for the commute.
• Wear a waterproof watch and phone pouch.
• Keep a spare dupatta in your drawer for emergencies.

Silhouette that suits the rain

In rain, shorter and straighter wins. A midi or knee-length dress keeps the hem out of puddles. Ankle-length trousers or capris avoid wet cuffs. A cropped jacket with a high-waisted bottom is easy to wear. Long kurtas are fine if they end at mid-calf, and a straight cut avoids flapping in the wind. Layer thin pieces rather than one thick one. A thin top under a light jacket dries fast and lets you adjust to cold AC when you go indoors. A scarf in a quick-dry fabric adds warmth and colour.

• Choose straight and cropped over wide and long.
• Carry a light layer for strong office AC.
• Tie your hair in a braid or a bun. Frizz is a given.
• Use a waterproof pouch for your phone.

Footwear

Footwear decides your day. Wear rubber or silicone flats, flip flops, waterproof sandals or sneakers with a grip. Leave leather, suede and heels at home. Wash your shoes with mild soap and dry them away from direct heat. Keep a spare pair at the office.

Caring for clothes

Hang clothes in a ventilated place. Do not stuff wet clothes in a bag. Use naphthalene balls or neem leaves in the wardrobe. Iron clothes to remove damp. Wash rain-splashed hems the same day.

Climate note

Monsoon runs June to September on most of the coast and central India, and parts of the south into November. Humidity is high. Expect sudden showers. Mumbai and Kerala see the heaviest rain. Delhi has humid heat with short heavy bursts.

What to stop buying for monsoon

Stop buying white pants and light-coloured trousers. Stop buying long flowing hems that drag in water. Stop buying leather shoes in July. Stop buying heavy denim. Choose light, bright and short.

Questions

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