Our wardrobes need a makeover as we approach the height of monsoon season. The streets overflow with rainwater, and the humidity rises, signaling the need for light, breathable clothing that keeps us comfortable while maintaining our style. The gloomy weather outside shouldn’t stop you from wearing a pop of colour as there’s definitely nothing a cute outfit can’t fix.
Dressing for the rainy season requires a careful blend of style and practicality, making it tough to stay fashionable while protecting yourself from heavy rain. Styling during the monsoon season might also seem more challenging than in seasons, as you can’t go all breezy and light like for summers or completely covered up in layers as we do for winters. But fret not, we’ve gathered some fantastic monsoon wear looks that work from 9-5 and 5-9 no matter how much it rains.
Colour Play:
As dark clouds gather, countering the rainy season by experimenting with colours can instantly boost spirits on dreary days. Brighten up the monsoon with either sunny yellow tones or serene blues and greens. Whether you choose a flowy dress or a cute raincoat, these colours add a touch of optimism to your outfit. Pair it with neutral accessories for a balanced look that effortlessly transitions from day to night. A fresh bright colour palette might be exactly what you need this season. For a subtle look, going for earthy neutral shades is the safest and chic choice. Colours like taupe, sand, and beige convey a quiet luxury and soft vibe perfect for mixing and matching.
Flowy chic:
Boho chic aesthetic is never outdated and that’s an undeniable fact. Dresses, particularly the flowy and knee-length varieties, perfectly capture the essence of the monsoon and the bohemian vibe. Wearing dresses during the monsoon is ideal because they are breathable and comfortable, allowing air circulation and preventing sweat buildup. Not only are they adorable, but they also protect you from the roadside rainwater dreary and mud splashes, making them our top choice for the season! Going for options like maxi dresses, peasant blouses, or embroidered jackets to slay the boho vibe. You can accessorise by adding a statement necklace or throw on a cardigan to your boho look. Dresses also offer ease of movement and can be styled with accessories to stay fashionable despite the rainy weather.
Kurta-core:
A humble kurta can be your go-to wardrobe staple as it suits any season and occasion. Especially during monsoon, kurtas are an excellent option for those seeking a blend of comfort and sophistication amid the wet and windy weather. They seamlessly transition from daytime activities to evening events, available in various styles and designs to suit any and all your fashion preferences. Wearing kurtas during the monsoon is ideal as they are made from breathable, lightweight fabrics like cotton, which keep you cool and dry. Their loose fit allows better air circulation, preventing sweat from clinging to your skin which is just an added bonus because monsoon’s humidity is just the most unbearable thing known to humankind. Additionally, kurtas are stylish and come in a variety of patterns and colours, perfect for rainy days.
No Jeans Please:
Denim is already a heavy fabric that becomes even heavier when wet. Without a dryer, soaked jeans can take nearly two days to fully dry. Wet jeans can feel heavy and clingy, leading to discomfort and potential skin irritation. Opt for lighter, quick-drying fabrics for better comfort and mobility in rainy weather. If you can’t eliminate jeans from your wardrobe, choose cropped jeans or lighter denim instead. Instead of denim, you can instead go for linen pants or flared cotton pants as they are lighter to feel and wear and dry much faster without becoming a hassle to deal with.
Fabric Needs:
The fabrics you should not miss out on during monsoon are most definitely cotton and linen as these fabrics are breathable, absorb moisture and move with you along with providing comfort. Blended fabrics made of poly nylon and cotton are also preferable. It helps you stay cool and prevents sweat from sticking to your skin. For better ventilation, go for airy fabrics like linen or mulmul. Don’t let the unpleasant weather affect your style in any way or form. Select cotton outfits such as dresses, shirts, and shorts for a cool and comfortable monsoon look.
Choosing the right fabric is crucial because some like crepe and chiffon lose their sheen and get damaged quickly when wet. Some other fabrics that you can definitely avoid during monsoon are silk, velvet and wool. Although silk is lighter than wool or denim, it is prone to water stains. If only part of a silk garment gets wet, it can leave a noticeable mark. You might need to steam the stain, spot-clean it with vinegar, or take it to the dry cleaners for more stubborn stains. The Reason to avoid velvet is that velvet is a pile fabric, making it denser and more likely to retain water compared to other fabrics. If velvet gets wet, it is unlikely to dry within a few hours. Therefore, it’s best to avoid wearing your velvet evening wear during the monsoon season. It doesn’t come as news that it is better to avoid wool during monsoon, since wool is an animal fibre, it tends to develop a musty odour when exposed to damp air. Due to the high humidity during the monsoon, it’s advisable to store your woolens and wool blends until after the rainy season.
While we love giving you the perfect fashion choices for you to wear in the rainy season, we shouldn’t ignore the desperate need for wardrobe adjustments during the rain. You can maintain your style by being mindful of a few basics to adapt to the season effectively.