What reigns in the rains 

It’s tough to look stylish in the rains. Leading fashion designers tell you how to look your fashionable best when it pours 

To many, the monsoon means dull weather, murky clouds and dripping clothes. Fashion is the last thing on their minds. But there are many ways in which you can spruce up your style quotient. 

“As monsoon is the dullest of all seasons, the idea is to go for happier colours that cheer you up,” says designer Maheka Mirpuri. “A palette of soothing verdant and watery blues can lift the spirits. Go for easy-to-wear, breathable, non-transparent fabrics like lightweight denims and non-crushable cottons. Capris and culottes are a fabulous choice for rainwear as they stay off your ankles and steer clear of the muck. In footwear, I would recommend zero fuss slip-ons and easy-to-wipe platform heels. As for accessories, crochet and beads are hot.” 

The rainy season is more of a prelude to the festive season. Though no designer creates a collection centred around this weather, the consensus is in favour of inexpensive, wash-at-home attire. Says designer Dev of Dev n Nil label, “Most designer wear is meant to be drycleaned. For the monsoon, I would put my money on clothes that can be washed in water. This makes denim a great option as the material can sustain wear and tear to a large extent. 

Cottons, linens and khakhis are his choice of fabrics for the monsoon. “We have created clothes in a dull shade of turquoise, and petrol – a shade reminiscent of the bluish green nature of the solvent. This hue blends with the feel of this season when green looks greener. For a spot of fun, we have tossed in flecks of pink and orange and a spot of glazed red,” says Dev. 

A scarf or a stole is a must have for the ladies, says designer Sonam Dubal. “In prints, dyes, special washes, in abstract cuts, in silk or georgette. Take your pick. It gives a sense of elegance to the attire. I have worked in a spate of greens, acquas and soft peach with a trace of pink.” Avoid long skirts; knee length skirts are hot on the racks.

“Calf lengths work well too,” says Dev. “As do capris with fine detailing in the form of bands, pleats and pockets. Team these with an empire-line halter or wide-necked top with puff sleeves and you're set to party. Short shirt dresses that end just above the knees look trendy. As for men, though the fashion wear is limited, slightly formal shorts (not Hawaiian, please) look good.” 

So kiss goodbye to frivolous ornamentation. A hint of embellishment on your clothes at the right places makes for a signature style. And accessorise astutely. “A single piece of accessory does the trick,” says Dubal. “Whether in turquoise beads or coins coupled with eco-friendly additions like wood or jute.” Go ahead, sashay in your moccasins and espadrilles this season. Though don't forget that vital piece of rain gear – your umbrella.