Get wet in style

Follow these style tips from celebs and fashion designers and look chic this monsoon

When raindrops start falling on your head, you might think that it’s not the best of the days to step of your house looking your glamorous best. But that downpour needn’t dampen your spirits. You can put your best foot forward with some useful tips from celebrities and fashion designers.

Bright hues

Monsoon is the perfect season to wear bright colours that not only elevate your spirits but also act as the perfect antidote to the gloomy weather. So bring out those fruity shades like marigold orange, pink, coral blue, turquoise, sunshine yellow, royal blue and hibiscus pink . “Avoid pastel hues as they get dirty and don’t look too good in this wet climate. You can also opt for darker shades like indigo, purple and blue,” says designer Nikasha Tawdey. Take a cue from Kareena Kapoor who was spotted in a short indigo blue dress at a recent event.

Fabrics for the rain

Stylist Pria Agni suggests that cotton and synthetic fabrics are the ideal choice. Actress Mahima Chaudhuri opts for cotton wear during the day and settles for chiffon and silks for the evenings. “Not only is cotton comfortable to wear but it doesn’t take too long to dry,” she adds. Nachiket explains that one can also opt for georgettes and crepes as they are low maintenance and stay crease free. Nikasha opines that one can choose outfits that are 98 per cent cotton and two percent of lycra. “A lycra element in your top or pants looks fresh, remains crease free and dries easily,” she explains.

Chic and comfy outfits

Women should opt for peddle pushers, capris, knee length pants and skirts. For casual wear, one can settle for shorts and T-shirts, while for formals, synthetic shirts and polyester slim fit trousers are a safe bet for men and women. Nachiket says, “Linen pants are a complete no no as they get limp with moisture and get dirty easily. Men can opt for cargo pants.”

Actress Sagarika Ghatge suggests a short dress or a good pair of shorts as the ideal casual wear for the monsoon. “For evening wear, you can opt for a jacket or shrug as it keeps you warm” she adds. You can seek some inspiration from Priyanka Chopra who is always comfortable in a short skirt. Men can take a cue from Salman Khan who was seen flaunting his biceps in a vest at Aamir Khan’s party or from Dino Morea, who is comfortable in a T-shirt and cargo pants.

Accessorise it right

Opt for neon gumboots, bright crocs or chic flats that help your feet stay clean, says Pria. “A quality umbrella is a functional accessory. One should also use a good weather proof bag to braze the rains. But stay away from flip flops as they get dirty easily,” says Nachiket. Mahima suggests that on a bad hair day, bright bandanas and caps can save your day. Scarves can be used as a head gear, stole or a cravat. As for jewellery, opt for multi-coloured anklets, thin plastic bangles and eclectic neck pieces. “I avoid wearing metal jewelry in the rain as it could rust them. I prefer wearing bangles and anklets,” says actress Arzoo Govitrikar.

Make-up essentials

Less is more seems to be the mantra for the season. Opt for a waterproof mascara, a kajal and some bright lip gloss. Mahima says, “During the rains, I always use bright colour lipsticks like orange, dark pink that light up my face instantaneously.” “I only prefer wearing waterproof make-up as it helps the make-up to stay longer and not get smudged,” adds Arzoo.