Monsoon — the welcome season that cools down the country and brings respite to millions, after the oppressive energy-sapping heat of an Indian summer. However, along with the happiness it brings, prolonged wet-weather can also pose many style challenges.
The complete curtailing of outdoor celebrations, for instance, is just another outcome of the seasonal shift. All activities are restricted to how great one can look indoors in artificial light. You must also consider the contingencies that may arise during transit from one place to another.
Staying dry and unsoaked is the number one priority — and so is avoiding the muck on the pavements. Easy-care materials that dry quickly and don’t absorb moisture are your best bet, along with blended fabrics instead of natural ones that may tend to crush easily. A fresh spin to your style this season can also be added with current trends. While they’re not to be followed blindly, they certainly lend a starting point to build your look. That said, ‘looking good’ also has much to do with the overall persona. It doesn’t just end at clothing per se but how you present yourself in totality. An awareness of the season and your style is the key to a fantastic appearance, no matter the weather outside!
Bold Accents
Brand: Wendell Rodricks Label | Image Source: Wendell Rodricks Label
If you feel like an overall bold palette is not for you, because it’s not a part of your mental make-up, then you can treat high-energy hues as accents in your outfit. When a printed garment is in question, make sure there is at least one bold statement or pattern that instantly stands out and acts as the defining detail.
Coveted Cutouts
Brand: Verb by Pallavi Singhee | Image Source: Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop
A glamorous trend that is back in a big way, Cutouts are great depending on where they’re positioned on the garment. It is amusing to realize, that one of my winning gowns worn by the Miss India-World delegate in the year 2006 was adorned with this very detail that is currently making waves worldwide. While Cutouts are dominating the fashion charts everywhere, you can make them your own by tailoring them to suit your body type and personal style. Focusing on the fabric too will absolutely work in your favour, as Cutouts work best when they don’t stretch from the edges.
Purple Palettes
Brand: Hemant Trevedi Label | Image Source: Hemant Trevedi Label
A colour that used to be a no-no at first glance, is now one that designers are experimenting with wholeheartedly, and that includes me! The earlier perceptions about purple stand redundant in the current era. If you don’t find it flattering enough, it may mean that you haven’t found the right hue for you yet. From marvellous mauves to the Pantone Colour Of The Year 2022, ‘Very Peri,’ there are several variations you can experiment with, to find the one that suits you best.
Statement Jewellery
Brand: Flowerchild by Shaheen Abbas | Image Source: Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop
If you want to make your jewellery a statement piece, then, by all means, that can be the most effective way to enhance a simpler garment. You’re better off straying from heavy embroidery & embellishments during the monsoon. So, wearing an everyday piece which can be dressed up or down is a great idea. While your choice of jewellery doesn’t have to be super-sized, it should be noticeable enough to act as a conversation starter. It’s essential to opt for tarnish-free bling that remains unhinged by moisture. Just make sure not to overdo it!
(Hemant Trevedi is India's first internationally trained Designer and Fashion-Director. Over the years, he has taken on the role of a Fashion Editor, Artistic Show Director, Fashion Stylist, Creative Visualiser, Fashion Consultant and Senior Mentor and Professor)
