Warm & muted: Monsoon fashion

 

(Photo:graduation gowns)Monsoon and fashion share a bitter-sweet bond. The rain brings with it a sense of confusion about how to dress. Do away with the anxiety by adopting earthy neutrals that reflect all things natural.

As the clouds start pouring and streets turn into canals of Venice, our cheerful summer wardrobe instantly starts morphing into a melange of muted shades camou flaging the intense post monsoon landscape.

Unleash the Euro pean in you and pull out the greys, blacks and browns. Think a deeper palette of brick red, terracotta, coffee, teal, olive green and vintage, washed-out dusty pastels and urban greys like pewter, slate etc. “Muted shades are not only dirtfriendly, but also conceal humidity and sweat stains along with unwanted splatter of mud and random puddle attacks. Neutrals like beige, bis cuit, camel, mocha, etc are best in vestments and go well with darker muted shades,” suggests designer Aniket Satam. If you do not wish to sport these colours in their Plane Jane avatar, add a dose of pop colours like mustard, paprika red, mint green, orchid magenta to break the monotony and add a pinch of quirkiness to the ensemble.

1. UPGRADED WORKWEAR

A muted pastel kurta with bold, XXL-size kalamkari print works as a cool upgraded version of churidar kurta. “Skip the regular dupatta layering and add an artsy detail with a gypsystyle bandana scarf,” suggests designer Babita Malkani. If your profession allows you to be a little more creative, team the kurta with khadi culottes or crush kalamkari skirt.

2. MINIMAL CHIC

There’s something prim and proper about a drawstring shirt dress. “Sport a number that’s all about understated, simple tailoring and a loose fit – it’s flattering and comfortable,” says designer Pooja S. Sex it up with a slit on each side. To inject a fun vibe, wear a high ponytail and a pair of chic sneakers.

3. SPORT WITH LUXURY

“Go for an anti-fit silhouette that captures the shades of monsoon,” says designer Shruti Sheth. The tie-and-dye effect is accentuated with impeccable applique work and signature sports detailing. The contrast of navy stripes and abstract tie and dye add a charm to off-beat layering. Luxe bomber jackets are a must this season.

4. COAT FOR URBAN COOL

Layer a long raincoat style coat with smart city bermudas and shirt for a comfy sports-inspired day look. Men should opt for more colour dosage and balance it with muted neutrals to beat the monsoon blues. “Complete the look with slide-in sandals that have one large strap that goes over the top of the foot.They are more comfortable than flip flops and look a lot more fashionable,” suggests designer Anuj Madaan.

5. RELAXED YET POWERFUL

Give that much needed twist to formal wear by sporting a set of knee-length formal pants with a front-open, double-layered polyester satin vest over a white shirt. Incorporate minuscule pocket detailing to make the silhouette look edgy.

6. MOVIE MANIA

Bold and vibrant prints that look like they are taken off a vintage film poster make you feel nostalgic. “An easy flowing silhouette adds just the right amount of quirkiness to a mundane grey climate. The mix of patterns in a simple short dress is fun and easy to maintain and very much apt for a crazy monsoon weekend gateway,” says Satam.

7. JUMP INTO MONSOON

A pretty floral-printed rayon jumpsuit with a slim ankle is what you need to feel like you are on a yacht sipping champagne. Banish bright base shades of ivory, cream and grey.”Look at dark, painterly blooms that resemble clusters of petals swirling in a rainy storm. Finish with chunky accessories that call for attention,” says stylist Eshaa Amiin.

-Inputs by Ritu Kumar, Sana and Sulakshana, Amy Billimoria and Pria Kataaria Puri. Vidhi Wadhwani, Nidhi Munim and Tarun Tahilani.Read more at:uk prom dresses