As monsoon continues, follow this rainy-day fashion guide to ace your style

The peak of the monsoon season is already over but several regions across the country including Mumbai are still receiving moderate to heavy rainfall in SeptemberWith the rain come different kinds of challenges in choosing an ideal outfit that not only looks stylish but is also comfortable and convenient to manage during the downpour From fabric to fit and from accessories to footwear every element needs to be taken into consideration while curating the perfect outfit for a rainy dayldquoI always say monsoon style is all about striking a balance between comfort functionality and flair The weather is unpredictable so your outfit needs to be reliablerdquo shares celebrity stylist Madhuri SinghFabric and colourOn a rainy day it is best to opt for lightweight fussfree outfits that are easy to maintain and allow comfortable movement One can experiment with specific fabrics and colours that are suitable for the monsoon seasonldquoThe goal is to choose fabrics that are breathable lightweight and quickdrying Cotton rayon crepe and muslin work beautifully during the rainy season They are easy to manage and wonrsquot get heavy when wetrdquo suggests SinghStylists Madhuri Singh L and Manjari Mishra RPersonal stylist Manjari Mishra popularly known as thesartorialgeek further recommends avoiding certain fabrics ldquoAvoid heavy fabrics like leather knits or even thick denim Soft and light fabrics are the best for monsoon Nylon and polyester work well but if natural fabrics are a preference then linen is a good choicerdquo she saysRain often creates a gloomy atmosphere hence opting for vibrant colours during the monsoon season can not only make one look stylish but may also help uplift moodldquoMonsoon is a great time to embrace vibrant colours and bold prints Shades like bright green orange cobalt blue or fuchsia pink add energy and contrast beautifully against grey skies If yoursquore a print lover experiment with tropical motifs abstract patterns or playful geometricsrdquo recommends SinghHowever besides the style one should also consider functionality and opt for colours that can bear the brunt of the rain Solid colours are often the safest bet as they donrsquot become seethrough easilyMishra recommends opting for darker colours and prints that can hide stains that one might get while commuting ldquoItrsquos better to avoid whites or pastels as mud stains are inevitable so light colours wonrsquot help Adding pops of bright colours through accessories like bags scarfs jewellery or shoes can brighten up your look on a gloomy dayrdquo she sharesFit and formAs much as you might want to wear a maxi dress for an outing on a rainy day it is best to avoid it Certain outfit choices especially those that are floortouching are often not functional and comfortable during the monsoon season One should skip long bottoms like flared trousers floorlength skirts maxi dressespalazzos etcWhat works best then Mishra says ldquoShorter hemlines in pants skirts or dresses anything anklelength or above is the best for rainy days as it makes commuting in the rain much easierrdquoIt is also advisable to opt for breathable silhouettes ldquoChoose structured yet breathable fits mdash think cropped trousers coord sets shirt dresses or wrap skirts These hold their shape and keep you looking sharp even when the weather doesnrsquot cooperaterdquo advises Singh adding ldquoAvoid tightfitting clothes like skinny jeans and steer clear of heavy fabrics like denimrdquoMonsoon fashion tipsBesides the outfit itself one must select footwear accessories etc that donrsquot hamper comfort during the monsoon seasonldquoWaterproof rain jackets that look cooler than regular raincoats could be a good addition to your outfitrdquo says MishraSingh further shares the following tips to bring flair and functionality to your monsoon lookFootwearGo for waterproof sandals slides mules or even Crocs Avoid leather or suede as they get spoiled easilyBagsPVC totes transparent clutches or coated canvas bags are great picks Theyrsquore functional and still look chicJewelleryStick to acrylic resin terracotta pieces or coated metals that wonrsquot tarnish and can add a pop of colour or quirk to your rainyday outfitUndergarmentsThis is a monsoon essential Breathable moisturewicking undergarments keep you dry and comfortable throughout the dayHairHumidity brings frizz so go for sleek ponytails braided buns or simply tie a printed scarf around your head It protects your hair and adds characterWhat to wear during the rainy seasonStill not sure about your fashion for a rainy day The stylists share outfit pairings that are both stylish and practicalMishra has the following suggestions1 You can opt for a linen shirt along with linen shorts and kneehigh rain boots2 Parachute trousers paired with tank tops or any other tee of your choice is also a good option3 Wear colourful rain jackets with a monochromatic layer underneathSingh shares the following combinations that work well during monsoon1 You can opt for stylish dresses such as shirt dresses Aline cotton dresses or wrap dresses paired with waterproof sandals Keep the hemline above the calf to avoid dirty hemlines Avoid bodycon silhouettes or long maxis that trail through puddles2 Georgette or rayon coord sets are also suitable for the monsoon season These are easy to wear look polished and dry quickly Opt for bold florals checks or eyecatching solids like orange parrot green or fuchsia for a cheerful vibe on grey days3 You can experiment with layering A solid cotton shirt over a crop top and shorts can act as a shield from the drizzle while also adding depth to your look