Clothing
The first thing to keep in mind while dressing up in the rains is that denims are not for this season. Because the downpour might happen at any time, it’s always advisable to wear light cotton fabrics.
Shorts are great for rains. But if you wish to keep it a bit lengthier, then look for capri pants and three fourths. The idea here is not to carry mud and dirt at the rims of your pants.
However, do keep in mind that no matter how tempting these are in white and other lighter colors, we have to stay away from them. Whites are classy but you can’t wear them when it’s raining. So you may as well sport the casual look and have fun with other bright colors.
Also try and stay away from skirts, especially the light cotton ones, just in case there’s a wind.
“Orange and yellow, it seems, are the colors of the season,” says Smriti Bajracharya from Posh, a clothing store on Durbar Marg. The store currently offers a wide range of floral tops alongside button-up shirts. “Thin denim shirts are also in vogue this season,” shares Smriti.
Accessories
Since we talked of keeping it simple with clothing this season, we’ll have to pay a bit extra attention to accessories.
We all know how a chunky neckpiece worn with a simple top can do magic and recreate a whole new look. This rainy season, therefore, we’re paying special attention to little things like necklaces, rings, anklets and toe rings.
This is also the perfect time to get out your hats which will help you kill two birds with one stone – hide bad-hair days and up your style quotient. These will not only add that style quotient but also ooze up your confidence.
Also, waterproof watches in colorful shades are available in the city. So why not rock your look without doing much!
The one accessory we can’t do without every rainy season is the umbrella. Carrying an umbrella has become a fun thing these days because of its availability in various colors and prints. Choose ones with floral prints or those with blocks, stripes, checks and block colors – it’s all there in the market. Your umbrella, if interesting, could be a perfect accessory to start up a conversation. The Bhat Bhateni Superstore has just brought in a large collection of small, medium and large canopies.
Makeup
A downpour seems like a menace when we think of its affects on makeup. It gets quite difficult to keep up with a beauty regimen in rains.
“Sudden showers may make the face look patchy or washed off,” says Namita Sharma, beautician at Luza Beauty Parlor at Naxal. The advice she gives is to keep it minimal.
“A lot of cosmetic stores offer waterproof makeup,” she says, adding, “Kohl and eyeliners are the things that absolutely need to be waterproof,” she says.
And not to forget mascara: the magic wand could turn you into a raccoon if you’re caught in a sudden downpour.
As for other things, Luza suggests opting for the less-is-more idea and steer clear of any heavy makeup, heavy foundation or powdered compact. Just stick to the bare essentials like face wash, moisturizer and sun block.
“And don’t forget to cleanse your face every evening,” adds Namita.
Footwear
Getting drenched once in a while this season is fun. But think of footwear because splashing through the puddles may seem like a bad idea. Worry not, because you don’t have to make do with old worn-out shoes.
The first and the most obvious ones are flip-flops. These are fun footwear for rains and available in a range of designs and colors. The markets, especially in Khicha Pokhari and New Road, offer a wide range of stylish and affordable footwear that will keep you going this wet season. These come in rubber as well as plastic materials, making them ideal for the season.
Another option for footwear could be ballerinas, especially for those who want to keep their feet from gathering dirt. Envy, a shoe store at Durbar Marg, currently has a cute collection of waterproof sandals.
“We currently have a range of flip-flops that are ideal for the rains,” shares Chewong Dolma of Envy.
Wellies (Wellington Boots) or rain boots, also infamously known as gumboots in our country, are another safe choice for the rains. Waterproof and usually above the ankles, they are the safest option. And don’t fret. Long gone are the days when they only came in black and were as ugly as they could be.
Hair
Managing hair becomes a tedious task with the wet, then dry, and wet again routine this season. More often than not, hair gets frizzy due to the humidity upsetting your whole look. To fight the unruliness, Namita instructs a hair pack every fortnight.
“Henna is the best conditioner. You only need to keep it for 15 minutes,” she says.
As for hairstyles, try and keep it simple with classics like a pulled-back bun, or a ponytail. For a more fun look, try the messy braid which creates the “just out of the bed” look. Both these styles need no attention once they are done. And if you do plan to leave your hair down, always remember to apply an anti-frizz serum.
“Avoid downpour,” suggests Namita, adding, “Rainwater brings down pollutants, weakening the shaft bond and also making your hair dull and limp.”
It’s also a good idea to use intensive conditioners and hair oil regularly.
Okay then, off you go – walking in the rains!
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