For India’s city folks, the monsoons are always an excuse to take time off. And after holing indoors hiding from the heat waves that we experienced this year, nothing sounds more enticing than going off on long drives, rolling the window down, and feeling the crisp wind tousle your hair, enjoying hikes as it softly drizzles, or tucking in with a good book and a hot mug of cocoa while watching the dreamy rainclouds float by.
What are your monsoon weekend plans? Well, whatever they are, the first thing you must be thinking about is what to wear, right? Let us help you out with a monsoon casual style-sheet, so that you can look like a stunner in all those Insta posts you’re gonna take!
For starters, let’s talk about house parties and indoor hangouts. While this is the season for dressing down, that doesn’t mean you can’t make statements. For both ladies and gents, choose comfortable silhouettes, and have fun with colours and prints. Women can choose cool co-ord sets in standout colours and prints, have fun with cropped tops and boyfriend t-shirts, or pair statement bralettes with baggy shirts or that classic oversized white shirt and denim hot shorts look, which is always a hit. Cropped tops come in a variety of styles, and make for the perfect hangout OOTD. Check out brands like Puma and Adidas for the latest drops.
If you are in the mood for prints, don’t play safe (fashion’s all about bold and shocking these days). Tie-dye is obviously hot — been hot for four years now, but the trend ain’t dying out anytime soon. So feel free to splurge on tie-dye everything — and you can have all the fun you want with it. Florals are very cool too. You can choose from understated tonal florals if you are just tippy-toeing around the trend, or go maximalist with big and bright motifs in colours that demand attention. Zara and H&M definitely are great places to shop casualwear and prints. And don’t be afraid to do a print-on-print. The key is to make sure your garments have structure and shape — that’s the difference between an Insta-trending look, and looking like you’re wearing a wallpaper.
Gentlemen, we recommend well-fitted shorts with everything. For house parties, ditch them trousers and denims — another reason to not skip leg day, guys — and pair smart crewnecks or resort-fit shirts with shorts. Print is on the memo for you too. Start safe if you are a rookie, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Men can shop road trip must-haves from Zara and H&M too, along with chill casuals from brands like Paul Smith, Celio, and Tommy Hilfiger. Also, edgy brands like Calvin Klein, Armani Exchange, and Diesel should be on the radar for both men and women.
There are a few things more fun than a long drive to nowhere. Pick up your friends, pack some munchies, plug in your playlist, and drive out of the city. But what should you wear? Streetwear and casual athleisure could be a cool outfit theme. Now, boys and girls, repeat after me: Athleisure is not gymwear. Don’t pull out your boring blacks. Shop cool jogger co-ords in neons and striking prints. This works for both women and men. Ladies, ditch the baggy and shop form-fitted streetwear to turn up that oomph. Stylish joggers, cool tank tops, cropped tees, off-shoulder and one-shoulder numbers, stylish bralettes, and knotted tees should be added to cart. Play with colours, play with prints, and mix-n-match however you want to. The only rule of streetwear, is that there aren’t any.
Long drives are also a great opportunity to add a layer to your look. A snug hoodie zip-on or a light puffer jacket (if you can get your hand on one in metallic, pick that one up and thank us later) will definitely get you compliments. Boys, while you will obviously fall back on trusted tees and hoodies — and we don’t judge you for it — there is no reason not to experiment with prints. Please ditch those boring solid colour round-neck basics (maybe hold on to the white and black ones, but dump the rest) and stock up on cool graphic prints, placement typography, logomania, and fun slogan prints (the funnier, the better).
Hoodies are always a great option, but maybe explore beyond the usual varsity varieties, and check out the wide range of options available these days. Zipper jackets and windcheaters in pop and neon colours could be a great alternative too. And, sneakers for everybody — the chunkier, the better. Athleisure brands like Puma, Adidas, Fila, and Nike, and luxury maisons like Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga are the big daddies of streetwear right now, thanks to some of the coolest collabs. For sneakers, also check out Gucci and Onitsuka Tiger.
If you are planning a weekend getaway, definitely go shopping for swimwear. While running off to Goa or the Maldives isn’t a great idea right now if you wanna enjoy the beach, it’s a lot of fun to chill in a pool, grab a few cocktails, and enjoy a book. Hence, swimwear. And no, an old t-shirt and a baggy pair of shorts is not swimwear, people. Have fun shopping for bikinis and monokinis in a variety of colours and motifs. Shivan & Narresh, The Label Life, and Verandah make some of the most jaw-dropping swimwear in the country right now. While black is a bikini favourite — as are polka dots — neon and pop is a hot trend, while there’s a wide range of prints available today. Boys, swimming briefs are always a great option, but if you are not too comfortable in them, shop for board shorts. Also, don’t forget fun flip-flops. Or, chunky clogs, that are all the rage these days.
Checking into a plush resort is always a good pampering. The coolest thing about the monsoons, is that you don’t have to be outside to enjoy the weather. Lounge at the pool bar, chill at a café, enjoy a long and lazy brunch with your partner, friends, and family, while you watch the romantic rains outside. But you don’t have to look like a sloppy tourist just because you are not stepping outside. That’s what resortwear is for.
Women, the options are endless for you. Flowy and elegant dresses are a great idea. Summery and oh-so-charming, you can pick them in your favourite colours and prints. Me-time, family hour, or date night, dresses are always a great outfit choice. If you are shopping international, it doesn’t get better than Gucci, Stella Mccartney, and Dior. Closer home, splurge on designers like Gauri & Nainika, Wendell Rodricks, and Masaba for fabulous resortwear.
Another option is pairing anything with palazzos. From long kurtas and kaftans, to cool tanks, easy blouses, baggy shirts, or hanky-hem tops — whatever you’re in the mood for. This is also a great time to bring out your bling (go overboard, no one minds) and heels. Keep the makeup light and dewy (don’t forget the humidity, girlfriend!) with pops of colour. These resortwear fits also work for cool date nights and dinners in the city.
Gents, we have only one word for you — linen. Breathable, comfortable, and outrageously dapper, shop loose shirts, pants, sharp shorts, and light jackets in linen. They are available in a range of pastels, which is perfect for the weather, and help you make a stylish entrance without melting into a sweat puddle underneath. Canali, Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren, and designer labels Harago and Yohji Yamamoto should be your shopping list.
For footwear, skip the brogues, and try on espadrilles or leather sandals. Mules are a great idea too. Some light accessorising is also recommended. Try on rings and neckchains, or maybe a sleek bracelet? The hair should preferably be neat and under control, so use a quick pomade to control that monsoon frizz, and if you have a beard, oil and wax it so that it doesn’t feel musty. Keep the collar buttons undone, order your go-to drink, and relax.
So, there you go, everything you need to shop and pack for all the fun you’re gonna have this season. Just experiment, break all the rules, and have a fantastic time!
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