Think pop colours, stylish parkas, and light layers. Monsoon is a great time to play with elements and up your sartorial sense. We curate a monsoon-style guide for the season 

By Sanika Achrekar 

Monsoon can be tricky for fashion, but opting for statement pieces and other waterproof essentials can make the season worthwhile, and you don’t have to wait for the winter to show off your best outfits. Here’s the ultimate monsoon checklist to make sure you’re up to date with your fashion game.

Bomber Jackets

Rains are unpredictable, and bomber jackets are a great way to add a quirky layer to your monsoon looks. Onitsuka Tiger’s latest collection has a wide range of bombers that have military utilitarian elements to them. Pick from a wide range of prints or bold hues such as summary orange, bright red, or pastels. This add-on can be paired with basics, and you are good to go. 

Knitwear

Knitwear is multi-functional — it can be worn in chilly winters as well as in windy monsoons. A statement knitwear item such as a jumper or cardigan is a staple layering option. Paired with basic shirts, T-shirts, and trousers, knitwear blends easily with everything. This monsoon, opt for a loose crewneck from Louis Vuitton. This soft wool knit sweater pays homage to the creative team in the Louis Vuitton Menswear Studio and Atelier, which is represented in a white intarsia anonymous group silhouette across the chest and sleeves, and numbered as if ready to be identified. 

Sandals

Do us a favour, and get rid of the boring black strap-on sandal. Over the last couple of years, fashion has taken men’s footwear seriously, and has brought some of the coolest pieces. Fila has come up with functional styles that come in orange, brown, red, and blue hues, helping you amp up your monsoon footwear. 

Sliders

Sliders have upgraded over the years, and have become a comfortable and versatile option. Waterproof, washable, and ultra-light, Birkenstocks’ Arizona sandal will be your BFF this season. Modelled on a cork sandal, these are made from highly flexible EVA, which has been tested for harmful substances. A comfort piece that comes in various shades such as electric blue, green, khaki, charcoal, and others. 

Travel Backpacks

Travel is back in full swing, and so is shopping for travel essentials. A compact backpack, which will exude style, is the way to go. Tumi’s zip-around multi-purpose travel backpack brings a modern element to regular bags. Equipped with a padded laptop pocket, this backpack is designed to carry heavy-duty gear, and is sized to store compact essentials. Additionally, elastic loops on the interior can secure cords and more. Simply use the g-hook to attach to the daisy chains on the shoulder or front of compatible bags.

Umbrellas

Umbrellas are the utmost important items in rainy seasons, duh. But the twist here is to switch to a stylish one, ditching the same old black or boring primary colours. Think of graphic, floral, and watercolour prints that will bring life to your outfit when you aren’t in the mood to dress up. Make umbrellas the go-to statement piece that will define the tone of your look. India Circus’s latest designer umbrellas are an ideal choice for this year’s rain gear. They come in bright colours with bold motifs such as paisley, floral, and safari prints, adding vibrance to the gloomy weather.