'The' Rain-Gods Style Guide

What 'The' Rain-Gods Wear…

You sit at your window watching a big blowing storm heading your way. There is lightening, dark skies and the whole shenanigan. You watch the downpour announced with claps of thunder like the entrance of a prince. You sip some tea and watch the show.

In the background, the television screen flickers and Sridevi is doing what she is best known for, a Bollywood rain dance. Somehow rains and Bollywood dances always have this weird association in my head. Its like Indians all over the world get into an amorous mood and get out chiffons to put on a show. Style wise…chiffons are a huge NO with fashionistas. Well, Urban Tribe as you know is different.

The Rain Gods have arrived…
I put down my mug and wonder what to wear on my evening out with friends…a chiffon sari (wicked grin)…Nah!

Let's be honest. Everyone loves the rains yet everyone hates getting wet! The rains do present a predicament. How does one look fashionable while avoiding a huge splash of muck being sprayed by a passing vehicle? Or coordinate that bright umbrella which you thought was so cool in the store with just about every goddamn item of clothing. And guys! Jeans that are wet bottom half are least attractive. So, what do you do? Scan the papers for advice…wear capris, no denims (yeah, like that's an option!), cottons, light breathable fabric, gel hair, closed shoes and all that jazz.

Well, that’s not helping much so I come up with a list of monsoon things to do. I hope you guys find this list of some use.

Avoid getting drenched.

Sounds impossible, I know. But, hear me out. Make friends with a friendly non-psychotic rikshawallah (rare breed). Take his number and call him when you need to step out. Ditch bike and car. They are not going to help. Mumbai agents especially, beware of the deluge.

Stay High and Dry

Get a tattoo - Sure shot way to look good and stay dry. The tattoo artist asks you not to wet tattooed area. Send an application to the rain gods and pray.

Chic Starts at the Feet

No matter how many times some innovative trends hits the markets, the only time tested and tried footwear that has been around since I was a kid, has been boots and chappals. I use the term chappals not lightly, my friends, they are a constant wash and wear, muck gets on them and rain washes them off. That will happen until you reach office! Keep a pair at work. Believe me, nothing else works.

Galoshes/ gumboots are the best and most amazing. Of course, only the cool can carry them off! GoreTex fabric is the word to flaunt at shoe stores. It keeps rain out yet allows sweat and other moisture to escape. It's like magic!

Short, Short and Shorts

Well, galoshes and short skirts…look super cool. Shorts if you dare. If your legs look good, well don’t believe people when they say summer is the season to go short. Monsoons are the best season to sport short sporty skirts. And for the men, cargo shorts make you look all practical and business like. Anything is better that hiking your clothes up.

Online Shopping

Well, go online and shop in style. A certain very popular Indian website has a special rain wear section and it's not bad at all. But, on second thought, our very fashionable readers are better off checking out Marc Jacobs, Burberry patterned rain boots and umbrellas, Pucci and Paul Smiths

Waterproofing Woes

You'll definitely need to waterproof hair, skin and bone. Tie your hair. Hair plastered to your skull, stringy is not appealing unless you are in a Bollywood rain dance. Sticky clothes are horrid. Makeup shopping for gals is a strong recommendation, before it's too late.

Head For the Hills

What other activity is so in style during the rains. Somehow rains outside the city, up in the hills never seems as evil. The spray of romantic rain on your cozy warm rain proof trench coat, a muffler wrapped around your neck, your honey wrapped around your arm and the walk down the road to a warm inn that’s serves hot chocolate and herbal tea…what could sound better than this.

Remember, rain is good for you. It makes plants grow. It replenishes the water you drink, and blah, and blah! But most importantly, it gives you a zillion excuses for being late at work!