Follow this quick fashion guide to help you brave the rains in style

Overcast skies thunderstruck evenings and the sweet smell of petrichor mdashthe monsoon evokes a certain sense of je ne sais quoi for Mumbaikars but the soaring humidity and sudden downpours can wreak havoc on your style game if you donrsquot play by the rules We speak to celebrity stylist Mitali Ambekar about what it takes to ace our daily wardrobes this rainy seasonKhushi Kapoorrsquos slicked back hairstyle serves as an example for an ideal monsoon hairdoFabric flavour and fitldquoItrsquos time to swap out your cottons and linens for quickdrying synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon or blends especially if you commute to work they are the best bet In terms of outfit ideas pair formal blouses and smart shirts with skirts and cropped pants or trousers Carry a lightweight shrug as a layer when the mercury drops Alternatively you can also sport formal dresses and layer these with a light cardiganrdquo says Ambekar For more casual occasions she recommends Aline or shift dresses as well as fit and flare skirts that stay safely out of the reach of wayward puddles Culottes cropped jumpsuits and rompers have also been having a fashion moment and offer the perfect blend of comfort and easeOpt for jelly sandals Pics CourtesyGetty ImagesMen can opt for lightweight syntheticblend shirts paired with trousers that are cropped or ankle length to avoid wet hems Smart shorts and tees worn with rain jackets or ponchos are a more weatherappropriate swap for jeans ldquoDarker colours such as deep brown navy black and charcoal can help disguise water stains and mud splashes Similarly clothing with patterns conceal these telltale marks more effectively than solidsrdquo she adds On the other hand bright cheery colours can uplift your mood which probably explains why butter yellow is edging out espresso brown as the colour of the seasonDeepika Padukonersquos rain jacket is made of quickdrying fabricTrendy and dryRaincoats and ponchos can be easy to carry and store as compared to umbrellas A smart trench coat in darker colours and minimal prints will make coming in to work especially fashionforward Ambekar advises However if you foresee yourself wearing a raincoat for extended durations you will be better served by more breathable underlayers In terms of umbrellas mini foldable umbrellas are practical and handy while those that close inversely go a long way in protecting you from drips Donrsquot forget to exchange your leather or fabric bags for water resistant purses or invest in a bag cover to protect your arm candy Gumboots rubber sandals or PVC shoes whose soles offer a strong grip are a must If you work in a corporate environment carry an extra pair of formal shoes that you can change intoBillie Eilish in culottesRainy day quick fixesgtgt If yoursquore grappling with frizzy untameable hair and makeup thatrsquos prone to smudging try these smart hacksgtgt Wear your hair up in a ponytail or style it in a bun or a braidgtgt Hair bands and embellished pins are back in style and can instantly dress up a relatively basic look Never leave home without a combgtgt Wear waterproof versions of your favourite makeupgtgt Citrus and aqua fragrances as well as woody notes are the best in terms of combating damp or musty smellsgtgt Never skip SPF even on the most overcast daysgtgt Carry a small quick dry towel and a few plastic pouches to separate wet items as well as to protect important documents and gadgetsBy Mitali Ambekar