Dolly Hood

Dolly Hood
Embellish me - TW Magazine March 2011

Thursday, June 28, 2012

High Fashion In the Rain


"Rain Rain, go away come again another day, fashionistas want to play". This song is propably resonanting repeated in many fashionable ladies' minds out there but because its rainy doesnt mean you have to be gloomy. 

Spring time or the rainy season is a time to when your classy and timeless pieces can come out on show.  Some fashion accessories may be seen as over the top or other times  not appropirate in sub saharan countries but totally permissible during the rains.   We get torrential rain on this side of the sahara so covering up properly is not just fashionable but advisable.

Here as some 'must have' accessories that would spring you back in to fashion shape this rainy season and tips on how to wear them.

HATS
Panama, Fedora, cloche,trilby, any type of hat can be worn on a rainy day if you are going for a girly, trendy or smart casual look. It protects your hair and has its unique appeal to each individual.  Try to wear a hat that suits the shape of your face.



TRENCH COATS
Trench coats are perfect for the rainy weather. It smartens up your outfit and keeps you dry.  Go for a light cotton trench coat that breathes.  Avoid suede ones as they could get ruined.  Its always safe to go for a neutral or pastel colour so you can remain colour co-ordinated and get one that matches your height.  A few iches above your knee is a good length.

via fashionjunkii.com
Some might argue whether it is apropriate to wear trench coats in Africa during the rainy season and the answer is YES IT IS. 

I mean if Burberry can make an African Fabric "ankara" trench coat in their Spring/Summer 2012 collection and the US Vogue editor in Chief is spotted wearing one, them YES.










RAIN BOOTS

Wellingtons or wellies as generally called in the UK is another name for Rain boots. 
A little bit of history here for you: It was worn and made popular by Authur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington hence the nickname.
Rain boots can be worn formally or casually.  For work, go for a nice tan  or dark brown colour since the classic black or green sometimes look like work men boots.  If dressed casual, you can go crazy. Add colour and style to your dress code ... green rain boots frog eyes or yellow ones with ducky beak...whatever tickels your fancy.... Let the rain be fun for a change.














LEATHER SHOES
Good quality leather shoes should be worn during the rain... since our climate doesnt really accommodate leather boots (sad face).  Remember to buy protective spray for the longevity of your leather shoes.  Its not a waste of money.  Keep them clean and shiny.

PLASTIC SANDALS

Pretty plastic sandals come rain or shine are very big this season.... from the runaway to the cheap and cheerful.  They are incredibly durable and brigthen up any outfit from you maxi dress to your short and tee-shirt. 




PRETTY BROLLY

Ditch the classic black umbrella and go for something cute and colourful.  Transparent plastic brollies are very in this season.  Polka dots and colourful monograms make these plastic umbrellas stand out.  Its the perfect accessory to add colour and brighten up your look and day.






















DISTRESSED JEANS
Distressed, Stone-washed, you name it play a very vital role in this seasons fashion.  Put them to good use on a rainy day.... They dont get soaked quickly and keep you looking stylish.





Other items such as water proof Wrist watches, colourful rain coats with a matching hat and brolly, colourful leather satchel bags, makintosh cloaks and many more are fashion accessories that can add a little colour and brightness to a gloomy rainy day.

TRY THIS...

Popping out to lunch from the office...
White Shirt with a black pencil skirt and a skinny belt.
Replace your Jacket for a nice Tan cotton Trench coat  and your leather court shoes for a tan pair of rainboots with a buckle effect at the top while outdoors

Or at the weekend, wear your skinny jeans or leggings and a nude or neutral coloured tee-shirt or round neck blouse.  Show of your colourful rain boots.  Wear a nice light neutral jacket, a few "ankara covered beads" and top it off with a dark brown trilby and a plastic transparent brolly

or nice white tee-shirt with denim cut-off shorts... a colourful scarve round your neck...  surely your cheeky  rain boots to brighten up your look and a nice cotton trenchy coat.  Wear a colourful leather satchel bags to free your hands or tote daintily  hung aorund your elbow.
NOW, thats my kind of rainy day fashion, boho yet chic, cute yet trendy.  This would keep u singing in the rain.

Send me more ideas of your idea of High Fashion in the Rain....

So till the next time, Take care of you and

Stay Fabulous