From Mango Stains to Mehendi Prints: The Ethnic Girl’s Guide to Monsoon Messes
The Indian monsoon is incredibly romantic—a fragrance of wet mitti, hot cups of adrak chai, a bit of old Bollywood playing, and the excitement of impromptu rain dances on the terrace. But, for the ethnic fashion lover, there is also the level of treachery involved. Dupattas get wet and stick to your skin; lehenga bottoms trail through puddles, and if you have a new phulkari kurti, then each bite of the luscious mango threatens to put a stain on your t-shirt.
“The monsoon becomes a battlefield of sorts for a desi fashionista. That said, we say don’t let a little rain stop your ethnic slay. It is time to change your thoughts on the mess. With some styling strategy, you can enjoy elegant, rain and stain-proof ethnic fashion. Whether you are got to survive the festival season, or your best friend’s haldi ceremony in the height of downpour” said Jigar Patel, MD of G3+ Fashion
Here is your guide to owning your ethnic fashion this season, rain, stains, and all.
The Kurti that Could: Rain-Proof, Stain-Safe, but Still Gorgeous
Forget whites and creams, and drown your rain splashes and mango mishaps with indigo, deep greens, and maroons. When choosing a kurti, choose more breathable, quick-dry stuff, such as cotton blends or mul mul because, love, what you will need is something you can wash and dry easily after an event. A-line and straight-cut kurtis will be your go-to because you want to avoid drama with flared pants…and clingy pants are just absolutely terrible when wet.
Goodbye to Floor-Sweeping Lengths, Hello to Smart Hemlines
That 7-foot ghera lehenga may be dreamy— but this is the monsoon, and not the time to rock a royal train of your own. Opt for ethnic midi skirts, asymmetrical kurtas, or cropped shararas. Anything at or above your ankle is a win. You want to look stylish but not catch a puddle.
Dupatta Drama: Tie it, Belts it, Clip it!
A dupatta in the monsoon is a gamble. If you’re not careful about it, it will end up in a puddle or, catch the weirdness of the autos’ dirty splash. So, go handsfree with it— belt it over your kurta, swirl it into a scarf, or use quirky clips to hold it in place.
Mehendi Mayhem & How to Coordinate it Mehendi is totally a vibe in the rain but can be a total mess! One swift movement whilst dancing and Bam! There go your outfit. Stick to mehendi designed prints- the bandhani, ikat, or kalamkari prints. Like they say; you can’t beat ’em, so blend with ’em!
Rainproof, But Still Ethnic
Stay far away from heavy silks and velvets (unless you like smelling like wet laundry). Go with breathable, monsoon friendly fabrics: modal cotton, linen blends, viscose, and rayon as they dry faster, wrinkle less, and still effortlessly hold your ethnic elegance.