Monsoon Fashion Inspiration From Bollywood Style Icons

Monsoon is here and insanely making up for its June targets. Here in B-town, rain is not just about masala chai and pakodas. It’s also about ungodly traffic, late-night drives to Marine Drive, and singing loudly to Tu Hi Re. And while Mumbaikars struggle to juggle between practical and romanticizing the rains, some car runs into a pothole and ruins our outfit for the day.

So while most of us struggle between our Geet and Aditya personas this monsoon season let’s also figure out what outfits work for this messy and beautiful season. Taking outfit inspiration from social media now is going to be tough because while the whole world is enjoying summer, wearing light linen clothing, we are here avoiding white like going to Marine Drive on Sunday.

While Bollywood has associated wearing saris with every inconvenient weather condition like chiffon sarees in heavy rains and in snow-capped mountains, doesn't mean you can't be fashionable without them~ look at Ayesha from Wake Up Sid who gave us such practical and main character looks for every Mumbai season!

Fashion in Bollywood has always been more exciting compared to what we see in other foreign celebrities. The chokehold indo-western styles had on celebs in the last decade has gotten us so many creative and underrated looks. Especially if you have been following fashion icons like Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Sonam Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Deepika Padukone, you know they always get it right. Their fashion has stood the test of time and it’s their ability to make a statement with even the simplest outfits that makes them the fashion icons they are today.

In our honest opinion, Bollywood style was the best in the 90s with icons like Sonali Bendre, Tabu (those looks in Hera Pheri were peak 90s serve), Raveena Tandon, Karishma Kapoor, and who can ever forget Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. So we’ve put together a monsoon fashion guide, taking inspiration from our great Bollywood queens!

1. Denim jackets

Denim jackets were seen to be a luxury item back in the 90s, owning one surely suggested you are wealthy since they were an imported good. But now that even homegrown companies make denim jackets, they are a common sight. Denim in particular works for monsoons because of their durability. They are not thick or thin, just perfect for dealing with drizzles and harsh office A/C. They come in varying styles and lengths, which suit every body type, not to mention, every outfit. Dresses, flare jeans, joggers and skirts. A jacket that works with other all-season pieces, must be the best invention ever!

1. Indo western tops

A classic made by Indians for Indians. Especially super common to spot in movies from the 90s and 2000s. They have evolved with other fashion trends, adapting to indie and mainstream fashion brands. While they look like a part of the boho-chic American style, we gotta remember we were the OGs for this style. Sheer short kurtis are still an unbeatable style that needs to be brought back into mainstream Indian fashion. This is a fun and safe way to dress up in the monsoons and since the colour palettes usually match the earthy monsoon vibes they look perfect with everything!

1. Jumpsuits

Denim jumpsuits or just jumpsuits in general are very tricky to work with, but they are so easy to style when you're in a hurry. And insanely comfortable for a garment that is so inconvenient every time you need to pee. We still stand by jumpsuits because they are for the “it” girls and can be dressed up or down. And did we mention they are PERFECT for office wear?

1. Neon accents

It’s understood that you would want darker clothes during monsoon, but if you love wearing colours as much as us, trust us, neon for rain is the best. Not from a style perspective but just for uplifting your mood on gloomy Mondays when it’s pouring but you still have to go to work. You can either go full neon glam as Alia did and contrast it with cargo pants, keep it subtle like Karishma or even wear them like new basics as Deepika did!

1. Chappals

The obvious choice of footwear in the rain– chappals. We like to borrow our mom or sister pairs often but it is always a good idea to get a good staple strappy sandals for the raisin. They are easy to clean and walk in, what more do we need?

1. Cross Body Bags

Who wants to carry heavy bags when we already have humongous umbrellas to carry (definitely not speaking from personal experience). Besides being convenient they are a great addition for a street-style element. With the evolution from baguettes (which had Gen Z’s across the globe tight grip) to crossbody fanny packs to moon-shaped bags. They hold a surprisingly alarming amount of things you need.

1. Kurtas and Juttis

Kurtas are the BEST way to dress up any simple outfit. Especially wearing kurtas with palazzos that are as comfortable as pjs! Since most kurtas are also thinner, they dry faster than a shirt, and every stain can be covered with matching scarves and shawls! Juttis are the most long-lasting pair of footwear to own. They spruce up every outfit and are super convenient to wear!

1. Ankle-length jeans With Bodysuits

On days when you just want to wear something simple and chic, opt for bodysuits and ankle-length jeans with sneakers. While there is a temperature drop, the humidity in cities like Mumbai, all you want to do is wear minimal clothing. So bodysuits work best since they act like shapewear and keep you comfortable in humid conditions!

1. Kothis

A stainer saver and the perfect way to dress up your light summer outfits. Kothis are common in indo-western styles but also criminally underrated in office fashion! Simran to Piku, everyone has worn them, and they are crafty art pieces that you can wear! We suggest buying at least one that has a similar colour palette as your wardrobe.

1. Midi/Maxi Skirts

We are so glad midi and maxi skirts are back in fashion, and ideal for comfortable wear for gloomy days. They are also a great way to make your wardrobe a bit more mature if you are just starting a corporate job. While buying maxi skirts, make sure they don't fall below your ankle, unless you want to walk around the city like a princess. So to avoid dirty hemlines, keep them above ankle length. You could also hem your longer skirts just for the season.