Dressing for a rainy day

The massive flood on Orchard Road last week was an epiphany for me, in more ways than one. It occurred to me that: 1) our drainage system is not as robust as we thought, 2) Singaporean efficiency can still be counted on to save the day and (the most important of all) 3) it is absolutely imperative to have a rainy day friendly wardrobe!

Considering that Singapore is a tiny island sitting on the equator, where tropical thunderstorms are a regular occurrence, it is surprising that we hardly ever take wet weather into account when deciding what to wear for the day. Of course, a drizzle should not faze us much as we go about our fashionable ways, but an exceptionally heavy downpour can definitely ruin even the chicest of outfits.

With climate change and global warming, the weather is likely to get increasingly erratic. And no stylista wants to look like a drowning rat, so it makes a lot of sense to be prepared for any sudden meteorological change. Here’s a little guide to help you look stylish from head to toe come hail or high water!

Cheerful brollies

Despite being a rainy day must-have, the umbrella has a bad reputation due to its association with a certain variant of middle-aged women (i.e. aunties). Forget boring colours and granny prints–there is a world of more attractive choices out there if you would just take the effort to shop a little. A cute brolly makes a fabulous accessory (rain or shine).

Marimekko, a Finnish textile and clothing company, specialises in bright, colourful prints, which often takes inspiration from the brand’s archives of vintage patterns. These designs have been applied to their small but pleasing collection of umbrellas. Marimekko products, including fabric purses and canvas satchels, are stocked at Prints (#04-26 ION Orchard) but you may find a bigger selection at umbrellas.net. These cheery designs are simply perfect for perking up a gloomy day!

If you are looking to invest, designer labels have consistently been including umbrellas in their accessories line. Pick up a Burberry Walker in the brand’s classic checks or something more adorable, like this ‘face print umbrella’ from Lanvin that features a black and red illustrated Alber Elbaz.

For something less pricey but of comparable quality, do check out the Japanese umbrellas retailing at Takashimaya. Not only are they well made enough to protect you from a persistent shower, many of these umbrellas also come reinforced with UV protection (your skin will thank you for this).

Chic in rain coats

I have not put on a raincoat since I was in kindergarten, but this is as good a time as any to give it another try. Contrary to popular belief, a raincoat can be a chic and practical cover up on rainy days. An excellent case in point is this ‘wild at heart’ raincoat from Marc by Marc Jacob.

A more versatile option is the ‘free cut raincoat’ from Muji. Designed to be fuss-free, this minimalist raincoat, which comes in clear and black, can be cut (along the printed dotted lines) to the desired length! Throw this over your silk dress and style it up with a skinny belt for added panache!

A chilly, wet morning is also the best time to break out all the fall pieces in your wardrobe that you hardly have the chance to wear because it is usually much too warm. I have a navy trench coat from Uniqlo lying in a bottom drawer and I am determined to bring it out the next time it rains cats and dogs. Do the same with your trench coats or ponchos; layer it over something light so that you can always take it off when the sun comes out.

With the weather changing at a snap of the finger these days, it would be wise to stock up on clothes that are capable of multi-tasking–keep you warm when it is cold and cool when it is hot. For this purpose, there is nothing like a fine, light knit cardigan or sweater. Cashmere may seem like an unnecessary indulgence in our climate, but this luxurious knit fabric is expensive for a reason. An over-sized, 100% cashmere cardigan is the star item in the last +J collection at Uniqlo. If you are lucky, you will still be able to find one, on sale and heavily discounted, at Uniqlo @ 313 Somerset.

Wellingtons are the only sensible shoes you can put on when rainwater is sloshing around your ankles. Worn by the likes of fishmongers and gardeners here, they are certainly not the most lady-like shoes on the market. However, with Valentino pushing out a beautiful version with lace details in their latest collection, even wellies can be girlie and pretty! Coincidentally, Plueys, makers of cute puddle-stompers, also have a pair of black and white wellies in a lovely lace print up for offer. At only US$60, it is a lot kinder on your wallet.

Now, the next time you are caught in a thunderstorm, make sure you’re looking your best!

Dottie Tan

Shopaholic Dottie Tan scours shops—big, small, online and offline—to unearth fashion must-haves and beauty gems that you did not know you needed. That’s until you read her weekly column, Fashion Nation on inSing.com, which tracks her retail adventures. Indulge yourself, go shopping!