Obey the weather

Vintage umbrellas are more than just style. Wanyinz Wakamau shows us that they will not only give you a fashionable outlook but also keep you cool on a sunny day. (PHOTO: ELVIS OGINA)

The long rains are here. And they are wreaking havoc on fashion parades of many women, especially those who, come rain or high water, are dead set on wearing certain clothes.

They are called the freeze and shine brigade. These are Nairobi girls who dare Mother Nature, and, in cold or rainy weather, will not change their weather-unfriendly dress code even if a law is passed in Parliament.

However, there is no point of risking a cold just because you want to look cool. Girl, save the sleeveless blouses, bare backs, chiffons and spaghetti tops for a sunny day.

If you must wear any of these items during the long rains, layer your clothing. Fashion should be fluid. And during this season, the whole idea is to keep warm, dry and be chic; not look like you are auditioning for the Survivor series.

Do not be caught dead covering your hair with a newspaper, hankie or your handbag during a downpour.

An umbrella on a rainy day will save a girl’s weave from ruin or reek. Always tuck a small sturdy umbrella in your handbag, just in case.

The operative word is, sturdy. Choose an umbrella that does not have “planned obsolescence” written all over it.

If you are buying an umbrella from a hawker just as the skies open, chances are high that the cheap thing will give way to the smallest gush of wind before you even reach the bus stop. Remember that, during this season, your aim is, essentially, two-fold: keeping warm and dry.

This is the time to remove your trench coats, boots and scarves from the back burner. Do keep warm and dry by layering.

For instance, wear your power suit with a scarf and trench coat. Then, during the day, if the downpour gives way to the sun, you can lose the different layers of clothing and “obey the weather.”

During the rainy season, shoes can either hold or let you down. If you do not have boots, save the high heels and wedges for later in the office, especially if you are using public transport.

If you are not a fan of old school gumboots, go for designer Wellington boots, and pair them with a trendy raincoat, which has a cap. Once you reach your workplace, remove the raincoat, wear your heels and you are good to cut that million dollar deal.

White is the new nude. Every girl and their mother own a pair of white ripped jeans, or two.

Looking Spotless

But in Nairobi, where poor drainage and crazy drivers collude to mess up pedestrians’ outfits, white pants and shoes can cause you road rage.

For pants and shoes, to save yourself from a tense commute, stick to any other colour except white.

(Speaking of whites, this hack will keep your white tops looking spotless during those sweltering days: if you are using public transport, sit with your back upright.

Don’t lean on the backrest. Seats of matatus are usually dusty and dirty.

One drop of sweat from your back will leave your white top with dirty blotches. This hack will save your bleach and detergent, not to mention the environment).

And while you are it, in the rainy season, do not just watch your step: watch also where you are seating in a matatu. A wet seat in a matatu will most definitely ruin your outfit and day.

If you have been invited to a garden wedding and the forecast says that it will rain throughout the day, layer your outfit.

For many women, heels are just what the designer ordered for any wedding ensemble. However, high heels will stick in the soft lawn. You are better off with wedges or ballet shoes.

However, if for you it is either heels or heels, then be prepared to tiptoe all afternoon and work those calf muscles.

For boots, real leather is better than suede, cloth or leatherette boots. The first, though chic and expensive-looking, can be discoloured by water. And the last, because of its synthetic nature, will wear and tear faster when exposed to Nairobi’s Noachian rain.

Real leather will stand the test of time and the elements, and will not cost a fortune to shine right before you enter the office.

Do not freeze and shine during this rainy season. Obey the weather. After all, fashion is not a matter of life and death.