Learn to respect rainy days

Soon, it might be raining cats and dogs as the dust and heat gradually gives way to the rainy season.

However, this is no excuse to step out like a sickly feline or rabid canine. But who dresses for the rains anyway?

Given the chance, the only “showers” some of us would look forward to are the ones that preclude clothing.

Still, for those who are fashion-conscious, the wet season is but another reason to change their wardrobes. As a matter of fact, they are the hamsters who turn the Ferris Wheel of fashion all year round.

Sadly, for our women, rainwear invariably involves some cheap inappropriate boots hawked on the streets of Nairobi, by vendors who have no idea what over-knee, Wellingtons or cowgirl refer to, or when and how to sport these footwear.

Not surprisingly, you will come across a heavily-laden, “working class” woman waddling about in heeled suede or fabric boots, drenched past the protective cover of her toe polish and literally ploughing through slippery muddy stretches we call pathways in Nairobi.

Probably, if they took time to go through some of the publications with “photographs and captions that they pass off as fashion,” — as the editor of this magazine is wont to chidingly dismiss, they would have come across footwear like rain boots, leather flats and jelly flats.

Who knows, we would most likely be distracted by their feet to notice the rivulets of makeup running off their tormented faces. After all, a woman with good shoes is never ugly.

GRUBBY JACKET

As for the menfolk, I can share the contacts of Eddie Kirindo, for, he is perhaps the only stylist with a knack to transform a bedraggled scoundrel into a snappy gent.

The wind and the cold of the rainy season do not have to be parried by the inevitable grubby jacket, thick fleece wear or the played out, knitted pullover.

If you ask me, nothing beats a drizzly cold like a layered assemblage. And for that stylish look, the trench coat is a classic that can keep things toasty on the inside and natty on the outside.

It is the ultimate cool, mid-century look when combined with a fedora.

So, go on and be creative with quilted jackets, rain boots, scarves, and even umbrellas.

BUBBLE UMBRELLAS

Yes, an umbrella, which is probably the most overlooked rainwear fashion accessory.

Unless you are primarily driven by convenience rather than style, a branded or the typical multi-coloured umbrella will not do justice to a well put-together look.

Neither will the beba na soo varieties that get spread on the streets by shrewd vendors at the slightest hint of a raindrop.

Transparent bubble umbrellas are the baroque that can give rainwear outfit a dramatic effect.

There is a reason why bowler hats and umbrellas were once a hit among the royalty of cold and wet England of yesteryear.

In fact, luxury brand Rolls-Royce considers this so important — their Phantom and Ghost models feature built-in umbrella compartments in the doors.

If there is a time you can tell someone’s sense of style, it is on a rainy day and not one spent in bed nursing a hot mug of coffee.

TWITTER: @omondipaul