Rain or Shine: What Not to Wear in Unpredictable Weather

Manila can be so erratic during the rainy season. When we expect it to be rainy and cloudy for days on end, we end up getting sporadic bursts of sunshine, with temperatures hitting through the roof. It’s fickle weather like this that makes it difficult for us to dress accordingly. On a cool morning, you might put on a denim jacket for a bit of warmth, only to be greeted with sunshine and scorching heat come noon. The denim jacket came in handy when the weather was chilly and dreary, but rendered useless when the sun came out. It’s even worse when the opposite happens, when the day starts out perfectly sunny and you wear a white dress. Then later comes a downpour, and you’ve got no umbrella or coat to protect you from the rain. We can never win, can we? So what’s a girl to do? As the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides around the world would say, “Always be prepared.” It’s always going to be a losing battle between us and the elements. Instead of hoping that day will work in our favor, we smarten up our wardrobe for any kind of forecast. Rain or shine, Pretty Me has got you covered. To help you narrow down what items are flexible for the weather, here is a list of what to avoid:  

Jeans

When there’s a chance of rain, the last thing you want to be wearing are heavy clothing items. Although a denim jacket might keep you warm inside your extremely cold office, jeans and rain don’t mix well. Wet denim will burden your body and dampen your mood. And when the rain doesn’t come, you’re stuck with unnecessary outerwear. Skinny jeans are harder to avoid since they’re a major player in our wardrobes. If rain’s in the forecast, opt for a darker wash – the wet marks won’t be as obvious. Same goes for jean skirts, chambray shirts and dresses.  

Sundresses

There’s a reason why it’s called a sundress; it’s meant to be worn in sunny weather. Once a sundress gets wet, it’ll cling onto your body, turning your dress into a romper. For skirts and dresses, it’s better to go for darker, stretchy material that’s thicker than your average cotton sundress. Something like our Elastic High Waist Stretch Bodycon Pencil Midi Skirt would be ideal.

Be ready for the office and the weekend in this stunner!

 

Maxi Skirts

Unless you’re going for that dirty ombre design, maxi skirts are a no-no for unpredictable rain. The hem plays a significant role in your comfort level, be it during a downpour or sunshine. Knee-length midis and above-the-knee lengths are best.  

Anything Gray

They say to avoid white in the rain, but that all depends on the fabric and how it’s layered. Worst case scenario, white becomes sheer when wet. But it’s not really an issue when you wear another colored tank underneath. The color you really want to stay away from is gray.  Gray, on the other hand, makes wet spots stick out like a sore thumb, be it from sweat or rain droplets.  

Wide-Leg Pants

Please save your bell bottoms, palazzo pants and gauchos for drier days. They’re a major inconvenience in puddles.  

A-Line Silhouettes

This one is more of a personal preference and more about the wider A-line hems. While they’re cute and breezy when the sun’s out, all that fabric is a nuisance in the rain. It will be windy and humid—if the skirt isn’t sticking to your skin, it’s getting blown away in the wind. You want to choose silhouettes that aren’t floppy and are more fitted to your figure. Think shift, pencil, and bodycon for your dresses and skirts. A dress like our Cap Sleeve Jersey Bodycon will keep you chic, whether it’s drizzling or sunny.

Buy this dress now to be ready for any weather!

Flats

If you aren’t going to pack a pair of tsinelas or sandals with you, please don’t wear flats when there’s a rainy forecast. The water will end up collecting in your shoes, and no one likes the feeling of wet socks. Sneakers, booties and boots will keep your feet dry when walking through those puddles.   This list may seem quite limiting, but ladies must be practical to dress for rain or shine. You’ll get the hang of it. And don’t forget your umbrella!  

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