Dress for the rains

The heavy rains are upon us, and according to the nation's meteorologists, we are in for floods and heavy downpours until May.

Just one day of continuous rain will have the city roads almost submerged and impassable.

Some commuters have to be carried across flooded spots and so with such scenarios looming, one ought to dress in readiness.

Sara Mirembe of Classic Boutique points out the key rule. 

"Dress for convenience first and style next in the rainy season. This is because the weather leaves much damage and one has to, first of all, survive the day," she says.

Black shawl ( Photo credit: Shutterstock)

She adds that with the recent heat, sandals were ideal but the rains are not so forgiving. Now is the time to wear ankle or knee-high boots if you have them.  They shield the feet from injury from hidden debris like stone and port holes and protect the clothes like pants from dirt and mud.

"Sandals in the wet muddy terrain are impractical and inconveniencing. Moreover, boots keep your feet warm because you cover the feet first with socks," she continues.

If you cannot get boots then go for sneakers, or all-stars and for those who traverse the downtown areas like markets, there might be no choice but gumboots because they are thick, waterproof, and durable. She says one can wear them to get to their office and change into high heels when they are in the more formal setting.

Another key piece to wear is a trench coat or raincoat. It is long and therefore shields the clothes from dirty splashes of water from motorists, or even just rain droplets.

There are more options like the bomber jacket, leather jackets, and so on depending on what the wearer prefers. 

Helga Nabasa, a freelance stylist says that during such seasons, it is better to wear trousers. 

"For one, they keep the legs warm but they are also very effective when it comes to maneuvering the rainy scene. For instance, if you have to be carried across a puddle, a skirt with a slit is more inconveniencing but you will be comfortable if say you are in jeans or trousers.

Black bomber jacket ( Photo credit: Shutterstock)

The person carrying you across can even lift you piggyback style and you're comfortable. If you have to jump across a puddle or climb onto a rail or hop onto a boda you are safely clothed" she says.

In addition,try to wear dark-coloured clothes because they absorb heat and so keep you warmer but also they do not show rain and mud stains as visibly as light-colored clothes.

Whereas handbags are classy, if one has to balance it with an umbrella it can be an inconvenience. So either wear a cross bag or elongate the strap to act as one. 

" Remember there are many thieves looking for a chance to snatch property,so have your bag across your body," she says.

Since ones mood can be dull, Mirembe advises throwing in some colour say in form a patterned shawl or scarf, just to brighten the dull ensemble.

Ofcourse for those with chemical treated hair,keep the hair water free by use of an umbrella or jacket hood. 

Ashraf Katongole a professional hairdresser says that those who wear their hair natural tend to brave the rain but it is till unwise because whereas the hair dries fast,it can still be unkempt and have a damp smell afterwards.

"Even with natural hair,keep it dry and well mosturiser, despite the rain," he advises