Mumbai monsoon: Style tips on how to layer with shirts and shrugs

Fashion often takes a backseat for Mumbaikars during heavy downpour in the city. While scarfs and stoles become shield from dirt and dust during commute via public transport, shirts, shrugs and capes offer just the right amount of warmth and protection from the momentary monsoon chills and windy weather.

From button-down and oversized shirts to capes and shrugs of varied lengths, the Indian fashion market offers a wide range of top wear, which can be used a layering piece over different tops and outfits. These cover a wide range of styles from the fashion spectrum depending on the occasion. While options are extensive, styling them can be equally confusing and tricky. If you are someone who's in doubt about it, we've got you covered.

Mid-Day Digital reached out to fashion digital content creators Leisha Patidar and Vrinda Suri, who share a quick guide on how to style different layering options and essential points to remember when buying them.

Trendy options for layering your everyday outfits:

1. Cropped shirts

2. Plain button-down shirts

3. Oversized shirts with a pop of colour

4. Crochet shrugs have a soft material but also help in giving out a fashion statement

5. Cape shrugs are the best protection against the sun

6. Shackets - A stylish combination of a jacket and shirt

7. White rayon shirts, which can be paired with almost every outfit

Here's how you can style some of these shirts and shrugs:

Checkered shirts: Checkered shirts always give a vintage vibe, so one can go with cargo pants, high-waisted shorts or the most comfortable bermuda shorts. They are also great to layer over a basic black or white tank top/t-shirt depending on the colour of the shirt and almost any black pants for a simple rugged look. If it is extra chilly one can also layer a denim jacket on top for a chic lumberjack look. Add a baseball cap on top for extra style and an added bonus of hiding messy hair.

Plain button-down shirts: To follow the trend, low-waisted pants work best with plain button-down shirts. They can also be tucked into a flowy midi skirt to break the rigidity of the shirt and achieve an elegant look.

Oversized shirts: To always get that homely or comfortable feeling, cycling shorts are a good choice for oversized shirts. Crisp white oversized shirts and denim could never go wrong. Opt for a wide-leg jean silhouette and accessorise with minimal gold jewellery to channel the clean girl aesthetic.

Also read: Slay it in the rains: Here's how to plan your wardrobe for the Mumbai monsoon

Crop shirts: To give a classic look, long pants or high-waisted denim jeans suit well with cropped shirts. One can also wear a tropical or floral printed skirt with cropped shirts to give that pop effect. Pair them with breezy cotton shorts and a stylish bandana hairband for a simple laid back look.

Short and long shrugs: Body-con dresses with either a short or long shrug would look great. To try a different look, one can go ahead with bohemian shirt and shorts with colourful jewellery.

For a boho-chic look you can style these with a contrasting tank top and bootleg denims with some statement earrings and maybe a straw hat if you're feeling extra.

Crochet shrugs: A crochet shrug can be worn as a top and can be styled according to the event or place. A contrasting top to block out the torso under the crochet netting and a pair of neutral over-sized cargos would go well.

Cape shrugs: These shrugs can be used as casual as well as party wear. The main purpose is to protect you from the sun, but one can style it fashionably! One cape shrug can be channelled into many aesthetics. You can wear it over some block printed pants and a white top for an indo western casual look or you can wear a belt around the cape and make it into a flattering dress silhouette. Don't forget to add some statements earrings to match the look.

Quick tip for middle-aged women and older adults:

When it comes to shrugs, one can use long or short shrugs over long dresses. For shirts, denim jeans with shoes or flats make up for a classic look. Add a statement necklace and black pumps to complete the look.

To style shirts, add a pop of colour with a blazer and pair it with a pair of wide leg denims. This look can be dressed up with complementing stilettos or dressed down with a pair of clean white sneakers.

Key points to remember before buying the right shirt or jacket:

1. Always know your measurements and body type

2. Subtle features on a shirt can add a stylish edge

3. Pay attention to the collar

4. Know about the fabrics that work the best for you. It should be a heavy fabric so it doesn't sully down the silhouette of the outfit and adds an extra rigidity (corduroy, heavier cotton fabrics, suede) for the fit

5. For a drop shoulder or boxy effect, choose shirts with shoulders wider than your measurements

6. Don't forget about the colour and print. Layering pieces in neutral colours help in creating versatile combinations while trying to keep the consumption down.

Also read: Ditching jeans this monsoon? Experts share tips on styling different types of bottom wear