The rainy season can be hard to dress for, stylishly. Regardless of how gloomy the skies get, you can still look chic if you want to. Denise Umutoni, a fashion enthusiast and the chief executive of UDE Fashion, says that leather jackets are a must-have. This is because they can match with any outfit, for men and women. “Whether on a casual or formal outfit, a leather jacket will go perfectly well, especially if it fits fine—and you can’t go wrong with a black one. “You can wear a blazer with a pair of jeans, and compliment the look with heels, that’s if you want to look formal and casual at the same time. Go for bright coloured blazers so as not to look dull,” she says. Umutoni explains that long-sleeved shirts work splendidly for the cold, especially if you pair them with a sleeveless jacket. A skirt that is not too short or too long can do well too. Black would be the best colour since it doesn’t show stains in case it rains on you. Match the skirt with a long-sleeved shirt, tucked in and a jacket. A trench coat, Umutoni says, goes really well with boots. You can also wear boots with a dress or skinny jeans, and a tucked in t-shirt. Knee-high boots are also stylish and will keep you dry and warm. Emmanuel Chris Niyokwizerwa, a stylist and the founder of Umulinga Fashion, notes that guys only need to take care of a few things. “When it comes to your rainy or cold days’ wardrobe, your number one goal should be to keep warm. But that doesn’t mean throwing on anything that seems warm or heavy,” he says. To him, winter, or the cold season, is the best for dressing; since it’s cold, there are chances to wear more clothes, and more clothes means more opportunities to make an outfit look great. He says, “Choose your outfit based on what supports the cold weather, for example, a knitted jacket. You can match it with any outfit of your choice. It doesn’t just keep you looking stylish, but also warm.” Niyokwizerwa recommends owning a scarf because when wrapped around the neck, it looks stylish and provides warmth. A scarf can add spark to an outfit, adding that colours and layers that correspond will give you a complete look. The stylist notes that being ‘bulky’ will limit your motion and give the illusion of added weight. “Make sure that you are just okay and comfortable within your layers.” “You can also opt for a sweater, these come in different assortments and you’re assured of keeping warm. Consider dark colours such as navy blue, black or brown,” he says.
