Musings of Monsoon: A Style Guide to Handcrafted Treasures

The gentle nudge of the wind on our face, carrying the scent of rain from afar on a sultry summer day, is the beacon of the approaching monsoon. The very first drops of rain are laced with nostalgia that transports us back to our childhood. Monsoon is not just a season- it is ritual, memory, and emotion folded gently into time. From waking up to the sound of sputtering rain on windows and rooftops to sailing paper boats on puddles, every monsoon is a gentle reminder of the simple joys of life. It tells us to pause, rest, and relive these moments.

The rhythms of rain to the visual symphony of the rain-washed surroundings have found their way into the couplets of poems and lyrics of the songs. The silver hue of the overcast sky that hung low over us, raging to pour anytime, evokes an emotion of love and longing. Each spell of shower washes away the daily humdrums of life, paving the way to celebrate the little joys, innocence, and life itself.

Along with the change in season, each monsoon downpour cues a change in our senses, moods, and wardrobes. It invites us into sensory delights and experience heritage-driven styles hidden in between the soft folds of handloom sarees and artisanal crafts that unravel the poetic magic of the rain-lit India.

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Monsoon Style Edit: For Rain-Slicked Streets & Soft Grey Skies

Look 1: Experiencing Monsoon Magic with Handloom Sarees

From the famous 90s songs of ‘Tip Tip Barsa Pani’ to the cinematic elegance of ‘Aab Ke Sawan’, monsoon and sarees are an eternal match. The rain-drenched mornings are a quiet call to replace heavy fabrics with wispy and breathable linen or cotton silk sarees. Imagine walking in soft, lightweight, and breathable sarees that align with nature’s sensory evocation, telling the story of countless weavers and craft stories, and gently preserving them in its folds.

Handloom sarees dyed with colours derived from nature’s lap are something eternal. From the hues of marigold and indigo to the vibrant tints of turmeric, each colour is a step further in not just draping the finest of weave but to honour the perseverance of the master artisans. Their craftsmanship makes it possible to preserve the rich cultural craft legacy of the country.

Pair a handwoven or hand-embroidered blouse in a contrasting color to add grace to the look. Complete the look with drop earrings shaped like raindrops and Kolhapuri chappals with rubber soles that tread puddles without slipping or sulking. To keep your things organized, carry a tan handbag.

Tip: Monsoon is the time when you ditch the heavy and clingy fabrics. It is the season to embrace soft, breathable, lightweight, quick-drying, and non-clingy fabrics that are soft and functional for the weather. Any synthetic-based fabric not just suffocates your skin, making it an uncomfortable wear, but also has the potential to harm the environment.

Look 2: Romancing with Block Print

Monsoon begins with the smell of the damp earth, the brooding dark grey colour of the sky, and the whisper from the rustling leaves. Such a moment is an invitation to wear a garment that is anchored in the rich craft stories of India. And what better way than to adorn the softest cotton or cotton silk block-printed kurta set.

To finish the look, throw a lightweight cotton dupatta with Zari highlights on your shoulders. To add a bit of drama, stack a few silver bangles on your wrist. If you are fond of earrings, then silver earrings are a must with your kurta. Don’t forget your flats to complete the look.

The stamping sound of the hand-carved wooden blocks and the earthy colours of the dyes come from the ancient corridors of the country’s history. It becomes more than just clothing- it is a response to the greetings of rain and a celebration of heritage.

From Bagru and Dabu in Rajasthan to Ajrakh in Gujarat, each block print craft is distinguished for its opulent motifs on breathable and soft textiles. They are naturally suited for humid conditions and readily absorb moisture, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout your wear.

The use of natural resists and dyes from marigold, turmeric, madder root, indigo, and pomegranate rind makes the colour of the fabric last long without a single inch of fading. Such is the artistry and craftsmanship of the block-printed textiles. Looking past its functionality, it is the living proof of slow fashion and handcrafted heritage.

Look 3: Linen Calm for Your Everyday Elegance

All those rainy monsoon mornings call for the calmness of the linen. A dusk or slate-toned linen shirt paired with wide-legged linen trousers offers ease and elegance. To elevate the look further, top it off with tan brown rubber sandals.

Look 4: Bright Threads on Grey Days

There are days when rain refuses to stop, and the sky sulks all day. On those days, a red coloured cotton loose fit Block-printed tunic paired with matching straight pants is a reminder that brightness, too, can be worn.

The soft and smooth texture of cotton, along with the lightweight feel, keeps you comfortable throughout the day. Silver tribal earrings or brass ones will add a rustic appeal. Carry a genuine sling bag with intricate embroidery to add an extra pop of colour, along with keeping your travel essentials organized.

Tip: Monsoon styling is a conscious decision to add hues to your wardrobe, just like how each raindrop adds colours to our otherwise mundane life. It is about honoring the season with handcrafted fabric and craft that feel alive and thriving. Bright and vibrant hues like green, coral, peach, and yellow shine best in the monsoon gloom. They are a stark contrast to the dark grey skies that make our style balanced and much appealing.

The Jingles of Silver Jewelry

Silver or Chandi has been traded for a long time in the country. They are the very foundation of our society, without which it is largely impossible to imagine life. While it has been used extensively in home decor and other utilities, it is silver jewelry that outshines every other functionality.

These are jewelry that carry the whispers of age-old traditions. Adding silver jewelry to your clothing has never failed to add charm. The rustic antique beauty of silver anklets, earrings, or a necklace has enchanted everyone time and again. These are timeless pieces and are an example of fine craftsmanship.

Monsoon Ready Care Tips

While we talk about style and the importance of heritage craftsmanship, it is equally, if not more important, to care for your outfits. With the moisture-laden air of the monsoon, it becomes essential that you keep your clothing properly for a long-lasting tenure.

Here are a few care tips that you can consider in monsoon:

Prioritize fabrics that dry quickly. Try to wear natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk that dry quickly and are easy to wash.

Never keep your clothes wet for a long time. Dry them quickly. You can set up an indoor drying space for this purpose.

Use mild detergents to wash them effectively and prevent any bacterial growth.

One of the most essential tips is to store your garments in a dry and cool place. A moisture-laden place is a breeding ground for insects, moths, and fungi that can severely damage your garments. You can use silica gel packets inside your wardrobes that absorb moisture and keep the place dry.

Reflecting Monsoon as a Craft Ritual

Jaypore’s essence lies in celebrating the diverse craft traditions and their heritage. Each garment in our collection is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of the artisans and weavers who keep the age-old craft traditions alive. Each handwoven garment at Jaypore is thoughtfully designed and honours the artisans who wove them.