There is something about the monsoon that makes you want to get away. You feel lazy and in the mood to just relax and enjoy the dry indoors, or perhaps take a mini-break to somewhere less rainy. These days, catching a flight may seem like nothing special – but there was a time when travel was really only for the privileged. In the times of steamboat travel, the English posh set only travelled ‘Port Out’ and ‘Starboard Home’ when crossing the Atlantic. This ensured they always had the best view, which also meant they had paid top dollar. Travel has always carried an aura of elegance around it. So if you are travelling this monsoon, remember to look your classy best. This may mean you have to shop before the holiday!

Pack-ablility

Start by making a list of things you may do while on holiday. Will you have time to play golf? Will there be some fine dining? All these activities require the right attire. It’s also a good idea to check the weather on the Internet. If you find you need to do a spot of shopping before leaving, remember that anything bought should be tried on before packing. Otherwise, you might reach your destination only to find that your new buy doesn’t fit or is not as comfortable as it seemed in the store.

If you are going somewhere hot, make sure you pack a lot of cottons, linens and silks, as garments made from these natural fabrics allow your skin to breathe and thus, keep you cool. But since they also wrinkle fast, it is a good idea to carry clothes that have some nylon or polyester in them, so that you have something to wear for days when you are in a hurry – cotton polyester blends work well. Synthetic fabrics also wash much easier than their natural counterparts and are drip-dry. (Which is why swimwear tends to be made out of these materials.) You can find clothes made from blends at stores such as Mango, Marks and Spencer and Morgan.

For versatility, pack many dark neutrals, as they are easy to mix and match. Start with your main pieces, like trousers and shirts, or, for those going on a beach holiday, shorts and T-shirts. Make sure that you can interchange pieces. Stick with clothes that are semi-formal – they will work both for day and evening wear.

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