April showers bring May flowers! We are well into monsoon and it's time to update our wardrobes with the change of the seasons. The weather in Dhaka can be quite unpredictable with heavy rain pouring down on us one minute and a surge of heat wave hitting us the next. However, you can still stay trendy while remaining comfortable to fight all the storms (or the lack thereof).

Street style has had a great impact on the fashion scene all around the world and Dhaka is no exception. It is the perfect gateway for minimalistic and sleek fashion. Mixing up elements from both cooler and warmer seasons may help you execute the perfect outfit for a transitory season like this. While many suggest wearing brighter colours to stand out in the dull and gloomy days, it is better to make the transition smoother by choosing the best of both worlds. You can opt for basic crew neck t-shirts with breezy wide-legged denims and accessorize with a pop of colour, adding some light to the darker hues. So, darker fabrics but brighter accessories - the perfect mix!

You can also wear long sleeveless dresses with a plain black, grey or white tee to stay warm yet breezy. Culottes, flared jeans, bell bottoms and maxi skirts are the best options for this season. Pair these with fitted tops - maybe in pastel or floral prints and you will look divine thanks to the flattering proportions.

Never underestimate the power of accessories! As I mentioned earlier bright colours are the way to go. Boho rattan bags were all the rave last summer but this year we saw a shift to micro bags. Yes, we are channeling the early 2000s fashion and summoning the tiny handbags and sunglasses. You can wear a pair of perky statement earrings and carry a small messenger or hobo bag for that retro feel. In terms of shoes - you can easily pair up all of these looks with a pair of sneakers. The 'ugly' sneaker trend is still peaking but you can also style up these with a pair of Old Skool Vans or any white sneakers. If you want a more feminine touch, then go for a pair of peep toe wedges to stay classy. The most functional accessory that you can carry is your umbrella and a transparent one would be super cute!

In terms of makeup, less is definitely more this season. It is best to wear a breathable base e.g. concealer and powder or just BB cream and powder with a pinch of coral blush. For eyes, matte eyeshadows and volumising mascara would be the dream team. You can add brighter colours to the inner corner of your eyes for highlighting e.g. mustard yellow or salmon pink making the look much more interesting. Another major trend in makeup which is returning are monochrome tones - one single shade instead of lighter to darker transitions. You can simply add a wash of matte rose gold eyeshadow for some added warmth to your subtle base. For highlighter, glossy ones are the way to go instead of super shimmery ones. It is best to stick to warmer nude tones for lipstick and save the dramatic and loud shades for summer.

Let's not surrender ourselves to the impulsive weather but embrace it in our own style. Dress up, show up and don't let anyone dull your sparkle!