Any day comfort and style

CEBU, Philippines - Okay, okay… with a weather gone so unpredictable like the one there is in the country, it is almost nonsensical to continue assigning outfits into sunny-day and rainy-day classifications. It would seem that only the bottom line matters now - whether the outfit is stylish and comfortable or not. To aim for both style and comfort at the same time is really a challenge, as time and again expert stylists preach that fashion is not necessarily about comfort but about the look.These past months it has been a common experience to leave the house in the morning with the sun in a full smile; and then towards midday or early afternoon, the weather begins to mope. And so the outfit that one goes out in may not work for the whole day. It's a real challenge to be able to stand the perplexed stares of people when one ends up drenched in a sunny-day outfit.

The chasm that divides the issues of style and comfort may be wide - but it can be crossed. By having a style that's  practical, it is possible to have comfort as well. Now, this matter consists of two main elements: style and fabric.

True, it takes certain fabrics to attain certain outfit styles. But it's not impossible to get a right match.

It is common knowledge, for example, that certain fabrics are ideal for the tropical regions, like the Philippines. Cotton, chambray, linen and rayon - or blends of these - are ideal. Cotton tops it all, of course, in terms of comfort, followed by chambray, which actually belongs to the cotton family.

Linen and rayon, and so do blends of these that may have polyester or spandex added, are also good to consider. These fabrics, like cotton and chambray, have good absorbent properties to keep the body dry. At the right thickness, these also allow air to aid in the efficient evaporation of the absorbed moisture.

Now, these fabrics can be used in middle-of-road styles, no sunny-day or rainy-day distinctions whatsoever.  And it can work beautifully with the right color added. It's okay to wear something bright and fun on a rainy day. Bad weather can be a real downer, so an 'upbeat' color is needed to offset damp spirits.

A cute umbrella can be one's best friend, man or woman. There's a folding type that fits right in the bag. It is a most useful tool to carry - for rain or shine. Moreover, nowadays umbrellas come in various fashionable designs such that the thing now also doubles as a fashion accessory.

A good coat is good to have, as well, especially one that's water-resistant, if possible. It's equally as versatile as the umbrella. It can hang neatly on the arm if it turns out to be a sunny day, and is handy enough to put on as the sky begins to dim. Inside the office, wearing a coat makes for a chic look, whether it's sunny or rainy outside.

For footwear, these days rubber shoes will do for all weather. Rubber is preferable because it can be easily washed or cleaned without causing damage to it, so long as due caution is observed in the process. If leather shoes are required, these have to be treated with protectant just in case the poor pair finds itself wading in runoff rainwater.  And, by the way, suede shoes are a no-no in the rain because water usually ruins it; so if unsure about how the day's weather will turn out, it's wise to skip suede footwear.

An idiom has it that the weather is ever unpredictable - more so these days, in this country.  But what cannot be changed might as well be embraced and adapted to. And one of the closest areas where this may be applied is fashion, how style and comfort can be attained - in good weather and bad. (FREEMAN)