commuting with the right outfit

I have no qualms with commuting. Really. I am a COMMUTER GIRL. But I have one requirement:

THAT I'D BE DECKED IN THE PROPER YET STYLISH COMMUTING ATTIRE.

Weather 1: Sunny and humid.

Shorts just above the knees or commonly called as puruntong is okay by me. Perhaps I can pair it with a collared sleeveless top tucked in my shorts with a belt. Every time you tuck your shirt in jeans or slacks with belt flaps, ALWAYS wear a belt. Sandals are okay but definitely not slippers. I think I've outgrown the "slipper phase". Sige tingnan mo paa mo pagkatapos magcommute pag naka-tsinelas. Super dumi diba? For me, the sandals I'd like to wear is Birkenstock (hindi ako pa-sosyal okay, pero yung porma ng Birkenstock yung gusto ko). Still I'd opt for closed shoes over sandals while commuting in this weather. I don't want to wearpekpekshorts as these do not only attract peeping toms/harassers but you invite all the dust and bacteria to enter in your down there. Yuck. At baka kung anu-ano na lang ang dumikit sa hita mo, lalo na pag sumasakay ka ng bus. Buti na lang malamig sa MRT, bacteria is slower to proliferate compared to buses and jeepneys. But still, there's bacteria everywhere. Another thing to consider is the material of your clothing. You can opt for sweat wicker tops and bottoms so that when you perspire, your body will remain cool. Sleeveless tops are enough, don't go for spaghetti straps or tube tops. Again, dust and bacteria and soot will anchor themselves onto your skin. Kung ang biyahe mo ay maikli lang, siguro pwede na rin ang mga maiikling damit or damit na nagpapakita ng balat. Pero kung tipong Parañaque to QC, think twice. Anyway here's a summary of what I think should be worn for this weather:

Bottoms: -puruntong/boyfriend shorts (not pekpek shorts)

-pants with lightweight material- avoid corduroys and thick jeans

-skirt (can be a about and inch above the knee-this should be the shortest length)

Tops: -sleeveless tops

-short-sleeved shirts

-shirts with sweat wicker material

Shoes: -sandals NOT slippers

-closed shoes with lightweight material

-sneakers

Accessories: any that will suit your get-up but make sure they don't jangle much

these are really cute necklaces, teehee! :)

Bag: any just as long as they're closed or outfitted with a zipper or flap

i didn't know that this was the Prada Fairies bag! haha! i just thought it was a stylish and classy bag but i was surprised that it is PRADA! naku! if you bring this while commuting, patay tayo dyan! just bring this extremely expensive bag when you're NOT commuting!

Dresses: okay but length shouldn't be too short and sleeves shouldn't be spaghetti

Weather 2: Wet and cold.

Naku, in the Philippines, this is a BIG problem. When it rains, it's a DOWNPOUR, especially during the monsoon months. That is why, as much as I can, I equip myself for this weather type. I don't want to be caught unprepared. Kaya if there's a sale on rain gears, I buy them kahit na summer pa lang. I don't want to get wet all over. I don't want to suffer from the cold, lalo na lamigin ako. And my pet peeve of all, I DON'T WANT MY FEET TO GET WET!!! Yaaak! Proven na yan! Maarte talaga ako when it comes to my feet getting soaked in URBAN RAINWATER! Yaaaak! Baka may leptospirosis pa yun! Wala akong pakialam kung nasa bundok ako or nasa ilog or sa dagat sa malayong lugar, yung hindi populated, okay lang sakin ma-soak sapatos/paa ko roon, pero sa ciudad! Hell no! Yaaak! Iniisip ko pa lang umuurong na pwet ko, eeeew! Naiiyak nga ako minsan pag nararamdaman ko nang nababasa na siya e. Minsan kasi umuulan sa kalagitnaan ng biyahe ko, e hindi ako naka-outfit ng maayos! Huhuhu! For me, the MOST important item to invest in in this weather type are your SHOES, really.

Bottoms: -jeans with thick material- wear this provided that you tuck them in your boots

-pants with quick dry material- if you don't have boots where you can tuck your bottoms

-skirts that are not too short but your boots should be calf-length or knee-length high

-leggings

Tops: -long-sleeved shirts that can be worn as is or folded into three-fourths

-turtle neck tops for that extra cold and wet season

-thick and long-sleeved tops- if you're not wearing a jacket

-quick-dry shirts

Jackets: -preferably waterproof rain jackets (I recommend TNF or Columbia or the like)

-trench coats with waterproof material for heavy downpours

-denim jackets for the cold winds and rain

-cardigan/sweaters and the like for the cold winds but not really for the rain

cardigans can really jazz up your attire :)

UMBRELLA of course!

i do hope i have this kind of umbrella! ikaw na ang astig na payongyong!

Shoes: -RAIN BOOTS! The best!!! Tried and tested! Nomad Turquoise Blue Monet!

-waterproof field/climbing boots- Mine are Vasque field boots. They can be stiff and heavy for my small feet but it does the job of protecting them!

-shoes that you don't mind getting wet but will protect your feet from the icky urban rainwater which carries a smorgasbord of bacteria

my peyborit!!! yey!!!

i feel confident to step into shallow puddles with these sturdy and durable boots! :)

Accessories: anything suitable for your outfit but make sure it wouldn't tarnish or get oxidized easily as rain water can be acidic up to some extent. It would be nice if they are colorful. Add life to the gloomy weather :)

Bag: preferably not leather or cloth.

Dresses: Hmmm... if you can pull it off and not feel grossed out by splashing urban rainwater on your calves if you're not wearing high boots, why not? :)

So friends, these are just a few tips on what and what NOT to wear during these weather conditions here in Manila. Actually I haven't included here yet the weather in between, like windy and sunny, cloudy but warm, sunny then cloudy then wet (oh this can be the worst as you don't know what you'll wear at the start of the day!), etc. Perhaps will post them some other time. :)

Bottom line is, be prepared for the weather so that you'll find commuting easier and relatively comfortable. And don't hesitate to throw in a few style punches as this can make your experience more fun. :)