The rain fronts are inexorably advancing toward Korea, and the wet season will be upon us next week. Amid the humidity and rain, few people feel like dressing up. But real fashion leaders love a challenge and will not be thrown by even the gloomiest of the wet days ahead. Here, the Chosun Ilbo suggests some ways of brightening your cloudy days by picking the right things to wear.

◆ Dos

A basic rule is to wear a long top and short bottoms on a rainy day. Try a layered look of things that can take a little bit of getting wet and dirty -- such as miniskirts and cropped pants along with a colorful T-shirt under a white shirt. Flower-printed tops and dark bottoms entice people’s eyes to the upper body, making stains left by rain and muddy water less conspicuous. Even if you prefer a monochrome look, bright primary colors like yellow and red will cheer you up on a depressing rainy day.

Color and style matter, but what matters most is the material. Quick-drying fabrics such as linen and polyester are the smart choice. Clever people carry a light jacket in their bag to avoid catching a cold, since outdoor and indoor temperatures differ greatly in the rainy season. Outer garments made of Mash and Gore-Tex are of course the best choice in the wet weather as Mash lets air through and the waterproof Gore-Tex allows sweat to evaporate.

◆ Don'ts

When wet, 100-percent cotton fabric gets droopy, and hemp rumples. Avoid jeans unless you are trying to lose weight, since they get very heavy when wet and take ages to dry. In any weather, it is a fatal error to match flower-print shirts with a pair of check pants.

◆ Accessories

As for shoes, waterproof jelly shoes and beach sandals made of vinyl are light and allow your feet to breathe. Rather than long scarves, accessorize with beads or gemstones -- there is no chance they will get soaked. Cheerful graphics and colorful designs add a twist to the most important of accessories, the umbrella; but don’t forget to match the color to the rest of your outfit.

◆ Capris and Flowery Shirts for Men

Regardless of rain or snow, most salarymen have to wear suits to work. But make some adjustments with neckties to boost your morale. Yellow, white and orange may seem odd on other days, but when it’s gloomy outside will give you an edge.

For those who enjoy casual outfits, capri pants are a good option. Try navy or khaki, which make stains left by rain and muddy water less conspicuous. Natural fabrics like linen get droopy very easily, so it may be wiser to choose quick-drying mixed fabric like polyester and lycra. Also, make the most of this season’s flower-print shirts. Lee Kyung-sun, the head of the Koolhaas design team, says T-shirts with graphic designs or flowery patterns will be a good choice for those who want a swanky look. A windcheater is always practical outerwear when it rains, Lee adds.

Wet smelly socks and shoes must be avoided, especially during a rainy season. But please: refrain from hanging your soaked socks in the office to dry. Keep a spare pair of socks in your desk.