Bare essentials: 7 must-haves this rainy season

MANILA, Philippines - Being in a typhoon-prone area, the country experiences devastation every year, usually from June to September.

During these times, it pays to be ready for a downpour whether you're at work or in school. Having your rainy day gear will not only prevent you from getting sick -- it will also keep you looking clean, dry and fabulous.

The umbrella is the top must-have this rainy season. Choose one with a funky design. Credit: www.fotosearch.com

Here are 7 must-haves this rainy season:

Umbrella

When buying an umbrella, choose one that can withstand strong winds and is big enough to keep you dry.

Also, consider your lifestyle and daily activities. If you often use public transport to go to work or school, it would be better to get a foldable umbrella that's small enough to fit in your bag. If you have a car, choose a bigger umbrella for better coverage.

You don't have to use an umbrella that looks drab. There are a lot of designs currently available in the market -- from the cute to the sophisticated. If selected properly, an umbrella can even improve your overall look.

Jacket or raincoat

A raincoat or a jacket will protect your clothes from getting wet and soiled, and will keep you warm as well.

Feel free to experiment with different styles, from the sporty to the glamorous ones. If you're not a fan of waterproof cover-ups, you can opt for the more fashionable trench coats, cardigans and blazers.

As much as possible, go for bright colors -- these will help keep your mood up amid the low, gloomy weather.

Boots or plastic shoes

Wearing the right pair of footwear can save you from the hassle of walking the streets with wet feet. It will also protect you from a number of rainy day diseases such as leptospirosis.

Leather shoes are a big "no" this season -- these will only be ruined by the rain.

If you usually walk in flood-prone areas such as the University Belt in Manila, get yourself a pair of rubber boots, as recommended by the Department of Health (DOH).

"Do not allow children to wade in floodwaters to avoid diseases such as leptospirosis. If you must, wear rubber boots," DOH said in its health advisory.

But if you want something more fashionable, try wearing jelly or plastic shoes that come in funky designs.

A sturdy bag

Arm yourself with a bag that has enough room for all your rainy day needs, so you don't have to worry about carrying too many things on your way to work or school.

Look for a bag that's waterproof, or bring an extra plastic bag for your wet umbrella or jacket.

And like all other items, make sure that your bag goes well with your daily outfits.

A pack of tissue

Clear yourself of dirt, sweat, mud and rain with a pack of tissue paper.

This can also be used to remove makeup, or to clean items that have been drenched in the rain such as books.

Alcohol or hand sanitizer

It's a must to wash your hands often to keep yourself from getting sick during the rainy season.

"Maintain personal hygiene. Always wash your hands before and after eating, and after using the toilet," DOH said.

But if there are no washrooms in sight, a bottle of alcohol or hand sanitizer will be handy in keeping you safe from rainy day diseases and infections.

There are plenty of alcohol and hand sanitizer variants available in the market today -- from the fruit-scented to the powder-scented ones. Choose one that suits your preference.

Moisturizer

Always carry some lip balm and lotion to keep your lips and skin moisturized during the cold, rainy weather.

Buy items in small packaging so you can bring them wherever you go.