It is, therefore, needless to emphasise that this calls for a change in regard to your wardrobe. Sadly, not many geezers understand this--nothing looks as awful as a drenched-by-the-rain guy with his shirt stuck to his back like another layer of skin. It simply shows a lack of preparedness.

"What kind of man has no sweater, jacket or raincoat?" you would ask yourself. Be careful then that this kind of question does not come back to haunt you; you don't want to be the kind of man for whom the rains spell doom and the cold weather simply exposes the 'holes' in his wardrobe.

And by the way, this is not about appearances only: it is about your health too. Cold weather, no matter how macho you are, will put you down if you do not confront it with the right clothes and (or) accessories. Unless you have an abundance of time, you do not want to be delayed or even marooned at some building or veranda because of the rain.

Here are a few things you should quickly do for your rain arsenal:

1. Umbrella.

Like you, I will forget to return one after using it. They are easy to forget to carry around when it is not raining, but quite an essential accessory when it's drizzling. Just find a portable way to have one at your reach.

2. Mend your shoes to compliance.

Some of you have those leather-soled shoes. They are great when the weather is dry, but you don't want them soaking up with stagnant water from the rain. If you are limited by choice, visit a good cobbler; he will add a plastic or rubber layer as insulation from soaking. Alternatively, you can find more wet-compliant shoes from your collection. Full and half boots come in handy here for their manoeuvrability while keeping your feet warm too.

3. A cardigan/sweater

If your style is not compatible with jackets, a cardigan will go a long way in keeping you warm. There are varieties with water-resistant materials that keep you dry should it drizzle or rain as you walk about in the middle of nowhere. With a sweater, there is no excuse for firmly folding your elbows and palms and shivering with goose-pimples.

4. Jacket

Is there a man worth his name without a jacket to his collection? I know some of you have no jackets, and if you do, they are a preserve for formal functions like weddings and funerals. Come on, get a jacket to wear to work; it will keep you warm in this cold weather.

5. Trench coat

Remember the German detective series of old, Inspector Derrick? We are talking about the trench coat here. There is something classic about spotting this look in cold weather that will certainly leave heads turning your way. More, these trench coats will keep you warm, dry and smart. Find one in neutral colours like khaki or navy blue - you won't go wrong.

For these, you don't even need a trip downtown, just look out of the street; there will probably be a vendor or two hanging a couple over their shoulders.

6. Raincoats and gumboots

The irony is that you will find most men wear raincoats on scorching days. Gumboots will also come in handy in our city that floods all the way up to the knees. You may find it prudent to have a pair of gumboots in the trunk of your car, just in case.