With summer effectively upon us, it’s time for a wardrobe re-haul. The fashion landscape this season sees a whole lot of changes – and with good reason too. You will be saying goodbye to your neon pop shoes and bags, and the colour blocking will stop right here! The summer of 2014 is all about easy, breezy, relaxed dressing with the cool touch of soft and sheer fabrics. “Silhouettes can vary from bralets and high waist skirts to fluid kaftan and culottes combo,” says designer Farah Sanjana, who showcased her Spring/Summer collection at the recently-concluded Lakme Fashion Week.
“Think about teaming varied separates for more functional yet interesting layering. Keep layers light and sheer for a peek-a-boo appeal,” she adds. As for the season’s colour scheme? A pastel palette is set to dominate and if you thought the 90’s were making a comeback, then you were bang on trend!
The runway this season was inspiring with cropped jackets, wide-legged pants and sporty wear taking centre stage. Here are five hot trends that you can readily scorch.
Pretty pastels and white
Minty-green, lilac, powder blue and baby pink – it can’t get prettier than this. Pick your favourite pastel shade and flaunt it in the most flattering silhouette. From cocktail dresses to bomber jackets, pastels are the way to go. However, the one colour making a huge comeback this season has to be white. Perfect for the summer, white in fluid or sheer fabrics is the best way to be trendy. A great option for daywear, the colour can also be elevated for the night. A gorgeous short white dress is a must this summer.
Flashback to wide-legged trousers
Did you ever think that this fashion relic from the 60’s would make its way to the current century? Well, you better believe it. Bellbottoms, palazzos or simply wide-legged trousers, this chic style is well suited for Indian summers too. “Yes, bellbottoms are making an international comeback,” says designer Manoviraj Khosla. Team them with off-shoulder tops and cropped jackets for an updated look. Also, pick a pair that is leaner on the flare and high-waisted to give length to your Indian frame.
Denim designs
Marc Jacobs, at his last show for Louis Vuitton as Creative Director, famously exclaimed that denim had gone deluxe. This season, the international runway saw a return of the humble blue jeans elevated to luxury with embellishments, patchwork and carefully distressed designs. Says Manoviraj Khosla, “Denims is easily going to be one of the biggest trends this summer. Everything imaginable is going to be done with it and it is also going to make its way into formal wear with smart denim jackets.”
Hola! Tea-length
Right in the middle of the maxi and the midi, the tea-length skirt is uber chic and feminine. Tea-length skirts start off at the waist and the hem usually hits mid-calf. The silhouette is much wider than a maxi too. Sport this skirt with a bralet – a big trend this season as well or a cropped top to make you look taller. Don’t forget to wear tall, narrow heels with this piece. Gorgeous floral patterns or bold geometric prints go well with this length. Tea-length dresses are a great fashion hit too.
Sporty spice
Bombay-based designer Nishka Lulla’s 2014 Spring/Summer collection epitomised sporty. She says, “Summer is all about relaxed and comfort wear and what better way to do it than sporty chic.” The designer recommends thin sheer windcheater style jackets, bermudas, pajama-style pants paired with tank tops and slip dresses for a cool sporty look. Internationally too sportswear was given a luxe makeover. Leather joggers, silk or embellished bomber jackets, and sexy suede shorts give sporty wear a new vibe.
