Must haves in your wardrobe:
Choose fabrics that do not require layering or lining. Good quality linen and modal cottons are excellent.
Have a selection of Kota, kalamkari and ikat dupattas. They are timeless.
Stock up on white salwars and kurtas— they go with everything and look cool. Jazz them up with lace or piping in neon colours
Buy floral Patialas in peppy prints and colours
Go in for plain, floral and block-printed skirts and team them with easy-fit tops
Look fabulous in palazzo pants in soft prints, linens, and crepe silks. Or, try coloured trousers in electric blue, peach and baby pink.
Keep cool in white and pastel Lucknowi kurtas.
Make a statement in loose-fitting sari blouses in playful, fun floral prints.
Starch your cottons for a crisp look.
Show off your arms in short sleeves.
Float past in wispy, lightweight chiffons
Keep away from...
Synthetic leggings
Outfits with thick lining
Tight clothes
Dark solid colours
Silks and synthetic fabric
Fancy, elaborate chiffon and net tops. They are unsuitable for summers and the sweat stains are difficult to remove
Fab 5
Must-have fabrics this season: Cottons, Mulmuls, Linens, Chanderis and Chiffons
Colours of the season: Canary yellow, lime green, rose pink, peach and turquoise blue
Mix and match: Use minimal accessories. Go in for simple bead neckpieces and small ear rings. Wear bright head bands and clips. Try plaits with neon bands. Carry a trendy umbrella, a tote bag or a cool sling.
Lingerie: Choose pure cotton inner-wear.
Feet first: Avoid sweaty feet with flip flops and flats
Style check!
Shirts are back with a bang. Simple designs with a nice brooch or light embroidery enhance your summer wardrobe. Tie-up shirts are popular and stylish. Smart cropped jackets in cotton look great; team them with tank tops or basic tees. For a flowy look, go in for lined georgettes or chiffons in bright colours. Kaftans are stylish yet comfortable.
(Inputs from designers Megha Asher, Anita Vadivel, Sulochana Malhotra, Aparna Sunku, Manoj Saravanan and Sathya Karthi; Lakshmi Meera (South India Institute of Fashion Technology), G.P. Sathi (Vichitra Tailors); and J. Elango (Owner, Feelings, R.S. Puram)
