All women out there, what’s hot in your wardrobe this summer? Prints and pinks are passé these days. Summer and the spectrum are inseparable, but at the other end, it’s white that has become the new bright! Along with neon and fluorescent that never go out of vogue, solid whites and flower power are the in things. “White is classy like black and can be teamed up with any colour and style,” vouches Mumbai-based fashion stylist Surbhi Gupta. “They are light on the body and bright on the eye. And moreover, whites are best heat reflectors.”
White that made a prominent appearance on the ramp shows of spring/summer collections is very much available on the shelves too. They come in a range of plain and printed varieties. “White gives a pleasant look and once you wear it, you feel fresh,” points out, Ahalya, at Ahalya’s Boutique on Gokhale Road. “Floral prints and embroidered designs on white backgrounds are moving well among Madurai women.”
Be it a simple looking salwar that you wear to work or the grand Anarkali that you sport at parties and weddings, whites come handy in all occasions. Party wear for women this season, includes roomy airy skirts, frilled long salwars with empire waistline and spaghetti tops with overcoats. And all these have a hint of white!
A range of ethnic handlooms with thread work, lace embroidery, netted cotton and gauze are the other highlights of the season.
In solid whites, check out the classic chikankari chudidars. Whereas in the printed ones, black-and-white checks, polka dots, block prints and floral motifs are the choices.
Bharathi Venkatesan, a young IT professional, says, “I am a lover of white but they are better for party wear as it would be difficult maintaining the sheen in everyday-wear. Even a small stain would ruin the dress.”
True, white is often restricted to occasion wear. But the trend now is to wear them casually and daily. An exclusive collection of work wear in white is up on display at the Max store in Vishaal Mall. “All the new arrivals are white base with colourful prints and they have been fast moving off the shelves,” says a salesperson at the store.
“Most people pick up the ones with long sleeves. The sleeveless varieties are hardly bought by Madurai women except for a few young girls who opt for them.”
Stylist Surbhi points out how white is being fancied by more young women these days. “Whites are often thought to give a matured look. But they come in whimsical packages nowadays.
Playful prints and dramatic silhouettes make up for the oldie’s colour. And young ladies are going for it.”
If you are still hesitant of opting white for office, simply go for the summer regulars. Orange, pink, yellow and blue never go wrong.
“Cotton is the fabric for the season and subtle embroidery with happy colours is always a hit combination,” says Sujatha, at Uttara Boutique on Bypass Road.
The other trending thing is the summer skirt, that’s back in all lengths and shapes. From the regular A-lines and umbrella-cuts to the quirky fish-cuts and billowing bow-cuts, skirts are no doubt stylish! Disha, a web consultant, says, “Skirts are easy wear. They make you look young and they are versatile. Apart from the tees that are regular combos, even longish kurtas and short kurtis are being worn upon skirts.”
And there is no dearth of silhouettes this summer. Other than the flowy options, there are also skin hugging knit chudithars and jeggings. They come in plain and printed whites, fuchsia, pink and turquoise. “Knits are always a hit among youth. They are easily washable and wearable,” says Payal, a city-based fashion design student. “Jeggings are cool combos of jeans and leggings. And they are now available in knitted cloth too. They can be teamed with t-shirts or tunics.”
So, have you got your white for the season? Rummage through the stores and you may find a classic LWD (Little White Dress)!
