Putting together your wardrobe between seasons can be confusing especially on days when the scorching heat tricks you into wearing a sheer top over a pair of shorts. Because when the evening brings gusty winds and a torrential downpour, you realise you should have planned your outfit better. So if you are in a predicament of what to wear during these summer showers, here are some pointers.
According to fashion designer, Aditi Lal, “Fashionistas need to keep up with Bengaluru’s confused weather. During the day when the sun is blazing, you could either wear a cute summer dress or ripped boyfriend jeans paired with a crop top and sandals. When it gets a bit chilly you can throw on a kimono to go with the look. Off shoulder clothing being the new rage, we should make the most of it to beat the heat.”
“This is the trickiest of seasons to remain stylish in and it does take some effort,” says Pranita Mehta, a stylist and fashion blogger. She adds, “Light layering is in. A cotton blouse worn over a pair of well-fitted denims or capris, with a light shrug or a jacket, would make an ideal outfit. Also, for bottom wear, one needs to opt for a leaner silhouettes rather than flowy ones so as to avoid having them stained by muck.”
Kamakshi Kaul, Vice President Design, Max Fashion concurs, “Summer layers are the hottest new trend. A cute badge denim jacket, a net slip dress, or a metallic shrug can be utilised to layer up. This is the perfect time to bring out your cute flip flops. Ruffles and 90’s glam are trends to follow.”
Choosing the perfect colour palette could be perplexing too. “Florals and bright colours are evergreen for the summer,” Aditi contends. Kamakshi contends, “Nothing spreads summer cheer like pinks and yellow (which is the colour of the season). Utility wear is in vogue, thus khakis and olives are great hues to flaunt now.”
As far as preferred fabrics for the season go, Pranita is in favour of “cotton, mul and light-weight silks as they are skin-friendly and breathable.”
No outfit is complete without the perfect accessories to match. “It is that time of the year when you’ve got to dress down and make your shoes stand out. Sneakers and sliders go with solid coloured outfits, paired with a nice handbag. In terms of jewellery, keep it simple. Rings and watches are the way to go,” Aditi says.
“Some great footwear and accessories trends to look forward to this season are sliders with cute prints and feathers,” Kamakshi adds, “Embroidered shoes and bags are making a big comeback. Chokers are a fool proof fashion accessory. Have fun with tinted sunglasses and quirky oversized frames.”
Pranita says, “It is important to put your leather sandals away and bring out those water-resistant shoes that have a PU coating and a rubber sole. Shoes that are closed will keep your feet from getting dirty. Alternatively, when dressing casual, one could opt for flip-flops.”
She adds: “Accessories should be minimal, although bright coloured earrings and bracelets can oomph up an outfit on a rainy day. A water-resistant bag that can store an umbrella, waterproof make-up and a raincoat, will help you get through this weather stylishly.”
Transitioning between fashion seasons brings with it the dilemma of what clothes can be stowed away for good. Aditi recommends you “stash away your velvet dresses, black clothing during the day, and cardigans,” while Kamakshi suggests avoiding “heavy fabrics, dark colours, and bodycon dresses as they tend to make you feel sticky and stuffy in this humidity.”
With all the advice from the fashion experts, looking rain ready isn’t a Herculean task now, is it?
