Beat the scorching heat by experimenting with colours and natural fabrics. By Team Viva
The heat seems to have no intention of backing off. When the mornings are humid and the afternoons are downright drenching, it’s easy to stand in front of your wardrobe and wonder what ensemble to don without being subsumed by sweat. So how can you find that elusive dress, which is both stylish as well as comfortable?
Comfort over anything
“If you have not updated your wardrobe yet, it is time,” suggests designer Gautam Gupta. “Do away with heavy and dark apparel and dress in light and bright colours,” he says. Gautam apprises us that the first preference is always to wear something comfortable. While people might think that wearing minimum amount of clothes might be the best way to go but choosing the right fabric is a better strategy rather than exposing too much of skin.
For those who have to be kitted out in formal wear, it is a challenge to find the perfect business outfit. Designer Rahul Mishra feels that work wear should be professional, stylish and adaptable to all climates. He prioritises comfort over adopting any fashion trends. “Feeling comfortable is a priority and therefore wearing lighter fabrics like cottons and linens in creams and khakis is a good option. Due to warm weather, one should wear something that lets you move freely and at the same time makes you look glamorous and fresh,” he says.
Choose the right fabric
Gautam bets on linen fabric. He believes that it is the quintessential summer wear for a good reason. It is light-weight, breathable and dries quickly. “With linen, one may be tempted to go for a cut sleeves shirt or loose pants. Some more crucial fabrics are cotton, modal, georgette and even chiffon. One should opt for comfort silhouettes instead of fitted ones. For adding style, one can play with fabrics of disparate colours or with stitching textures such as pin tucks or layering,” he says.
The Assamese designer from Toronto, Tara Bhuyan, says, “People must try to beat the heat by using more organic fabrics like Eri (Ahimsa silk cotton blend), khadi, chikan and pure Chanderi. They are just perfect.” Recently, the National Award-winning filmmaker, Rima Das turned showstopper for Bhuyan’s recent event Woven Dreams of Assam in Gurugram.
To figure out which material is the most breathable, Gautam advises fine threads, loose weaves and natural fibres which prevent trapping air and sweat against the skin. To figure out which fabrics have a loose weave, pull a small section taut. Densely woven cotton won’t have a lot of stretch while a loose weave will stretch more.
White reflects light
People mostly prefer to wear white dresses as the colour reflects light. Designer Reynu Taandon apprises us that she prefers a lighter palette, especially whites. “It’s better to wear a white dress in order to keep the body temperature cool and normal. A white linen kaftan or a Chanderi top with a multi-colour work are the perfect options to look cool and trendy. Poly fabrics and skin-fitted jeans are difficult to wear during the searing heat,” advises Reynu. The colours which, according to her, have a great deal of spirit and energy include ivory, white, beige, mustard and gold. However, she points out, “One should prioritise materials that are lightweight and breathable.”
Shades of pastel
While talking about her preference for colours, Tara recommends pastels in stripes and polka dots. She says that pastels and a sorbet palette in tie-dye work very well in summers, be it for formal or casual wear. She further explains, “One can pair up a white linen trousers with a pastel stripe shirt. A polka dotted tee with some bohemian accessories can be carried off well by everyone for a stylish yet casual look. The idea is to wear breathable fabric, which is also affordable, yet popular.”
Contemporary silhouettes
Unlike previous year when women’s wardrobe was full of elegant, feminine and flattering contours, this year, the outfits are moving towards a simpler approach to dressing. For Rahul, this year has witnessed a lot more individuality in fashion. People are moving towards international trends while holding onto tradition in prints. We are seeing a play of pastels and statement hues because nobody wants to look similar to last year or even another person. So in order to give it a fun and bold look, he recommends one to go with a hybrid of contemporary silhouettes.
Pair up with right jewellery
Additionally, there’s one thing which Tara wants to stress upon — the selection of right accessories. She feels that the right ones can create multiple looks if teamed up with the same garments. “During summers, the accessories that work well are nude cream/nude blush open footwear and handbag teamed up with Eri cotton blend and linen short scarf and a floppy headgear. Pearl jewellery creates a cool yet formal look. With dark big shades and a bottle of sunscreen, anyone is ready to face 40 degrees or even more,” she concludes.
