Our lifestyle is very much connected to the seasons. Unlike before, we are very keen about dressing up ourselves for the season. If we cover up from head to toe in monsoon, we let our body breathe well during summer. There is keenness among people even regarding the fabric of a dress. As summer has just begun, we take a look at shifts in our fashion outlook.
There is a fondness towards organic clothes among many. They do not like compromising on attire because our dressing style is related to our health. According to designer Sreejith Jeevan, there is a demand for clothes in natural fabrics such as cotton and linen. “Traditional fabrics such as Khadi and handloom are making a comeback this summer,” says Sreejith. In his opinion, at least a section of society prefers environment-friendly clothes. They go for unbleached fabric in order to avoid the presence of chemicals used while bleaching.
Comfort and style are the other two big factors that define summer fashion. It is a time when everyone, especially women, bid adieu to figure-hugging tops and trousers. That is perhaps girls forget jeans and embrace loose bottoms and palazzos this season.
“Palazzo has become common now. Also, there is a change in the style of wearing kurtis. In Kochi, people are slowly moving away from the concept of three-piece clothing, which is very comfortable during summer. Generally, people opt for a relaxed dressing style that would keep them comfortable throughout the day. Menswear-inspired women’s attire such as designs similar to shirts is one example. The dress provides the comfort level of shirts,” says Sreejith.
“Using loose clothes can reduce the amount of heat. The passing of air will keep our body balanced. If we use tight dresses in summer, there is a chance for skin allergies. Skirts are also good options in summer,” says Rithika, a college student who believes that treggings is a cool choice for summer. “It is a combination of leggings and trousers. It can provide us the easiness of leggings and trousers,” she adds.
Flowers are an inevitable part of summer fashion. “Presence of flowers can make the attire look fresh and stylish,” says Anna Ben, a fashion technology student. “Some go for bold flowers while others pick small, subtle flowers. However, summer is incomplete without flowers,” says Sreejith.
According to Anna, many of her friends are using the season to follow the gypsy style. “It is that you can go out effortless on summer,” she chuckles. Summer is also the season for everyone to explore their creative side by making new combinations. It is a season of mix and matches. Scarves are the best cloth to add elegance to the total outfit. More than a garment, it is used as an accessory. “It can replace duppatta. It will make one look smarter. It can be coupled with any dress,” says Sreejith.
Anna says, “Cotton and silk scarves are the trending ones in our circles. It serves multi-purposes. It may be just a piece of cloth, but it allows us to experiment with. We wear it on the neck, convert it to a hair band, and sometimes, we simply tie it on our bag.”
Men also prepare for summer. Cotton and linen are their favourites too. “In casual occasions, men can choose shorts. Denim is also a good option for them during summer,” says Haan, a stylist. “Mostly men use pastel shades in this season. Sunglasses have got a demand among them,” he adds.
Besides the dress, girls are cautious about hair and makeup. Different kinds of ponytails and buns are a hit among girls. “In the case of makeup, we use waterproof products such as eyeliner in gel form,” says Rithika, adding that being minimal is the mantra to beat summer.
