Your practical guide to looking sharp this summer

If a prolonged period of working from home has left you puzzled as to how to dress up, you're not alone. To top it all is the scorching summer heat, which adds to the challenge of practical clothing. How do we dress to kill while our body is seemingly melting away in the hot and humid Indian summer?

"Choosing the correct summer outfit is not always easy: the outfit must be sleek and attractive while also allowing you to feel comfortable," says fashion designer and founder of her namesake brand, Shahin Mannan. Fashion designer and founder of Mellow Drama, Aaina Mahajan further adds, "Comfort when it comes to clothing, especially during the sweltering summer, has become a critical component." They both outline six trends--from the runways to the streets--that will help you dress sharply and comfortably this summer.

1. Comfy and oversized

Oversized shirts are a hot trend this summer. Wearing them in solid bold pop colours as well as summer stripes makes them trendy and breathable. These shirts also look good with all over motifs and embroideries in studs and crystals. These can be paired up tucked half in with coloured or denim shorts or skinny and baggy denim jeans for an all-day look. They can also be worn over tights with sneakers for a more casual look. One can wear them as a coordinated set with shorts and pants. Teaming them with baggy wide leg trousers adds a good balance of masculine and feminine elements. One can even wear it as an oversized shirt dress.

2. Y2K makes a comeback

Micro skirts have made a huge comeback this summer. With the Y2K trend back in vogue this season, one of the key items that has caught the fashion world is the micro skirt. They are dominating the runways this season. These can be worn on their own with an uneven hemline or can be teamed up with tights or leggings. They can be dressed up or down as one can team it up with a crisp white shirt, layer it with a summer blazer or a tucked in tee shirt, depending on the occasion. They can be worn with long knee high boots too to give a more edgy look. This trend is very forward thinking fashion and is very empowering and bold.

Fashion designers Shahin Mannan and Aaina Mahajan outline six trends to help you up your fashion game this summer. Photo: Shahin Mannan and Aaina Mahajan

3. Makes the cut

Cut out dresses are a big trend this season. They can be body-con dresses or loose beach dresses with cuts adding a playful element to the outfit.

They can also be worn in solid bold colours or breezy floral and conversational prints for a softer look. These dresses have cuts usually at the waist but with trends now, the cut out could be at the neck, navel, back or even the sides. They are back in vogue as they accentuate the body and add an element of flattery, giving it a classic twist.

With today's fashion sensibilities, those with a curvy body can actually accentuate their curves by wearing a dress with the cut out at the right place, depending on their body type. They can be styled with gold chains and block sandals as well as pencil heels to create a vibe for the whole look.

4. All white
Whites are timeless and traditional and now that summer is here, it's time to ditch the darker hues. An all-white dress, which may also be paired with softer tones, is always a winning look. All-white clothing is the trendiest look for summer this season. Whites may be worn in a number of ways, with monochrome or subtle patterned designs.

5. Pleat it up

One of the most wearable trends this season is pleats. Pleats give a light summer look, which lends elegance to the individual. A pleated midi dress or pleated tops are the most trending styles this season. Whether it's printed, simple, colourful, monochrome, as long as it's pleated, you're good to go.

6. Sleeves galore

Puffed sleeves too are taking centre stage this season. Whether big or small, puff sleeves make a great statement, and they're my go-to secret for spicing up any boring look.

"The season of summer brings with it an exciting opportunity to experiment with fashion. You can try on so many different, bright colours and patterns," says Mumbai-based fashion influencer, Unnati Malharkar. Below, she puts together three of her best summer looks for you.

1. Maximise it

One of my personal favourites is maxi dresses. A bright coloured maxi dress fits just perfect for any daytime event - be it shopping, brunch with friends or just running errands. Maxis are breezy and super comfortable. Solid colours, floral or bright striped patterns, mixed with the right type of accessories such as shoes and bag and a perfect, comfortable fit according to me, can never go wrong. Photo/Unnati Malharkar

2. Flower power

Summers for me are all about bringing my cutest dresses out of the closet. Everyone would agree that you cannot go wrong with floral prints during the season. I absolutely love floral prints and prefer accessorising them with pearl jewellery. Floral print in comfortable cotton material is just perfect. It looks fresh and vibrant. A perfect, subtle colour outfit has always been a staple for my summer fits and simply cannot be replaced. Photo/Unnati Malharkar

3. Make a statement

A mini dress for date nights in summer is definitely a must-have. One of the recent trends widely seen in the Indian fashion industry is statement sleeves. Sleeves are having a huge moment and long chiffon sleeves on a mini dress won't make you feel hot but they will surely make you look hot. Let your hair down in these sexy dresses, minimal accessories and you are good to go for a fun night out. Photo/Unnati Malharkar

Also Read: From Mumbai to Milan: Fashion weeks are like a well-planned fantasy, says fashion influencer Masoom Minawala