Fashion Story - Just Skirt It! - What’s the buzz in dressing-up for summer? Yes, cottons and linen do come out of the closet but here’s what you can

Chaitanya Rao

Everyone is finding the going way too hot! Cottons and linens are the good things for summer and thanks to Rohit Bal and Co, awareness of linen is at an all-time high. This summer, what I would suggest is wearable is whites, with a bit of colour. Floral chiffon is what’s in, with a bit of frills added for the touch of romance.

But what’s really hot for summer are skirts. Of course, long kurtas with high slits, teamed with churidars are the fashion statement too. But to stay cool and with it, stick to skirts - chiffon, linen or cotton – and of course, the ubiquitous trousers teamed with different kinds of tops.

Binu Jha

Men can go in for lycra blended linen/cotton trousers with cotton or linen shirts. Whites and light colours are what will suit summer. Dark multi-coloured checks and stripes are a no, no. If it is the casual look you are aiming it, drawstring linen pants will be cool.

Women of course, have a pick from lots of linen, cottons, khadi, voiles and flowy, breathable chiffons. Ankle-length, wide-legged pants in linen or cotton can be teamed with blouses, kurtis or knee-length button-down tunics. I know that the kurti is moving out, but it still remains popular and will stay through summer.

Skirts are in this season – different lengths, straight with slits or slightly flared out at the hem, like a fish tail. In cotton or chiffon, the skirts can be teamed with feminine blouses.

Kurtas this summer will be longer, at least 3-4” below the knee, in a more boxy silhouette Though the churidhar is back in vogeue, the kurtas can be teamed with flowy salwars or parallel pants for a more comfortable Chennai summer.

As far as fabrics go, floral prints are what in now.

Rehane Yavar Dhala

I would say skirts are hot, A-line with a slight bounce. Chennai will see a lot of leg this summer and the colours are white and bright. Mini skirts with box pleats(not the tight silhouettes) are what a lot of girls are buying – I want to see where they are wearing them!

I would say that besides skirts, what would be popular are capris, tank tops and off-shoulder bustiers. Printed chiffons are in and if it’s saris you prefer, remember to team it with the right kind of blouse for the chic summery look. As for trousers, they will take a backseat, for it’s the season of the skirt.

As for men, open-toed sandals are back along with linen drawstring trousers with tailored shirts that are narrow at the shoulders, for that sculpted look. The look for men this season… well, the muscular look is out and lean, anorexic is in. As for the hair, it’s the unkempt look that’s cool.