FASHION

This summer brings with it a crisp new wardrobe with super fresh silhouettes playing canvas to an invigorating colour story. Like it or not, not all Indian women can strut around in a string bikini like our western counterparts. So, we asked our desi couturiers to do a quick summer style check for the pretty young naaris. These are the key must-haves, say our fashion experts. Read on for a roaring rundown.

COLOUR STORY

colours definitely deserve first priority and attention in summer. Isn't it all about donning the right hues to keep the heat at bay! Summer staple white makes a huge comeback after the small disappearing act with pop colours ruling the roost last two seasons. From Chanel, Gucci, BCBG Max Azaria to Gauri and Nainika, and Sanjana Jon ? white and it's many shades made their presence felt. Designer Gunjan Arora from the label 'Sirali' says, "I am glad to see the revival of whites and off-whites. A lot of the colour look is over." On the white variants, designer Abhishek Datta says, "While white is getting prominence, it's the ivory that is gaining popularity." He suggests an ivory sari with a contrasting border for a super chic look. The orange family gets a highlight in the colour category in summer 2010. Designer Sheetal Sharma is happy to announce, "Coral orange is a must-have this summer. Again, it's not only restricted to your clothes. Take it to your bag, nails and even your lip colour!" While Gunjan and Abhishek second Sheetal on the tangy tangerine, they also list pastel yellow, green, and angel blue, crushed purple grape and coral pink, respectively. In short, keep it soothing pop this summer.

THE KURTI DRESS

A key style that has emerged is the versatile kurti/tunic that transcends the borders with its new avatar ? the Kurti Dress. We are talking the mid-thigh kurti or tunic that can be clubbed typically with the churidaar-and-dupatta, just over leggings or fashionably worn like a dress minus any bottom! Our design panel unanimously votes for the Kurti Dress that appears to be the most lucrative answer for the Indian woman this season.

Talking about the emergence of the Kurti Dress, Gunjan explains, "We are still in the recession heat. So, we as designers are advocating pieces that are versatile and can be worn in many ways. A kurti dress can easily take a woman from her office to a night on the town." Agrees Abhishek Datta and to which Sheetal adds, "The Indo-western kitsch look is very in. Look out for dress-cum-tunics in every length ? short, mid thigh and even long ? that can be paired with or without pants. Buy them in big bold prints but in summer colours. Again turn towards the feminine silhouette and avoid any style that makes you look frumpy." We suggest you to take a good look at Ritu Kumar's boho chic short anarkali kurti dresses from her latest collection.

FLIRTY DRESSES

This season fun, flirty and feminine dresses become the order of the day. Celebrate charm this summer with an array of dresses in silhouettes that our designers suggest. "Juicy Couture tracks and closed shoes must be kept away now please. Bring on the charm with fluid off-shoulder dresses and strappy ones in pure cotton and sport a peaches and pink complexion on the face. Don strappy sandals for a complete look," suggests Sheetal.

Summer dresses are all about fluid, easy, natural fabrics that let your skin breathe this season. Gunjan says, "Finally, a release from the fitted silhouette. Take to the easy slip-on dresses that ooze controlled comfort and flirty style. While natural fabrics are mainstay, designers are also working on textured georgette and satin fabrics that lend a different look."

Abhishek suggests the new version of the Toga dress this summer. He says, "While I am not suggesting the original Toga, look for variations like drape styles, off-shoulders and shift dresses in short and mid-thigh lengths. But no balloons and flowy skirts that dominated last two seasons." Time to bring out the girl in you!

Boyfriend shirt

For all those gals who find comfort in the masculine look, Abhishek reveals, "While Boyfriend denims were super hot sometime ago, this summer is all about the Boyfriend shirt. Basically, it is an oversized shirt with the right cuts and ends at mid-thigh. Wear it over leggings and strap on a slim belt." Jeggings, a combination of jeans and leggings, is another hot pick he says. "Jeggings are leggings with a digitized denim look. It's a huge trend this season," explains the young designer.

THE GREAT INDIAN DRAPES

Desi design couturier Gautam Rakha of the label 'Rabani and Rakha' gives his quick rundown on the summer trends for the Indian ethnic wear. "Nets, nets and more nets for lehengas and saris this summer. Please avoid silks like matka and tussar. Shine is out. So, the embellishment goes matte with work like copper enamelling. Sari blouses have hardly any backs, just sporting an inch border perhaps. While amethyst is our hot colour this time, our collection also emphasizes on animal and geometrical prints," puts Rakha in a nutshell. Abhishek suggests a pre-stitched concept sari in georgette over an embellished one in crepe for summer functions. Sheetal, who specialises in salwaar-kameezes, suggests mull cotton as the fabric of the season. "Printed mulls are great for salwaar-kameezes. Try even the flowy cottons." As for the trends in salwaar-kameezes, she observes that empire cuts continue to rule in both short and long styles. "Keep it playful with fun pleats and cap or puff sleeves. Low front and backs for kameezes are really hot. Again, churidaars rule over salwaars for it makes you look clean and composed during summers. Keep the dupattas minimal and stack away those exaggerated ones," suggests she.

For footwear, Abhishek suggests that peep-toes, strappy tie-ons and gladiators replace closed shoes and ballerinas this summer. Sheetal suggests fun ? be it through louder handbags or beady accessories. Keep the lived-in look for your hair, says Gunjan.

So, put that best foot forward and embrace the sun with élan!