Summer fashion guide 2023: Beat the Mumbai heat in style with trendy fashion looks

With the onset of April, the ball for Mumbai's summer is set to roll. The island city will turn into a melting pot wherein you will radiate heat and sweat bullets. A gola here, and a kulfi there might serve as a temporary respite from the mounting heat and humidity. However, Mumbai's summer is not for the faint-hearted.

Be it your gut or your skin, the hot and humid weather can take a toll on your health. Along with stocking up ample fluids, it is time for a wardrobe overhaul. For those who like to brave the heat in style, fret not! Midday Online spoke to fashion experts to learn about light, chic and airy outfits for summer 2023.

Summer fashion trends for 2023
Japanese fashion designer Kenzo Takada once said, "Fashion is like eating, you shouldn't stick to the same menu." Filling up your plate with the upcoming summer trends for 2023 is Madhumita Nath, founder, and designer of Ek Katha, who specialises in sustainable dresses and organic clothing. She recommends the following trends to catch on to:

Vibrant Colours: Bright, bold colours are set to make a comeback in summer 2023. From neon pinks and yellows to bold oranges and greens, the aim is to create a fun and energetic vibe. Expect to see these colours on everything from dresses to accessories.

Sheer Fabrics: Light, airy, and sheer fabrics such as chiffon, cotton, and organza are expected to flood the garment stores this upcoming summer. Sheer fabrics add a romantic and whimsical touch to any outfit and are perfect for keeping cool in hot weather.

Prints: Bold prints, prints on prints especially floral and animal prints, are set to make a statement this summer. They can be worn in a variety of ways, from head-to-toe prints to subtle accents in accessories.

Bustier: A bustier top can be a fun and stylish option for summer. Pair it with high-waisted bottoms. Choose light and breathable fabrics: Since it's summer, you would want to stay cool and comfortable. Look for bustier tops in lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or chiffon.

As the summer heat approaches and the sun begins to shine brighter, fashion evolves to match the vibrant energy of the season. Sushmit Shubham and Pratishtha Gohain, Denim Designers, Spykar add on to fashion trends that are set to take over the Indian fashion market:

Ruffled Tops and Dresses: Ruffles are making a comeback this summer, and they are a great way to add a touch of femininity to your outfit. From ruffled sleeves to ruffled hemlines, this trend adds personality to your look and can be styled effortlessly with jeans or skirts.

High-Waisted Shorts: High-waisted shorts are a summer must-have and are perfect for those who want to show off their legs while covering their midriff. You can pair them with a crop top or a tucked-in blouse to create a chic trendy outfit that is perfect for the summer months.

Flowy Maxi Dresses: Flowy maxi dresses are a summer staple and are perfect for those who want to be comfortable while also being trendy. These dresses are versatile and can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for any occasion.

Light fabrics to combat Mumbai's sultry weather
Summer dressing can be challenging, but you don't have to demote your style quotient. Kaveri Lalchand, founder of Kaveri, a contemporary linen clothing brand recommends free-flowing, well-designed, and tailored garments to enhance the oomph factor for your outfits. This is possible if one opts for breezy fabrics that can help you beat Mumbai's sultry weather. Madhumita lists down feathery fabrics to go for during summer:

Cotton: Cotton is a classic fabric that's perfect for the summer season. It's lightweight, breathable, and can absorb moisture, which makes it an ideal fabric for humid conditions. Cotton clothes like pants, skirts, tops, kurtas, and dresses are comfortable to wear.

Linen: Linen is another excellent fabric for hot and humid weather. It's made from naturally breathable flax fibers, and it has a loose weave that allows air to circulate. Linen clothes like shirts, pants, and dresses are comfortable to wear and are available easily in stores.

Rayon: Rayon is a synthetic fabric often used as a substitute for silk. It's lightweight, soft, and has a silky texture that makes it comfortable to wear. Rayon clothes like dresses, tops, and skirts are perfect for staying cool in hot weather.

Khadi: Khadi is a handwoven fabric made from cotton, silk, or wool. It's breathable, lightweight, and has a natural texture that makes it perfect for hot and humid weather. Khadi clothes like kurtas, sarees, and pants are perfect for beating the heat.

Who says you can't wear cotton to the office?
Cotton is a versatile and comfortable fabric that can be styled in many ways for office wear. Here are some tips on how to style cotton clothing for a professional and polished look:

Choose structured pieces
Cotton clothing can be quite casual, so it's essential to choose structured pieces like cotton blouses, shirts, and trousers. Look for cotton clothing that has a tailored fit and a clean finish, which can make it more suitable for the office environment.

Opt for neutral colours
Neutral colours like black, white, beige, and navy are always a safe bet for office wear. They look professional and polished and can be paired with a variety of other colours and patterns.

Layer with jackets
Adding an organza jacket can be a great addition to your summer wardrobe. You can further elevate your professional style with an elegant flair from a blazer or jacket set in linen. Looking and feeling good in your clothes will improve your mood, performance, and impression on clients.

Choose light colours
Linen jackets are already lightweight, but to keep the summery vibe, opt for light and airy colours like pastel shades, white, or cream.

Wear it over a dress
Organza or linen jackets look great when paired with summer dresses. This adds a touch of sophistication to your outfit and makes it look more put-together. For a more formal look, pair it with a pencil skirt and heels.

Styling sportswear for office outfits
Designers at Spykar break the stereotypes by commenting that one doesn't need to sacrifice style or functionality when it comes to sportswear in the office. Sportswear can be styled for office wear by incorporating functional and breathable fabrics that can combat heat and rain. Here are some tips by Madhumita:

Look for versatile pieces
Choose sportswear pieces that are versatile and can be easily dressed up for the office. For example, a pair of comfortable and lightweight joggers can be paired with a structured blazer for a professional look.

Choose breathable fabrics
Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and rayon, mulmul which are great for hot and humid weather. They allow air to circulate and keep you cool.

Layer efficiently
In case of unpredictable weather, layer your sportswear pieces with lightweight jackets that can be easily removed if it gets too warm.

Design a capsule wardrobe with breathable fabrics for summers
"Picking pieces that can be styled in numerous ways is one way and picking a piece and styling differently every time is another", says Madhumita. For example, you can choose a shirt that can be worn as is or like an overlay. Jackets are fun to add to any closet whether it is a light summery one or a heavy one; there is a range to opt for based on seasons and styles. They just give a distinct look and remain a part of the wardrobe for a long time. Scarves and stoles are fun colour-injecting additions to have.

Choosing a classic colour or cut that you would wish to repeat wear is the best way to retain the love for the garment that you purchase. If it is a basic beige or ivory or grey/black it is literally like a blank canvas ready for the wearer's interpretation of style and grace.

Choose pieces that have value, as products that come cheap are bound to be disposed of easily as well. Go for heirloom fabrics for which you would invest your hard-earned money and take care of your valuable piece as well. Consume consciously, consume less, and consume handmade and artisanal clothing as much as possible.

Also Read: Tips to get your skin ready to beat the summer heat