Mumbai-based style experts share tips on how to look stylish this summer

Ah summer A season thatrsquos synonymous with languid days and cloudless skies andhellip for us Mumbaikars also searing temperatures and relentless humidity that quickly dissolve any notions of a lsquohot girl or boy summerrsquo into a pool of sweat and frustrated tears But if yoursquore looking to up your style game without losing your cool literally and figuratively help is at hand mdash wersquove invited some of Mumbairsquos most fashionable citizens to curate a style guide to ensure you look and feel fresh all summer longColour theoryMitali AmbekarPastels are back in a big way says celebrity fashion stylist Mitali Ambekar ldquolsquoLilac rose quartz a dusty light pink and pistachio green are some of this seasonrsquos trendiest colours as are blues and mintrdquo she elaborates adding that a brilliant white is an alltime summer favourite When it comes to styling these colours together textile designer Harshavardhan Rai suggests curating looks with relative colours or different shades of the same colour ldquoFor example if you are wearing a light green overshirt wear a vest in a darker shade of the same colour and pleated shorts that are also in the same colour family For contrast wear monotone footwear preferably sneakers in black or white and extend the colour into the rest of your outfit by way of an accessory such as a bag or a bucket hatrdquo he explains Shaina Tanna a model and tattoo artist recommends quirky prints in pastel colours These she says allow you to showcase your personality while being seasonappropriateShort and oversizedTanna sports looks with a tailored silhouetteShorts are in in a big way for men says Rai emphasising that athleisure looks are finally on their way out replaced by more tailored silhouettes He recommends investing in pleated shorts in pastel colours which are comfortable and yet flattering for both day and evening looksFitted elementsFurther he strongly urges fashionlovers to stow away their skinny jeans and opt for baggier and boxier fits ldquoWhen in doubt size uprdquo he sagely advises Tanna on the other hand enjoys juxtaposing oversized and fitted elements for a more flattering lookOf fringes roses and bowsAmbekar insists fringes add dynamism to any outfit and suggests using rosethemed elements to dress up the lookWhile the overall aesthetic for this summer exudes quiet luxury with tailored styles simpler patterns think stripes not logos and understated elegance the standout fashion trend is fringes shares AmbekarModels sport rosepatterned dresses Pics CourtesyInstagramldquoFringes add dynamism and playfulness to looks by adding movement and character They keep simpler looks from becoming too boringrdquo she saysAdditionally rosethemed elements whether in your accessories rose prints or 3D embellishments are a great way to dress up your looks as are bows mdash both small and exaggeratedLayers for summerPearls and a bucket hat instantly spell summer for RaildquoItrsquos a common misconception that wearing layers will make you feel uncomfortably warm The right fabric and silhouette can make layers your best friend for versatile daytonight looksrdquo Rai shares He advises investing in an oversized lightweight jacket or overshirt in white a light denim wash or tanThis piece will work with most items in your wardrobe and can be thrown over a vest while yoursquore indoors or slung across your shoulders once the sun goes down Importantly he insists on sticking to plantbased fibres and fabrics such as cotton linen and hemp or blends of these ldquoNatural fabrics are more breathable and airier and an obvious choice for this time of the year Avoid synthetic fabrics and blendsrdquo he advisesAccessories maketh the lookWhile Rai is partial to delicate metal beaded and pearl neck pieces Ambekar suggests cuffed earrings collar necklaces and ribbon bows around the neck ldquoMismatched irregular earrings are a huge statement this year with tinted sunglasses wide belts textured bags and XXL totes For footwear opt for pointed flats and peeptoe sandalsrdquo she says