IMAGES: What you should wear this summer!

With summer in full swing, designers spell out mantras for fashion dos and don'ts.

April, they say, is the cruelest month. If the heat isn't enough, the humidity in coastal cities surely does you in.

Here, fashion designers in Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi spell out just what you should and shouldn't be doing this summer.

First up we have Kolkata-based Rimi Nayak, who says, "Indian summer is getting to be unbearable. So go for natural fabrics like cotton, cotton silk or cotton satin. Conversely don't wear synthetic fabrics."

Nayak continues, "Wear something that has drapes and is loose-fit and flowy. It will let your skin breathe. Tight-fitted clothes are a big no-no."

And of course, don't wear clothes that absorb the heat! "Wear something light. Dark colours won't make you feel any cooler," she explains.

New Delhi-based Anupamaa Dayal concurs with Nayak. She says, "Don't touch manmade fabrics at all! Organic is the way to go. Wear fabrics that breathe -- handlooms, linens, cottons and lighter silks."

"Don't make it look like you're trying too hard," adds Dayal. "Wear things that are a little off the body and not figure-hugging."

The designer continues, "Wear bright colours. Go beyond whites -- even if you wear whites, go for dazzling whites. Or else go for colours of fruit like papaya, kiwi, watermelons etc."

Bring out the beach babe in you, counsels Dayal. "Wear flowers in your hair!" she enthuses -- and we thoroughly agree.

New Delhi-based Arpan Vohra has no time for prudes this season. "If you have good legs, go for shorts and short skirts!" he says.

"A light jacket over a boob tube or bodysuit is a great look for the season," he adds.

The designer has a lot of specific looks in mind for the season. "Palazzo pants are on trend," he advises. "They're airy and the country girl look is in!"

Vohra has very specific instructions when it comes to beachwear. "Don't wear polka-dotted bikinis -- not happening at all!" he stresses.

"Wear a sarong for sure when you step out of the pool -- very chic, very stylish."

Coming to eveningwear, the designer offers his opinion -- "Fitted satin gowns are a big no-no, but maxis are in."

That's quite a few don'ts! But he has one more -- capris are out this summer, unless they're fitted!

The bottom line, according to Vohra is "wearing simple, chic stuff that is airy and not super-tight. Let easygoing and comfortable be your mantra this summer," he signs off.