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IMAGES: What you should wear this summer!

Last updated on: April 5, 2011 08:36 IST
Cotton garments like this VJ Balhara creation are where it's at for 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."

Tight-fitted clothes are a no-no

Last updated on: April 5, 2011 08:36 IST
Opt for flowing silhouettes like this Parvesh Jai number

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."

Colour story

Last updated on: April 5, 2011 08:36 IST
This Rimi Nayak pastel dress is perfect for the hot season

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.

Don't touch manmade fabrics at all!

Last updated on: April 5, 2011 08:36 IST
Dayal says organics and lighter silks like her own creation here are ideal

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 try too hard!

Last updated on: April 5, 2011 08:36 IST
This Chaitanya Rao outfit goes a little OTT, wouldn't you say...

"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."

Think beyond white

Last updated on: April 5, 2011 08:36 IST
Sabbah Sharma caught onto the citrus trend for her latest line, showcased at the LFW

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."

Go floral and feminine

Last updated on: April 5, 2011 08:36 IST
A Purvi Doshi creation -- the sunflower in the hair says it all!

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

Have legs, will show!

Last updated on: April 5, 2011 08:36 IST
Shorts and a top by Arpan Vohra -- he believes you should flaunt your legs in summertime

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.

Light jacket musings

Last updated on: April 5, 2011 08:36 IST
Shrivan Narresh present a short jacket teamed with bikini top

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

Palazzo pret

Last updated on: April 5, 2011 08:36 IST
Parvesh Jai presents a pair of funky palazzo pants

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!"

No itsy bitsy polka dot bikini!

Last updated on: April 5, 2011 08:36 IST
This polka dot bikini by Masaba wouldn't sit well with Arpan Vohra!

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

Singing praises for the sarong

Last updated on: April 5, 2011 08:36 IST
An Arpan Vohra swimsuit, topped off with a sarong

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

Coming down on the gown

Last updated on: April 5, 2011 08:36 IST
This silky gown by Gauri and Nainika sure is pretty, but is it really summerwear...

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

Capris have to highlight your contours

Last updated on: April 5, 2011 08:36 IST
Are these capris by Vivek Karunakaran fitted enough, we wonder...

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.