Fashion Tips for the Summer

Summer can be quite a challenging season to dress for many women considering you reveal more of yourself and your body and have fewer layering options at your disposal. What you wear in the summer can also determine how you feel all day long. Inappropriate summer clothing can really wear you down and exhaust all your energy. Although less is more in summer, it does not have to be boring and dull. The trick is to find the right balance between fresh, cool and flattering.

Wear natural fibres: Cottons are your best friend in the summer. Cotton fabrics are breathable, absorb sweat and dry faster. Opt for pure cottons. Linen is even better, although more expensive, it is highly absorbent and a good conductor of heat. Linen fabrics are cool to touch and one of the strongest fibres available. Silks are also a good option and can keep you cool. However, they are high maintenance, especially in the summer, and you might want to reserve your silks for the evening or on special occasions.

Choose lightweight fabrics: Lightweight fabrics will keep you cool in the summer. They can have some structure and detailing like embroidery or print. Make sure though, that the fabric is not too flimsy or it will stick to your body whenever you sweat and that is very unflattering.

Choose light colours and pastels: Dark colours absorb heat, whereas light colours reflect heat and keep you cool. Choose colours like ivory, yellow, khaki, mint green, powder blue, rose pink and white. All white is a classic summer look which you can dress up with colourful and interesting accessories. Play with colour blocking to add some spunk to your attire.

Cover up: Contrary to popular belief, it is a better idea to cover up your skin and protect yourself from direct sunlight. Exposure to direct sunlight not only damages the skin, but also raises the body temperature. Opt for sleeves instead of going sleeveless, and don’t forget to cover your neck too. While traveling in the sun, you may want to use a light jacket over your top. If you choose to do so, go in for an unlined jacket in a lightweight fabric. Natural indigo dyed fabric acts as a natural sunscreen. So you may choose to wear an indigo dyed jacket or dress.

Choose loose fitted clothing: Believe it or not, a flowing maxi dress will keep you cooler than a pair of shorts and skin tight tee shirt. The less fabric you have actually touching your body, the more comfortable you will feel. Besides, the looser the fit of your outfit, the lesser the need for you to wear shape wear, which by itself can make you feel pretty hot.

Dress for your body type: It is very important to dress for your body type, particularly in this season, since you don’t have the option of layering. In summer, you need to be even smarter with the types of clothes you choose when you want to cover up certain areas. Choose smart tops, skirts and dresses that drape in all the right areas to cover up any bulges. Asymmetric tops and dress are usually good at doing that. Choose garments with patterns and interesting design details which will highlight your most attractive features.

When accessorizing, keep it simple: Heavy embellishments tend to weigh down your outfit, and make it cling to your skin, trapping body heat. Avoid heavy necklaces, bracelets and rings that come directly in contact with your skin. Instead, accessorize with interesting earrings, belts, shoes and hair clips. Add colour with a bag or shoes. Carry a smaller handbag or sling instead of a backpack or huge tote which will not only wear you down, but make you sweat a lot. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and carry a light weight scarf in your bag at all times. You can use the scarf to cover your neck or head in the sun, use it as a head band to keep your hair off your neck or simply wear it as a top. Have fun with sunglasses of different shapes and colours.

Reinvent your clothes: Summer is a great time to transform certain garments that you might be thinking of getting rid of. For example, a floor length dress or skirt can be made into a cute mini, long pants can be cut into shorts and a long blazer can be cut into a crop jacket to wear over summer dresses.

Hair and makeup: If you have long hair, you can choose to either braid it, wear it in a bun or a ponytail. It’s a better idea to tie up long hair rather than cut it to an awkward length that you cannot tie and which will leave you hot and sweaty. Have fun with hair accessories. Keep your makeup as natural as possible. Opt for nude and neutral shades and glossy rather than matt lips.

Remember to stay hydrated at all times, don’t forget your sunscreen and stay stylish!

This article originally appeared on the Navhind times on 13/04/2018