Style Report

Trend report

Summer silhouettes

Here comes the summer with its blistering heat waves and gales of north-western thundershowers; be prepared for all weather conditions. It is compounded for those of us who have to endure the power outages in the sweltering heat of Dhaka city.

What should you wear? It must be the first thing you try to address every morning. Light but not transparent, easy but not bohemian, sombre but not too dark, and finally loose but not too baggy as you need to appear professional wherever you are going.

I think to get inspired for a summer ensemble we need to be stimulated by our environment that is abundant in foliage, bright luscious fruits and white fragrant flowers. The earth is rejuvenated with spurs of excitement that arouse all our senses. You are very sensitive to the moist, heavy, humid air and certain shades of colour allure us during our summer moments.

This year nudes, neutrals and pastels could be good colours to watch out for. Always try to accent with summer bright. In style, modern women are looking for future classics. You can try basic shapes in luxurious styles but with today's economics your styles are worthwhile only if they can withstand seasons. The conflict and polarity of trends versus classics are matters of personal choice. Styles should be modernised to suit our changing times where form and function work together. Here are some styles that promise to have a lasting supremacy.

Pleats

This summer experiment with pleating on your high waistline, creating a flirtatious feminine look. They easily add volume to the basic dress that could be topped with sleeveless, halter neck or short cap sleeves. It is advisable to have the bodice fitted, as it will accentuate your flairs. These ensembles could be knee length and be paired with patialas or harems. You could also go for the full lengths as they work great as lounge pieces. Stay with fine organic cottons this summer -- these fabrics are versatile and can be crushed to create a natural crinkle.

Prints

Clash of prints in vivid colours is the rage this summer. This is particularly suitable for the avant-garde, trend-seeking individual. Tribal patterns, ikats, tie and dye, stripes in vivid and bold compositions are big in bohemian styles. Mixed and matched to your desire these look befitting in printed leggings paired with easy ponchos or kaftans or even single shouldered blouses.

Shimmer and sparkle

A popular embellishment through most seasons, shimmer for the evening will continue to reign this summer. Tube blouses, spaghetti-strap short dresses or classic long-sleeved short blouses over mermaid skirts or narrow legged denims are great as party outfits. You can easily dress it up or down with matching bold accessories. I suggest a big hair look or headgear to add drama for the evening out.

The white shirt

This my favorite piece for the summer. You may layer with kimono jackets or oriental boleros or even a sleeveless vest to add structure and distinction. Stand mandarin, open collar or wide imposing styles are worthy. Pin tucks and pleats as details work on bodices with sleeveless, long or peasant sleeves. Shirts are probably extremely adaptable and multi-purpose. Shirts can be paired with culottes, short skirts, or flared long pants.

Feminine elegance

Even in summer you could exercise your rock chic and soft romance. It is best translated through your long dramatic pieces. The lengths have grown in our garments over the past few years and now the time has arrived to harness styles that move away from Arabian over-size cuts. Layer long halter dresses over short skirts or draped sari dresses over palazzos. Short peplum blouses with flowing chiffon tulip skirts are sure to make a grand entrance and transform you to a high priestess.

Sheer

Dare to bare, or pile on the layers and play peek-a-boo. Chiffon or muslin sleeves, shear backs and neckline are fabulous arrangements on the framework of any chic ensemble. They are subtle, yet the gossamer fabrics are translucent and can be draped, ruffled and puckered to add texture and create point of interests in most pieces. An elegant summer dress can be layered on a sheer jacket or a long top may be paired with floaty wide trousers. Traditional tailored woven silk suits can be accessorised with light scarves and stoles.

Pastel pales

Cascading dresses with asymmetrical hemlines have caught on in a very big way. Strapless with long bell or lantern sleeves work best. Fitted bodices with flamboyant hemlines are in vogue. Backs are dipping down to your waistline and the front neckline is more demure. The cuts and drapes are theatrical while the colours converse a more subdued element.

Lace

This appears to be the evergreen, immortal fabric. Over the past half a century the fashion calendar has resurrected lace over and over again. Lace under shirts are very sexy, it works well on trousers and skirts but especially applicable on trimmings, collars, sleeves and so on. Lace saris are a classic worn by royalties and commoners alike. Printed lace patterns have also made a comeback and are used extensively as value additions.

Men's style

Androgyny is a word that can be easily applied to men today. They are far more ready to experiment than previously viewed. The silhouettes for men are equally diverse in mode. You address the summer heat in quite the same way as a woman but you have a little more freedom to bare in public in Bangladesh. I suggest you continue to try the form-contoured shorts in varying lengths but pick up the light cotton pairs instead of the denims. Go with bright colors in stripes or ginghams and pair with a white or any pastel hues. The contrast is sure to create interest. Drawstring pyjamas in solid or graphic prints add powerful imagery in simple styles. Pair with short or long kurtas, button-down shirts, T-shirts but be adventurous with your choice of colours. Ethnic styles really work well for most men universally. Caps and bandanas are superb accessories for the summers, try it.