Everyday Essentials

Dressing for summer with the summer heat looming large, you want to call for cooler clothing. Summer clothes and summer wear is great for all kinds of lifestyles; from shoes to sunglasses and shorts, one cannot but love spring and summer despite the heat. Dressing for summer is all about an effortless and carefree look with a combination of style and comfort. Pair a loose and simple solid coloured dress with a wide leather belt slung around the hips or highlight a pair of jeans with a short dress on top. The key is in mixing different pieces together to create a look that is original.

With temperatures rising, you will need an umbrella in early summer and desire to wear little more than shorts, t-shirts and cool printed cotton dresses and skirts. Cool, loose-fitting fabrics, caps or sun visors, and plenty of sunscreens are a must in summer. An absolute no-no to synthetics; only materials to be worn will be the ones that can breathe. A simple skirt, colourful shirt and tall boots create a great casual look.

Summer clothing aims at easy to wear and easy to clean cotton, nylon, blends and silk. Separates like shorts, skirts, easy shirts and cool pants make up the casual summer wardrobe. Basic tank tops are an asset to any wardrobe. Summer calls for lively and trendy pieces with bright colors and large patterned clothing. Pretty florals and yummy colors in pink, blue and yellow are good for the summer days. The easiest way to complement your wardrobe or indulge in a trend is trying new blouses. Puff sleeves, ruching, graphic prints and kimono sleeves are just a few of the several styles that you can match with any type of bottom. Many of the newest styles can pair with jeans on the weekend or go under a jacket for work. Dresses are always a fashionable option during summer and highlight the season with different styles such as kimono sleeve dresses, shirt dresses, wrap dresses, jersey dresses etc.

Below are the top 4 summer-friendly fabrics that are not only comfortable but also feel soft on skin.

COTTON - Cotton fabric is one of the most popular and used fabrics all over the world. The fact that it is breathable makes it worth a buy. It is made from fibrous balls and is breathable because of the tiny spaces in the cloth.
- Cotton is as easy to care for as it is comfortable.
- For washing, avoid fabric whiteners as it can dull the finish of the cloth.
- It should be washed in warm or cool water to prevent shrinking and fading.
- Cotton fabrics can be air-dried or machine dried using moderate-to-low heat. High heats can cause cotton fibres’ to shrink.
- Iron high heat while fabric is slightly damp. Use steam as needed.

LINEN - Linen is known to keep you cool even on the hottest summer days and is made from flax fibres. The fact that the fabric is durable and breathable makes linen a famous pick always in the summer season.
- Linen becomes softer and more absorbent after each wash, which is pretty neat.
- Wash linen on low temperatures in lukewarm or cold, and preferably soft, water.
- Use the gentle machine cycle and a mild detergent to protect the fibres.
- There really is no need to iron linen garments, unless they have become really crushed.
- Store your linens in a cool, dry place; avoid plastic bags, cardboard boxes and cedar chests.

SILK - Silk is a brilliant summer fabric. Its antibacterial properties allow proper ventilation and make it easy for one to wear it. It easily regulates the temperature and hence is a great pick every time.
- When silk fabric is well cared for, it will stay beautiful for a long time.
- Avoid exposing your silk fabric to perfumes, deodorant, or bleach, as they can stain your silk fabric.
- It should be protected from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
- You do not have to dry clean silk fabric, but you should take care when washing it.
- You can clean silk fabric by soaking it in warm water with a mild soap for no more than five minutes.

ORGANZA - Organza is a super lightweight material that is totally summer-friendly. It is a sheer fabric, traditionally made from silk.
- Whatever form the organza in your wardrobe takes, it’s important to care for it properly.
- You can wash it separately by hand; just don’t wring it out too harshly or you’ll destroy the texture.
- Avoid any drying dangers by either hanging or laying your organza garment out flat to air dry.
- Avoid tears or snags by carefully folding the item and storing it out of harm’s way in a box, drawer, or on shelf.

It is very important to choose your clothes carefully. Summers can take a toll on what we wear as it gets all sweaty due to the soaring temperature and the rising humidity and hence its best to choose your fabrics before refreshing your summer closet. Fabrics like cotton & linen, silk, organza etc., that are known for their lightweight feel, feels soft on the skin and therefore are definitely a must in every wardrobe. Bright and pastel hues are the code for summers and let no kind of weather condition stop you from being your stylish best with these amazing and cool summer fabrics.