Welcome Summer

   The hot and humid Indian summer is back, reviving all the memories of sweat, heat and a weather when it’s very difficult to look fresh and chic. Summer is a season of fizzled hair, wrinkled clothes and bad make-up. So here are some tips to take that special care during summer to keep you looking fresh at all times without too much of effort.

Use the Right Fabrics

          The intense summer heat in India demands the right clothing. The right fabric will make you feel good and cool in summer season. Synthetics, like polyester and rayon, do not breathe hence should not be worn. Natural fabrics do. Think cotton, linen and silk. Cool whites, blues and any light colors works best. White or light colors reflect the heat whereas dark colors absorb heat. The overall aesthetic effect of whites and lights is also good in summer.

Wear Loose Clothing

           This summer loose clothing should be ‘in’ and body hugging clothes should be ‘out’. Looser clothes are a better bet in the hottest months because your skin needs to breathe and if you wear tight fitted clothes you will feel hotter. For men loose-fitting cotton shirts with cotton-blend corduroy pants are the most appropriate for both office as well as evening wear. Linen shirts also make for excellent summer office wear.

Go Sleeveless

            Sleeveless has been a fashion trend for years, even on brides. Sleeveless looks hip and stylish. It’s a more flattering look than short sleeves or mega sleeves. If you are not comfortable wearing sleeveless  then wear three-quarter length sleeves. They’re classy and still cooler. However don’t forget to apply sunscreen while going out in the sun.

Cover Your Head

           Use hats or umbrellas because you need them to cover your head and face from the uv-rays. Straw hats or baseball caps work the best. The idea is to keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face. Choose a hat or an umbrella that accentuates your outfit and mood.

Hair

            If it’s time for a new look, cut it shorter and see how much cooler you’ll feel! If you don’t want to cut it, wear it up off your neck and off your face. Even tucking it behind your ears makes your head feel cooler!

No Jewellery

           Avoid wearing jewellery in the summer. The less jewelry you wear, the cooler you’ll feel. Accessorize yourself with beautiful purses, shoes, scarf’s etc.

Make-up

The less make-up you use, the better for your skin. Let your skin breathe during summer. Use a tinted moisturizer rather than a regular foundation. It will even out your skin tone and is so much lighter. If you want to wear foundation, use a non-mattifying make-up. It’s less oily and keeps your face fresh. Do not forget the sunscreen which is an absolute must-have in summer.

Fragrance

Keep your summer fragrance light and fresh. Don’t use heavy perfumes as it tends to make you weary and dull. You can always go back to your regular or a heavier perfume at first frost.

-Soli Somanath