One of the hottest trends this year is the mesh. And with summers making us sweat and fume, mesh certainly becomes that perfect fabric to flaunt. Mesh, which made a major comeback this year, lets you show skin but without revealing a lot, and yet makes you look uber chic and summer ready in the most modish way.
For the uninitiated, mesh is made of loosely woven or knitted fabric, and has a large number of closely spaced holes. This makes it cool, comfortable, breathable and just perfect to beat the heat with some sass and glamour.
Designer Deepanwita Banerjee from Delhi says that while not everyone is comfortable wearing mesh because they feel it ‘reveals’ a lot, the trend actually isn’t all about the skin show. “You are never wearing it just over your skin — you wear a contrast colour tube top, a spaghetti or a racer back underneath a mesh top or shirt, and that’s where all the fun lies! The fact that these are knit and have spaces, makes this texture ideal for the summer season. It is the functionality of mesh that makes it so desirable,” says Banerjee.
She further adds that the obvious choices in colours are black and white which can be worn with contrast coloured linings, but those who want to take things a notch higher can go for pop colours like neon pinks and greens. “Also, you shouldn’t limit to only tops but also get pants and skirts in mesh that add a lot of fun to your regular boring summer looks. It helps you get a break from this usual skirts, pants and dress. The mesh pants and skirts come with solid coloured linings till your thighs and make for amazing stylish summer essentials. A lot of fitness enthusiasts are seen sporting gym tights with mesh on the sides to be ahead in their fitness fashion game,” says Banerjee.
Mesh, essentially a retro fashion trend, has been seen sported by celebs and models and those who want to achieve a different look. “Mesh isn’t just any fashion trend — it is practical and useful. This summer, you must beat the heat with mesh as it allows your body to get ample amount of air that lets you cope up with the heat and sweat. Isn’t fashion all about comfort? These also come in cord-sets — pants and top or shirt and skirts which help you keep your best fashion foot forward. You can also style them with your regular pants and tops and just go about grabbing eye balls,” suggests Reema Shastri, a Bengaluru-based stylist.
What to pair it with?
Shastri feels that front braids ended up into fish tails or a high pony go well with a mesh outfit. “I believe mesh is a very cool trend and one needs to experiment with funky elements to add more fun to their look. Large hoop earrings, sneakers, chokers etc, look good with mesh outfit. Similarly, bright lips and innovative hairstyle will enhance the funkiness,” she says.
Apart from regular looks, you can also layer a mesh top or sweater with another top to create an interesting look. “You can also layer two different coloured mesh tops together to add some drama and fun to your look. Mesh skirts are super cool and they look very elegant. If you are opting for a black/white mesh top, you can go for a colourful pant or a skirt. In case your bottom wear is made of mesh, you can experiment with some pop colour blouse, shirt or sweater to create a balance.
Additionally, mesh blazers and jackets are big rage, so don’t hesitate from flaunting them over crop tops or bralettes. A one piece white mesh dress with red heels/sneakers is perfect for a summer brunch or a coffee date,” advises Shastri.
