A summer wardrobe is all about light fabrics, flowy cuts and vibrant hues. And it’s also the perfect time to experiment with various types of prints. Be it floral, geometric, stripes, animal, polka dots or paisley, prints certainly make summer dressing all the more bright and attractive. And if you have been skeptical about mixing two prints together, think no more, just flaunt them!
Kolkata-based designer duo Rishi and Soujit, say that summers have always been about floral prints, vibrant hues, panelled settings and outfits that look like spring. “It is time to make the summer of 2019 a trendsetting season as you can flaunt prints, prints on prints and over-layer prints. Summer 2019 is bringing back the trend of stripes and geometry so let go of the monotony of floral beauty and redefine your style quotient with outfits that speak elegance,” the duo add.
Rishi and Soujit’s latest creation is an upcycled curated collection, which takes inspiration from the greens, the landscapes and the current state of nature.
Mumbai-based Nishit Gupta, director, Kalki Fashion, believes that summer floral prints conjure a spirit of romantic lure with sexy silhouettes, flowing silks, idyllic tints. “From subdued florals to retro prints, the fashion faithfuls are ready to embrace prints like never before. Gorgeous trends and graceful styles with a mix of prints and embellishments will absolutely wow your summer wardrobe. So paint your wardrobe with silhouettes that have a touch of the ’80s in whites, popping colours and floral shout outs. People, who are a fan of easy-to-wear outfits, should go for prints to make it glamorous,’’ suggests Gupta.
Unlike winters, when you stick to solid colours, in summers when the mercury is rising, it is time to mix bright colours and happy prints. But, it’s not always easy to choose a chic print and pair it well, especially with the amount of options available.
Rishi and Soujit suggest that teaming up a striped vest under a white sheer shirt gives an interesting twist to a simple shirt. “You can also pair a skirt or pant with abstract print with a geometric printed top. Look out for seamless abstract patterns and multi-coloured elements. You can also pair colours, for example, you can opt for dusky shades of grey as a patterned dress and pair it with pink accessories and footwear. Don’t be scared to try out new patterns. You don’t need to over-commit yourself to fashion when you can do the best by being yourself. When choosing prints, ensure that you choose ones that go well with your body type. Try avoiding bigger prints if you are on the heavier side. You can upcycle an old saree or kurti to make an all new crop top or loose kurta out of it,” say the designer duo.
Gupta while talking about the colours and fabrics that go well with prints, says, the colour palette should revolve around fossil greys, witty wines, burnt corals, mauve, jungle greens, pristine whites with some exploding hues like magenta pinks, bumblebee yellows etc.
“Opt for styles that flourish in sheer outfits, vibrant bloom prints, legion net ruffles, peplum styles, ready-pleated designs and asymmetrical hemlines. The printed ethnic outfits will definitely catch your fancy this summer as they boast of a rare combination of playfulness and sophistication!” he says.
FUN WITH PRINT
Designer duo Rishi and Soujit share a few tips on how to embrace prints to create a fashion statement this summer.
Patola: It’s making a major comeback in traditional fabric featuring specialised geometric weaves and knits. You can add traditional prints like ikkat and Patola in vibrant shades to your Western outfits for an ethnic, classy, chic look.
Boho: If there is anything you shouldn’t miss this summer, it is the Boho print such as paisley, Ikkat or shibori etc. For a classic boho look, pair your anti-fit ikkat print top with a pair of denims. Add oxidised jewellery to accessorise your look and you are good to go!
Written prints: Try out Devanagari script and written prints in your outfits. You can try out printed tops with a pair of joggers to accentuate your morning jogging spree.
Geometric prints: Have fun with Math this summer and flaunt those geometric prints and stripes and bring out the fashion diva in you.
Stripes: Stripe printed vests are a perennial fashion trend and go well with a loose shirt.
Lines: If you want to skip floral prowess, look out for vertical lines. Vertical and diagonal lines make you look taller and slimmer.
EMBRACE INDIAN PRINTS
If you think Indian prints can’t be cool enough to be worn as stylish summer outfits, you are mistaken. Gupta gives you the low-down:
Patola: Made in Patan region of Gujarat, in Patola print, each thread is separately dyed and has to be placed just right to create a continuous series of pattern. This harmonious print pattern in straight silhouettes is perfect for a no-hassles day. It looks wonderful because of the different elements that make this print so interesting.
Kalamkari: If you’re bored of too many embellished outfits and want to wear something flowy, this print seems to be the right choice. It’s smart, snazzy and Kalamkari print looks just so Indian and beautiful.
Batik: Batik is known for its use of floral motifs and an earthy palette, with an occasional pop of vibrant colour. Tussar silk sarees are winning this season due to the rising temperatures and blinding sun. Pick sarees that boasts of water colour effect with the batik prints. It definitely does make for a casual-cool office look.
Floral: From delicate butti work to digital prints, most prints have a generous splattering of floral work. A heady mix of printed kurta with voguish flared sleeves, paired with contemporary satin dhoti will do all the talking for the upscale fashionista. You can also rework fancy jungle green or mauve satin dhoti style pants in ladylike silhouette for your summer vacation ethnic wardrobe. Floral prints will also help you dress up for a fun poker party with your friends or even for a fun mehendi gala.
