Embrace the season in style...

Here are five styling tips for a fashionable you in this current season...

Summer has slowly begun to make its appearance, which means it’s time to say hello to bright colours, breezy fabrics and uplift your wardrobe. Here are some easy tips to help you nail the trending and seasonal styles with elan:

• Cuts & patterns: The key detailing for this season are fringes, ruffles, patchworks, bold colours and striking geometric designs inspired by 1920s fashion. The key styles are power shoulders, long sleeves, high-waist pants, stone-washed or ripped denims with cropped styles. The top prints are paisleys, butterfly, animal and tie & dye prints.

• Hue me bright: Explore the top colours of this season like cobalt blue, orange, shades of brown, and black & white as colour-blocking is really a strong statement now. These colours are absolutely stunning, joyful and empowering.

• Asymmetric cuts: Team up a long, light & unevenly cut tunic in cool linen or cotton with a straight pair of pants. Wear gladiator-style or strappy sandals and be ready for a perfect day out.

• Mix ‘n’ match retro style: Try mixing a wide range of prints such as florals, checks, stripes and polka dots in oversize silhouettes. It can be a playful combination for a movie date or a summer party with friends.

• Long-sleeved dresses: Look very promising with long-sleeved dresses in Madras plaids or tie & dye prints and carry an eternal look which will make you stand out from the crowd. Don’t forget to put on any pastel eyeshadow that can really complement your entire look.

• For a summery weekend evening: Wear a cropped vest with a twist or a lot of detailing such as patchwork, ruffles or zippers with high-waist Bermuda shorts in cool linen or washed denim. Add a perfect sneaker and headgear to enhance the look. Look perfect for a dinner date with a structured summer jacket and shorts and drape a neck scarf. Complete the look with suede boots. It will make you the centre of attraction!

• For a summer wedding: For summer wedding parties, pair up a vibrant and beautifully embroidered long kurta with salwar and add a glam look with stunning cat-eye sunglasses. Belted lehengas in floral prints or beautiful sheer saris in fabrics like silk, organza & crepe with a finely crafted sleeveless blouse will really add a classic yet empowering look to your personality.

Apart from all this, you can also take out your favourites from your existing wardrobe like midi skirts, dresses & jumpsuits and create a new look by adding beautiful scarves, slim bags, boots, loafers and a nice piece of jewellery. Make sure you also add a perfect hair accessory like a bow pin, baby bangs or head scarf.

So, be fashion forward this season with your own ideas, mix & match to create a bold, empowering yet lovable statement.

(The author is assistant professor, fashion design department, ITM IDM, Mumbai)