Midsummer fashion madness

A style guide to help make sure you bring the heat this summer.

LAHORE:

With an influx of lawn prints and new designers coming up with their lines of this summer staple, one usually forgets that a huge chunk of our market still enjoys wearing western wear even when the heat turns up. With international designers churning out new designs and looks, we list down the basic wardrobe pieces that are making the fashion scene sizzle and the western looks that can be easily created using merchandise locally available.

For an ode to the western side of the world this season, try thinking plaids, stripes and nautical navy for the preppy yet chic look. Pairing nautical navy prints with a pair of white linen pants and accessorising it with chunky earrings and a thick belt will give you a breezy feel and a bohemian flair to your outfit. Urban Culture and Leisure Club have some interesting plaid prints that can be paired up with anything.

Local brands such as Stoneage, Crossroads and Outfitters are also some great places to start looking for some great quality and trendy items that won’t burn your pockets.

shirts

Loose chiffon shirts with loud prints found at Outfitters can be paired with white pants to make a casual daytime outfit or can be tucked into high-waisted jeans or pants for a semi-formal evening dinner. Also keep an eye on eveningwear dresses and bejewelled tops, as they can oomph up your evening look in no time.

Lace and crochet vests have made a huge comeback this season and these items can be found at Quiz, the Scottish brand that has made a mark in Lahore. This little store in the basement of Vogue Towers on MM Alam Road is as invaluable to a girl as a treasure chest is to a pirate. From colour-blocked evening dresses to crocheted shrugs and even some Stella McCartney style screen-printed shirts, this store has it all. On the other hand, Crossroads also has some variety of floral shirts that could be great to blow off some steam during the summers.

Whilst lace, crochet, loud prints, plaid, nautical navy, colour blocking and stripes are all in fashion, solid bright colours are also a must-have this summer. Orange and tones from the warmer side of the spectrum are most trend-appropriate option for your ‘The get-together is in an hour and I have nothing to wear’ trauma.

Shoes

As far as shoes are concerned, be prepared to see a lot of lace and metallic embellishments on shoes. Going without ballet flats with metallic toes and small metal heels will be considered fashion suicide this season. Charles & Keith’s summer collection includes some classic cutwork nude heels and wedges that will not only brighten up western clothes, but will also add an extra zing to eastern outfits also. Insignia is the newest shoe brand in the market and has some interesting artistic pieces that too can be worn with both eastern and western wear.

Bags & Jewellery

The past couple of years have focused heavily on statement neckpieces, however, this year we see the trend shifting from necklaces to statement earrings. A brand called Ennz focuses on making pieces that are different and artistic. A pair of chunky gold earrings can put life into even a casual basic outfit. Apart from Ennz, we have Accessorize that caters to such needs but can be a bit cruel on your pockets. If all hope fails, there are some great stalls behind Liberty Market that sell great costume jewellery that will make the desired impact and yet not finish your monthly allowance.

Handbags complete a girl/woman. Local brands such as Outfitters and Crossroads have started manufacturing clutches and handbags that are not just utility-based but are also trendy and fun. Thick chains and strapped up shoulder bags are in and can be found at Charles and Keith this summer.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 11^th, 2012.