First things first. This summer, fashion is all about fusion—the fusion of vintage and modern; Indian and Western; pastel and bright. Also, as the recent Lakme Fashion Week 2024 extravaganza showed us, it is also about street-style, sustainability, and fluidity. Inca for instance made a debut with a line of light, super-fluid clothes in black, grey, pink, and yellow colour palettes, putting functionality and comfort first.

Timeless Indian ensembles such as the saree, the lehenga, and the kurta embrace a contemporary look, striking a balance between traditional and avant-garde aesthetics. With the saree having already taken centrestage in the world of fashion, curators are now working towards creating contemporariness for other traditional outfits. So, reimagined Indian silhouettes are all set to rule the world of female fashion—think saree gowns and Indo-Western kurtas and lehengas.

Alluring Sarees

A wardrobe staple of Indian women, the versatile saree can transform into a breathtaking ensemble with just a little tweak in its draping style, choice of fabric and colour, blouse design, embellishment, and jewellery. Over the years, with changing trends, the saree has evolved in look and style, even while keeping its grandeur intact. This season, the saree makeover is influenced by an interplay of tradition and modernism—brought alive by a fusion of unconventional fabrics, hues, and traditional motifs and designs to give it an Indian yet modern look.

As summer unfolds, a breezy sensual look is set to be the flavour, defined by mostly a pastel palette. Think lavender, mint green, blush pink, powder blue, purple… Take a cue from the ombre pastel-hued chiffons worn by actor Alia Bhat in Rocky aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. Light airy drapes like linen, net, mesh, chiffon, georgette, organza, and sheer with embroidered border, lace, and floral-embossed in 3D avatars are winning hearts. At the other end of the spectrum, try out the metallic-toned sequin sarees that are currently the rage among Bollywood divas. It enhances your curves, giving you a glamourous slim silhouette for a quintessential party look. We loved Ivanka Trump’s look in a stunning gold and silver striped Manish Malhotra sequin saree at the recent Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant pre-wedding extravaganza. If bright shades and bold designs are your style don't miss out on dazzling multi-coloured bold patterned colour block sarees for a bright vivacious look.

Have fun by draping your saree over well-fitted jeans or cigarette trousers for a contemporary feel. Further, up your style with a stylish metallic belt and some chunky jewellery.

For an elegant look, innovative saree gowns are the perfect choice. Create magic by detailing the edges of your saree with ruffles. A ruffled saree adds drama to your style and can make you stand out. Get inspired by Deepika Padukone’s look at Cannes 2023—her Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla ivory chiffon saree going up notches simply with an organza ruffle all along the border.

A well-curated blouse has always accentuated the look of a saree. Today, fashionistas are skipping traditional blouse designs and showing the way with striking necklines, sleeves, fabrics, embellishments, intricate needlework, and mix-and-match colours. Intricately-embroidered blouses with motifs embellished in stones, crystals, mirrors, sequins, tassels, pearls, gold beads, silver, and jewels are elegant complement for sarees. So, take cues from the gorgeous honeycomb aari grid blouse by Tarun Tahiliani, mirrored or sequinned bralettes; Manish Malhotra’s infinity blouse; criss-cross or square halter neck blouses; blouses with ruffle or balloon sleeves cape sleeves; and corset blouses—all of which promise to keep you ahead in the fashion curve.

Enticing Lehengas

Until recently the bride’s epitome of love, the classic lehenga is today a favourite of every Indian girl. Of course, the traditional one has evolved and in its reimagined form is storming the fashion scene with a diverse palette of colours, luxurious fabrics, and exquisite embellishments. The latest styles that are doing the rounds for special occasions are royal lehengas made with rich fabrics that are heavily ornated with precious stones, sequins, mirrors, and intricate zari embroideries of gold and silver.

However, considering its summer, equally popular are the modern minimalistic lehengas curated with fewer embellishments for a more sophisticated modern look for all occasions. For the environmentally conscious, lehengas also come in sustainable fabrics and dyes that do not compromise on style or aesthetics. Taking a complete departure from deep monochrome hues, this summer seek out lehengas in pastels, muted tones, and florals on tulles and organzas for comfort and contemporariness. The delicate muted look that Bollywood brides are flaunting of late, and the white chikaan lehenga worn with a western top by bride-to-be Radhika Merchant, reflects the modern twist to the lehenga. A dupatta, a veil, or a cape adds further grace to the ensemble.

Adorable Kurtas

Comfortable and ideal for all occasions and all seasons, the kurta-salwar/churidar/pant/palazzo ensemble is today an iconic statement. This summer, embrace the fusion trend: opt for asymmetrical hemlines, tasteful colours in pastels; florals and patterns in breezy fabrics. Choose jeans, palazzos, and slim pants over churidars and salwars. Go for the layered style by pairing plain kurtas with colourfully crafted jackets and likewise a plain khadi jacket with a printed kurta for a snazzy look. Ethnic-styled kurtas with all their opulence reset to a whole new level with detailed embroidery, elaborate embellishments, and playful tassels—apt for formal wear.

Fashion puts forth a whole new world of options allowing you to express yourself. Just step forth, explore, and choose your inimitable style.