It’s the middle of May and summer is officially here. While a small consoling voice might be playing on your mind, wondering, “if summer is here, can winter be far behind”, it’s important to stock up on the essentials for the season.
Here’s a list of handy summer essentials — wardrobe to skincare and accessories — that will help you sail through the season relatively stress-free.
Wearable, breathable and all kinds of comfortable
Picking fits in durable, breathable fabrics makes life in a metro during summer less irritable and more comfortable. Dresses, sari, kaftans, coords, dhoti pants — try to pick outfits that are easy to wear, don’t cling to your body and use flowy, light fabrics like cotton and linen.
Our picks:
- Dresses: This comfy tie-and-dye noodle strap dress from the label Dorji is a perfect pick for a balmy brunch outing. Colour blocking makes the outfit stand out while remaining easy on the eyes, and it can be customised into a number of looks. Pair it with a skirt or culottes, or throw on a shacket or shirt for added layers. You can also style this like a kurti, pairing it with denims, a patiala or palazzo pants. Deets here.
- Sari: Feeling like rocking the #NariInSari look this summer? Dora By Phoenix’s quirky Tintin and Snowy print sari in Begumpuri cotton should be on your radar. Team it with your best crop top or halter-neck blouse, pull up the hair into a messy bun and sneak into your sneakers. #VibeCheck on point. Deets here.
- Co-ords: Co-ord sets are here to stay, they have been for a while. If you don’t like body hugging clothes, these relaxed-fit co-ord sets by HAŃSHU are real saviours. Pair them with heels or sneakers, add a nice bag and you are ready for a summer meeting or a quick brunch. Deets here.
Feel good, look good summer skincare
The undeniable contribution of skincare in keeping you feeling good and looking can never be overstated. Good looking and healthy skin needs regular TLC and a CTM routine that is manageable even in the exhaustive summers.
Our picks:
- Broad spectrum sunscreen: Summers and a good sunscreen are a duo that must never be separated. There is no stepping in the sun without the sunscreen on, and one must also avoid sitting in front of a laptop without a protective layer on the skin. So a broad spectrum sunscreen that is light and protects you from UVA and UVB rays. This Dermaco pick is hyaluronic acid infused, tinted sunscreen that does not leave a white residue or an oily feel. Layer up with a tinted moisturiser for that dewy look, and you are good to go! Find the details here.
- Moisturiser: Supple skin, problem-free skin is always on the wish list. One of the skincare know-hows is that one often needs to change moisturisers and face creams depending on the season. For plump skin, this vegan moisturiser with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide by Plum is a good option. Find the details here.
- Face mist: A long work day indoors or out, tires out not just the body but also the skin. And tired skin needs some soothing and detoxing. The best way to make yourself and your skin refreshed in the summer is a face mist, and our pick are these natural , chemical free, mildly fragrant face mists from NatHabit that comes in multiple fragrances. Find the details here.
Hey there, haircare
Rapunzel-hair might not always be achievable but good hair days are the realistic goal — one not quite easy to achieve with the summer heat. Indian summers bring sweaty scalps, frizziness and a bunch of related problems so your hair needs some extra care.
Our picks:
- Leave-in conditioner or serum: Frizzy, unruly hair can be a nightmare. Identify your hair woes, consult a hair expert if needed, and get hold of a light conditioner, preferably with UV protection, that will not just make your hair soft but will also protect your hair from harsh light and in the humid summers. Check the product details here.
- Hair masks: Take some time out during the week to give your hair some extra nourishment because pollution and stress have the added company of intense heat during the summer. While an extensive bath routine can be a self care practice and help you relax, the sweat and grime of the warmer months means that it also becomes an essential part of basic hair care. A hydrating hair mask can be the ideal go-to for this. Pick something that’s sulphate and paraben free and has moisturising ingredients like these from the Garnier Fructis range. Check the product details here.
Make-up musts to be for that summer look
Lightweight, dewy looks are great for summer along with softer colour palettes with an occasional pop! While nudes and peachy-pink shades are all-time favourites, adding a fun element like a graphic eyeliner or a smokey eye look can really make your look shine.
Our picks:
- Lip and cheek tint: The dewy, sunkissed look is all the rage right now and a lip and cheek tint is the one-product solution to achieving it. Swipe on your cheeks, eyelids and the bridge of your nose, and blend it seamlessly to give that soft hue to your face. Travel-friendly and multi-functional, this is a must have for days you want to keep your look minimal. Our pick is the range of tints from conscious beauty brand Earth Rhythm. Buy here.
- Black eyeshadow: A smokey eye can work wonders and even become the element that helps you transition from a day to night look. And a black eyeshadow is the perfect makeup item to have for a smokey eye. Choose between intense or light, add some kajal to the lower lashline, put on some mascara and you are ready. Two tips: a) More pigmentation, better result, b) blend, blend, blend. Buy here.
Walk in style
Comfy shoes are quintessential to survive the summers. A capsule collection for your shoes, with just a few picks can make sure you’re ready for office, dates, weddings, day trips, pub hopping and other activities that cannot be missed even with the mercury on the rise?
Our picks:
- Sliders: Sweaty feet is a real turn off. In the sweaty Indian summer you need regular footwear that allows your feet to breathe and sliders in different shapes, types and colours can save the day. You can pair them with a range of outfits from pants to saris and achieve a quirky look. Check the second pic here.
- Sneakers: If you are on the go all day and prefer sneakers, pick those that are made of breathable materials and allow air to pass through. Sneak a look at this pair.
- Wedges: From biye bari to candlelit dinners, office parties to late-night movies, stylish wedges can give you comfort and great style. Light weight, can be put at the back of your car if you are in between office and events, these shoes are a good choice if you want to skip stilettos and are not in the mood for sliders. Click here.
A bonus zhuzh up
Sunnies: Not only are a pair of good sunglasses an essential summer accessory since the sun is here to stare and glare, they are a great way to zhuzh up any look. Keep the headaches at bay, and look ready to slay by investing in a pair of sunglasses this summer. Find our pick here.