Fashion
TIPS TO STAY COOL THIS SUMMER
It’s summertime! The kiddos are out of school, we are all a bit more relaxed and the weather is sunny, hot and beautiful. Let’s think of ways to stay cool, fresh and on trend.
DUPATTA REFRESH
Many of us opt to wear a suit over a sari because there is less ‘fabric’ involved. When it comes time to figure out where the dupatta of the outfit should be placed, we naturally drape it over one shoulder/arm or around our necks, ends hanging down our back. Your arm and neck in these cases will cause you to heat up and sweat more, not something needed in Florida’s 90 degree temperatures.
The trick is to pleat your dupatta several times into a thin strip. Pin to your suit on one shoulder evening both ends front and back. You’ll feel lighter, even.
The same tip can apply if choosing a sari. Instead of always maintaining that flowy, Bollywood drape down your arm, pleat the palloo and thinly drape down the side. Depending on the length of your blouse/choli and how much you want to expose, you can take the end of the pleat and drape across to the other side of your waist and pin there. Moderate coverage success and you won’t feel suffocated!
JEWEL COOL
Lots of Indian jewelry can sometimes equal a hot mess, for an inside or outside event. Between bangles, tikkas, earrings, necklaces, anklets, and belly chains, you also want a mini fan hanging around your front. Here’s some help:
Keep earrings long. Shorter ones will hug your ears, and eventually feel droopy. Necklaces, too, keep them longer. Choker styles will have you sweaty and sticky, especially if your hair is loose. A longer look will mostly fall on your choli or kameez.
Bangles are pretty, but too many can feel congested. Wear a couple dozen on one hand or wear a thick kada or two for a more elegant and cooler vibe. Take your final look to the mirror with all your jewelry on. Now choose one or two items and remove them. Now you’re ready – with that cool, laidback summer vibe!
HAIR IS THE “ICE”ING
Hair down looks so pretty with Indian outfits. Loose, wavy or straight hair sets a more wholesome look. It feels hot though, you just want to take it all and stick it in a bun on top of your head sometimes!
To keep the look loose but manageable, try half pinning your hair. A bobby pin on one side or pinning your crown in the center can at least keep your hair from sticking to your face.
A chic ponytail or bun can also keep things cooler, especially with high neck tops and saris.
Stay cool, stay hydrated and stay happy. Enjoy the summer, and, as always, remember to ‘gro with style’!
Kiran Bahl of Gro Styles, “An Indian Boutique” in Tampa, can be reached at (813) 843-9040, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.grostyles.com