Summer is literally upon us—no, seriously! it’s almost 40° Celsius and even the governing civic body has issued guidelines to beat the heatwave. Unlike last year (and the year before that), most of us won’t be spending our summer days working from home, offices are back in action and so is the daily commute. The idea of putting on a pair of jeans (or any trousers), reminds us of the scene in Friends when Ross got stuck in his leather pants—yikes! The only way to deal with this gruesome weather is by living in breathable summer dresses.
it’s time to dig deep into your closet or build a small capsule wardrobe of summer dresses. Invest in pieces that transcend across seasons and can be worn for various occasions. The key is to find fabrics that are earthy, light-weight, organic and will keep your body temperature cool—all while making you look chic and stylish.
In case you’re wondering where to begin, we’ve curated a list of homegrown labels that offer some of the best summer dresses. Whether you’re shopping on a budget or would like to indulge—we’ve got something for everyone.
1. The Summer House
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This 3-tiered ombre green dress is the perfect day-to-night silhouette. It’s fresh, flowing and easy to work or party in—pair it with ballet flats and some minimal accessories and you are good to go.
Available at: The Summer House
2. Dresses by Okhai
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Summer dressing thumbrule? Always keep a white cotton dress handy. This Chikankari number fits the bill as it comes in the perfect length and can be styled in versatile ways.
Available at: Okhai Org
3. Khara Kapas
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If you want to switch it up from the regular maxi/midi dress memo, opt for its short tent caramel dress with barely-there floral print and ruffle detail. Team it with a pair of shorts and sneakers and you have a golden summer look.
Available at: Khara Kapas
4. Happi Space In
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Why buy a canvas and paint on it when you can look like a piece of art? Summer is all about a splash of vibrant colours, which is effortlessly emulated in this mini number. Wear it to work or wear it for your Sunday brunch—either way, it will definitely help brighten up your day.
Available at: Happy Space
5. Buna Studio
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Cotton, Mul and Khadi may be the most beloved summer dress fabrics, but this organza based silhouette might just surprise you. Also, don’t sleep on sage green just yet, it’s an unpopular summer hue that deserves a spot in your closet.
Available at: Buna Studio
6. Love Birds Studio
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Big, bold floral prints in structured, sleek dresses? Yes, please! If you’re bored of the regular chiffon dressing in pastel hues and dainty prints, this will be a refreshing change for you.
Available at: Lovebirds Studio
7. Polago Clothing
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This fuchsia pink chiffon tiered maxi is for the ones who like to have fun with fashion. Of course, summer is about pastels and victorian shades, but why not think pink (deeper) in this vibrant colour and playful silhouette.
8. Ek Katha
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This Khadi Tassar Silk beaded yoke dress will be a distinctive departure from your regular summer dresses. Right from the cut to the choice of fabrics, this dress hits the perfect sweet spot between traditional threads in a western aesthetic
Available at: Ek Katha
9. The Jodi Life
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If you want to take a step beyond the regular prints and lean towards conscious and slow fashion, this block-printed, indigo-dyed, wrap dress will be a good start. Look for labels that are promoting indigenous crafts, reduce waste and practising mindful methods while creating the collections.
Available at: The Jodi Life
10. Malie Official
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Neon for spring? Now that’s groundbreaking. This summer, go for the loud and bold colours in big and spacious silhouettes with the most pouffy sleeves, like highlighter green dramatic number.
Available at: Malie Official
For more on summer fashion, tap here.
