Here's how you can curate your wardrobe for the summer heat

The transition from a lingering winter to a sudden sweltering heat is often jarring leaving most of us staring at a closet full of clothes that suddenly feel too heavy and restrictive When the summer winds start blowing the goal isnt just to shed layersmdashitrsquos to pivot your style toward pieces that can handle a highspeed hightemperature lifestyle without losing their edgeNavigating this shift requires a practical toolkit Itrsquos about moving away from transitory trends and toward a way of dressing that prioritises airflow comfort and effortless cool By focusing on breathable heritage textiles and streamlined functional utility you can build a wardrobe that feels as light as it looks Fashion experts share tips on how to curate your look for the hot months ahead ensuring you stay sharp even as the mercury risesThe heritagecore revivalThe most significant movement this spring is the massive heritagecore revival For decades traditional textiles like Khadi or handloom were relegated to the occasionwear section of the closet brought out only for weddings or formal cultural events Today designers are reimagining them as daily essentials For Saim Ghani founder and creative director at Saim the goal is to marry our traditional and historical selves into the fast function hustle style of todayFor those looking to anchor their wardrobe in heritage without feeling like they are wearing a costume Ghani identifies five essential pieces that transition seamlessly from the boardroom to a weekend brunchGhani believes that carrying a piece of India with us daily provides a tiny brim of nostalgia and culture However the modern reader often struggles with the costume trapmdashfeeling as though wearing traditional fabrics requires a full commitment to an ethnic look To counter this Ghani identifies five anchor pieces that transition seamlessly from the boardroom to a weekend brunchThe statement saree A timeless staple that gives you fabric area to play with allowing for creative draping that can feel avantgarde rather than just traditionalThe basic oversize shirt Perhaps the most versatile item in the toolkit functioning as a kurta blouse or just a dress depending on the layering needs of the dayThe lungi skirt A masterclass in ease this piece is super comfortable and can easily shift from Indian to western clothing offering a sleek silhouette that mimics a modern wrap skirtThe long jacket A transformative layer you can throw on to literally everything serving as either a protective outer shell or the focal point of the outfitWidelegged trousers Because wherever you are comfort is most importantBy integrating these pieces the modern dresser avoids the costume trap instead achieving a look that is effortless The trick lies in adaptation ldquoReplacing and adapting one element of today into anything traditionalmdashis effortlessly chic he saysQuality over quiddity The 10year wardrobeIn an era of fleeting microtrends the experts are calling for a return to longevity Ghani warns Trends have always normed us into boxes encouraging readers to ignore the noise and focus on three specific markers of quality that ensure a garment lasts a decade rather than a single season1 Construction and finish If your garment is not well stitched itrsquos anyway not going to last long A wellmade garment is the foundation of versatility and rewearability He suggests looking at the internal seams and the strength of the finishings these small details dictate the actual lifespan of the piece2 Classic yet experimental cuts Look for a pattern that can function as a separate across your entire wardrobe Seek pieces where one piece may act as ten individual ones ensuring the look never dies and always feels new This is the essence of a sustainable wardrobemdashgarments that evolve with your personal style3 Fabric intelligence Understanding the distinctive care measures of your fabric is vital Fabric defines the demographic of the piecemdashthe occasion time and seasonmdashmaking it essential to invest in materials that suit your actual lifestyle Investing in materials that suit your actual lifestyle and climate is the ultimate form of responsible consumptionBreathable utilityWhile heritagecore looks backward to move forward the khaki coded or utility trend focuses on the pragmatic needs of the present Prasoon Sharma founder and creative director at Triune argues that utility in the Indian context must be redefined to combat rising temperaturesUtility doesnrsquot have to translate as heavy or rigid It is less about bulk and more about intentional placement It becomes a way of reinterpreting function through lightness and ease Sharma explainsThe 2026 interpretation of utility swaps heavy canvases for breathable cottons linen blends and lightweight fabrics that allow airflow while maintaining a crisp structure Sharma notes ldquoThe excess of traditional utility is being replaced by considered design Cargo pockets are becoming refined flattened or subtly integrated into seams and field jackets are evolving into modular layers with detachable sleeves that respond to the fluctuating climaterdquoThe 2026 hero layer Solving the IndoWestern transitionOne of the greatest challenges is the shift from cool mornings to scorching afternoons To solve this Sharma points to a specific combination as the seasons hero ensemble the linenkhadi shirt paired with loose cotton pantsItrsquos light breathable and works without overcomplicating things You can throw it on wear it open through the day button it up when needed This pairing bridges the IndoWestern divide naturally offering a silhouette that feels relevant right now because it refuses to try too hardrdquo poses Sharma It is an honest response to the environment that doesnt sacrifice style for the sake of utilityIndian stealth wealth Restrained craftsmanshipAs the global quiet luxury movement continues to influence aesthetics the challenge for Indian fashionmdashoften defined by celebratory vibrancymdashis to find a stealth wealth equivalent Sharma who works closely with local artisans believes the secret lies in presenting Indian crafts beyond a traditionally Indian lensThis Indian stealth wealth is achieved throughGlobal silhouettes Using jackets pants and shirts that feel familiar and global but are constructed with the depth of Indian craftsmanshipTonal embroidery Moving away from highcontrast embellishment toward work that is more restrained contemporary and often more controlledSubtle integration The goal is for the handwork to blend into the garment rather than standing outldquoBy keeping the craft tonal and the silhouettes structured readers can achieve a look of immense value and heritage that whispers rather than screamsrdquo concludes Sharma In 2026 the loudest statement you can make is one of quiet curated quality The seasonal transition becomes less about shopping for newness and more about curating a lifestyle that is responsive responsible and deeply rooted