Trends change with the seasons, and this summer has its own colours and themes be it hair, hands, feet or clothes. There is a little something for everyone to spice up from Head to Toe!

Let us begin with the latest hair trends ladies! If you are into short hair go for a sleek cut with highlights in brown and rust shades. If you are on a budget, simply get a good haircut and have your hair shaded one colour that compliments your eye colour and your wardrobe. Longer hair can be worn in different style depending on the length of your hair. Shoulder length to back length hair can be styled in a feather cut, and highlighted in some of the beautiful ruby red and brilliant purple shades available in the market. Straight hair is also quite in to give you that instant chic look.

Make up in the summer must be minimalist. Please avoid foundations and concealors! The hot weather and sweat makes these items give the skin a fake pasty look, quite unattractive and unappealing. Be sure to use a good sun block lotion, one suitable for your skin type. SPF15 is quite sufficient. You may use a base powder. Apply with a brush for a light finish. Make sure the face powder is close to your skin colour. It is best to test this on your chin at the time of purchase. Eyeliner looks good, adds a dressy look to the face. But please avoid heavy mascara and false lashes this summer. A light peachy-pink blush for the cheeks, and lipstick shades in brick brown, terracotta pink and mauve beige shades are perfect our medium fair to wheatish complexions. Red and Maroon shades are a definite no-no this summer!

One thing that has been a long time hit this year is the French Manicure. This is perfect for the summer; the clear or opaque nail varnish and white tips are an absolutely gorgeous complement with summery strappy sandals and short length fingernails. Affordable do-it-yourself home kits are available at reasonable prices, or you can spoil yourself by going to one of the classy zamzama salons and splurge!

Silver jewellery is the thing to get. It goes really well with white shalwar duppattas, and the light colours that we all get for our summer wardrobes. Pure silver jewellery is more in fashion than the oxidized silver jewellery that was so popular a few years ago.

Speaking of accessories, don’t forget to get a trendy pair of sunglasses. The light shaded clear ones look good, and so do the darker blue and black ones. Frames should be small and suitable for your face shape. Remember: buy what looks good on you; what looks great on the neighbour’s daughter, might make you look like a teenage wannabe!

Clothes have always been a huge source of interest for women of all ages. The pant-pajama is still quite popular, with the two-inch slit just above the ankle. Also white cotton shalwars and light weight white cotton dupattas with lace on the ends, and also cutwork designs to add a bit of style to a simple cotton outfit. Lawn is still a hit, with new floral designs in a variety of qualities ranging from a three-piece suit costing Rs.350 to Rs.950. Chikan manufacturers have also come out with new stuff, and the printed colourful lawn with the machine-embroidered designs is quite a hit. The colours this season are definitely beige, orange, peach, maroon, and pink. Blues and greens are also available. Hand woven materials are also a good choice for semi-formal wear for the evenings out. You can get anything really as long as it looks summery and cool! Kameezes are worn short and fitted with short sleeves, and if you are bold enough go for the sleeveless style; but do keep in mind that the summer sun will leave your arms looking quite tan despite the best of sun block lotions! However, if you aren’t into shalwar kameez go for the loose kurti style shirt look that has been around since last summer. Light designs in batik and tie-dye are really in. Jeans are a good choice, or light cream coloured loose cotton pants. Comfort is the most important factor for summer dressing.

The worst thing about the hot summer is the fact that we all realise how many pores we have on out bodies! Body odour is a common complaint, and a complete turnoff! Invest in one good eau de toilette for important meetings and functions. Something light and fresh like Issey Miyake, Pleasures, Coolwater and Miracle. These are the ultimate summer scents; for everyday use go for a good inexpensive deodorant such as the ones available by Fa, Nivea and Sure. Please ladies, smell nice this summer!

Fashions come and go. Just keep in mind that it is always good to follow fashion with limits, whether they are financial or social. It is important to look trendy and stylish, but more important to reflect the inner you in what you wear. Well, good luck gals…. remember if you look good, you’ll feel great!

By Sarah Asif