We understand if you have an uncontrollable urge to look like a swaddled, patchwork quilt this summer…actually, we don’t! We feel the trend has gone on far too long and it’s time for it to switch around to clothing that is simple, sophisticated and minimalist. Women are supposed to look like women, not patchwork dolls and the 15 prints in one tunic trend does you no favours at all. When bundled up in a lengthy shirt, it makes you look like a stunted Christmas tree, sparkling off-season.
We thought you’d need some extra persuasion to crowbar yourself out of the comfort zone of printed, loose and flowing garments so we consulted four top designers who are not designing lawn, on the best way to wear it…
‘Complement prints with solid colours’
"My personal pet peeve is print on print and then again on printed trousers," says luxury designer Maheen Karim. "Compliment a print with a solid … NO hotchpotch please!!!"
We have seen women lusting after print-mosaics for the past few years and it’s a trend that needs to die now. Kudos to lawn designers who have managed to restrain themselves to solid shalwars and lowers and who have exercised some balance in print and colour when designing lawn. Nothing beats a crisp white shalwar when the mercury rises.
‘Less is more and less is cool!’
"Less is more and less is cool," says the minimalist veteran, Maheen Khan."So yes, avoid long cumbersome styles using yards of fabric, multiple prints, heavy embroidered necklines and/or unattractive motifs emphasising your ‘derrière’.”
We know exactly what Maheen is talking about because we’ve seen prints with motifs that bring all attention to areas and body parts that you’d ideally want to camouflage. A circle of life ‘chakra’ or worse, a tree of life on the belly, a strategically placed flower on the backside or the most unfortunate of all faux pas: a pair of birds, kittens or sunflowers on the bust. Yes, we remember a print with two ‘misplaced’ kittens!
‘Be innovative with your designs.’
Summing up her design philosophy neatly, Sara Shahid of the label Sublime advises you to simply "avoid long, voluminous shirts this summer."
"Don’t over dose on print," she continues. "If you are buying lawn be innovative with your designs and mix them up so you look different. Incorporate solids in your summer wardrobe. I love solid, good quality cottons and linens for the summer. They look classic and can be dressed up or down," Sara sums it up perfectly.
"Avoid shirts that are too long"
That’s advice after our heart! Kamiar Rokni recommends you "avoid flared hemlines and shirts that are too long. Go for something shorter tailored and snappy. If you want to wear print try a very bold print head to toe or menswear-inspired striped gingham or even a small plaid."
We do love androgyny and to wear it through summer would be a unique way to stand out.