Summer fashion tips: How to rethink luxe Indian fabrics for everyday wardrobe, occasion wear

Comfortable ethnic wear trends: The key to making luxe fabrics summer-friendly lies in intelligent design and careful styling (Images: BIBA)

For any Indian woman, opulent textiles like Chanderi, organza, and silk have long been cherished as markers of occasion wear. Whether it’s woven into wedding trousseaus, festive ensembles, and heirloom saris or modern day dresses, kaftans and kurtis, these heritage fabrics will always a special place in our daily wardrobes. The philosophy of keeping the rich, handwoven fabrics for special occasions is not spilling over to daily wear as big Indian fashion houses are reimagining textiles not just as seasonal indulgences but as functional, breathable, and elegant choices for day-to-day dressing.

Fit for Indian summers:

Traditional fabrics like Chanderi, organza, and silk are not just festive staples, but everyday luxuries in Indian summers, believes Shraddha Bindra, Creative Director at BIBA. Championing a more fluid approach to luxury, she adds, “Take Chanderi, for example. It is over 70 percent cotton and balance is silk, making it exceptionally breathable and lightweight. Its natural texture lends itself beautifully to summer suits and dresses that feel elegant yet effortless. Organza, with its sheer and airy quality, works wonderfully when layered over soft printed slips or coordinated sets, creating a look that’s polished but not overpowering. Habutai silk, known for its smooth, fluid drape, is perfect for relaxed silhouettes in air-conditioned settings. We’ve long incorporated blended versions of these fabrics into our semi- formal and formal collections to offer grace, comfort, and versatility to our consumers.”

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A textile legacy for everyday life:

The luxe Indian fabrics are ideal for summer suits, A-line kurtas, and midi dresses in soothing pastels or delicate prints. The natural texture ensures that while the garment may feel polished, it never overpowers. Bindra mentions, “Unless a fabric is heavily embellished or metallic, there’s no reason it can’t be part of a modern, everyday wardrobe. It’s time we embraced our rich textile legacy in our daily lives. To balance luxe fabrics with a breezy summer look, focus on relaxed, breathable silhouettes. For Chanderi, choose A-line or straight-cut kurtas in light pastels or prints. Organza works best when layered over a simple slip or camisole, with loose, drape styles like tunics or asymmetrical cuts. For silk, go for lighter variants like chiffon or habutai in tunics, dresses, or kaftans that allow the fabric to breathe.”

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The art of styling: From formal to casual

The key to making luxe fabrics summer-friendly lies in intelligent design and careful styling. According to Bindra, “Fusion wear is one of our top offerings, where we combine traditional luxe fabrics with modern styles for a fresh summer look. Opt for Chanderi kurtas in straight or A-line cuts and pair it with wide-leg trousers or palazzos for a clean, contemporary finish. Organza shines when shaped into asymmetrical tunics or worn as lightweight overlays that allow printed slips and camisoles to peek through, creating dimension without bulk.”

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These fabrics can easily transition from formal to casual with the right styling, remarks Bindra as she points out, “Fusion wear pieces such as skirts and tailored trousers complement these fabrics perfectly. Combining traditional textiles that feel premium and at the same time with a contemporary twist and a modern look is what we had in our vision while designing our latest wedding edit collection.” Whether you’re the bride, or a family member or a stylish guest, you can choose the creative designs to look stylish with sharp tailoring, contemporary silhouettes, and global aesthetics. While opting for rich Indian textiles keep the accessories low-key and choose delicate earrings, strappy sandals, or a single statement cuff to let the fabric shine.