Vacation style guide: Here's how to curate a versatile holiday wardrobe that reflects your personal style

Fashion tips and tricks: Whether you’re lounging by the beach, exploring new cities, or enjoying a serene mountain retreat, your holiday wardrobe should be both chic and functional (Image: Tamiska)

As we wrap up the semi-annual seasons for 2024, the world of fashion is embracing a delightful mix of nostalgic revivals and futuristic innovations. Whether you are preparing for a holiday getaway or simply refreshing your wardrobe, understanding the current trends and the best colours for your holiday attire can make all the difference.

The season being summer and the country recording its hottest day over the last many years, it’s time to take some heat off. Easy flowing silhouettes away from the body work best combined with airy flared sleeves give maximum punch, recommends Narendra Kumar, co-founder and creative director of fashion label Tamiska. For choosing the best holiday dresses, he mentions, “Open print design layouts add to the airy feel, tropical prints remind one of a stroll in the park. If you are mixing colour, keep to a monochrome palette to elongate the silhouette. Cotton and linen work best, schiffli and lace fabrics add texture to the look. Our latest summer collection revolves around six colours plus the perpetual black and white, each of which has a range of prints with variations of the colour offering a wide range to choose from.”

Whether you’re lounging by the beach, exploring new cities, or enjoying a serene mountain retreat, your holiday wardrobe should be both chic and functional. Speaking about the latest style trends for curating a cool holiday wardrobe, Kumar says, “In a changing world, it is no longer necessary to follow rules when one wants to express themselves. Bright colours come in plain as well as printed fabrics, what works best depending on the occasion would be a complementary colour story which is easy on the eyes while elongating the silhouette and more vibrant mixed print palette when it comes outdoors summer wear. Botanicals, zigzag, patchwork prints are the current trends for the season.”

Here’s a guide to the hottest dress trends of the season and tips on selecting the perfect colours for your holiday wardrobe.

When selecting colours for your holiday wardrobe, consider the destination, weather, and the mood you wish to convey. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect hues:

Destination-inspired colours: For beaches, opt for bright, cheerful colours like turquoise, coral, and sunny yellow to complement the vibrant surroundings. And, for the hilly vacations choose earthy tones such as forest green, burnt orange, and deep browns blend beautifully with nature’s palette. For urban escapes, go with classic shades like navy, black, and grey are perfect for city adventures, providing a chic and sophisticated look.

Weather considerations: Light and breathable fabrics in pastel shades like mint green, lavender, and baby blue help keep you cool and stylish, work best for tropical climates. And, rich, warm colours such as burgundy, mustard, and emerald green not only provide warmth but also add a touch of seasonal elegance for cooler places.

Personal Style: Soft, muted tones like beige, blush pink, and light grey create a calm and laid-back vibe. If you love to stand out, go for bold and bright colours like red, royal blue, and fuchsia. These shades exude confidence and energy. For a sophisticated and timeless look, choose neutral colours like black, white, and navy. These shades are versatile and can be easily mixed and matched.