What people are wearing now

Co-ord sets (matching top and bottom)

All year

Matching kurta-pant or shirt-trouser sets are everywhere this year. One decision, one outfit — no guessing what goes with what.

Best materials: Cotton, Rayon, Muslin

Tip: Choose an elastic waist. It is far easier to wear and stays comfortable after meals.

Quiet luxury: plain colours, good cloth

All year

Simple solid shades — beige, ivory, olive, soft blue — with no loud prints. It looks elegant and hides very little effort.

Best materials: Linen, Cotton silk, Fine wool

Tip: One good plain shawl or stole instantly lifts any outfit.

Handloom revival

All year

Khadi, Chanderi, Maheshwari and Kotpad weaves are back in fashion, worn as kurtas, saris and jackets.

Best materials: Khadi, Chanderi, Tussar silk

Tip: Handloom breathes well and softens beautifully with every wash.

Breezy wide-leg pants

Summer

Loose palazzo and wide-leg trousers replaced tight fits. Easy to slip on while sitting on the bed.

Best materials: Cotton, Linen, Modal

Tip: Ankle length keeps the hem off the floor and prevents trips.

Pastel and sorbet shades

Summer

Mint, lemon, peach and powder blue are the season's favourites and reflect heat instead of holding it.

Best materials: Cotton voile, Mulmul, Seersucker

Tip: Light colours feel cooler outdoors than dark ones — a real difference in May heat.

Quick-dry monsoon dressing

Monsoon

Shorter kurtas, cropped trousers and synthetic blends that dry in an hour instead of two days.

Best materials: Polyester blend, Georgette, Crepe

Tip: Pair with non-slip rubber-sole sandals. Wet floors are the biggest risk in the rains.

Layered shackets and quilted jackets

Winter

Light quilted jackets and shirt-jackets have replaced heavy overcoats. Warm without the weight on the shoulders.

Best materials: Quilted cotton, Fleece, Merino wool

Tip: Two thin layers keep you warmer than one thick one, and you can remove one indoors.

Pashmina and soft wool stoles

Winter

A large stole is this winter's most-used piece — over a kurta, a sari or a sweater.

Best materials: Pashmina, Cashmere blend, Lambswool

Tip: Look for a stole without itchy fibres; sensitive skin gets drier with age.

Comfortable cushioned footwear

All year

Chunky-sole sneakers and cushioned slip-ons are genuinely fashionable now, so comfort no longer looks out of place.

Best materials: Knit mesh upper, Memory foam sole, Soft leather

Tip: Velcro or slip-on styles avoid bending down to tie laces.

Statement spectacles and simple jewellery

All year

Bold frames and one strong piece of silver or oxidised jewellery finish the look, instead of many small pieces.

Best materials: Acetate frames, Oxidised silver, Pearl

Tip: Lightweight frames rest easier on the nose through a full day.