The last vestiges of spring have made way for summer in most parts of the country, which means now’s the time to transition from light, yet slightly cosy pieces to outfits that confidently scream summer. Be it that ‘it’ dress that will make you feel like the main character of your life to the co-ord set that you can style in a hundred different ways, there are plenty of options to pick from. Below, we’ve rounded five homegrown brands that should be on your radar for all your shopping needs this season.
Malie for the perfect summer dress
Come summer, we find ourselves reaching out for statement yet lightweight dresses that make us feel like we’re constantly on vacation. Founded in Delhi in 2021 by wife-husband duo Amalie Othilia Brandi Mikkelsen and Karandeep Singh Chaddha, Malie’s dress collection evokes exactly that feeling through its puffy sleeves, off-shoulder necklines, ruffles, rouches, and cut-outs. The shades are just as delectable– think sea blue, bold orange, pale yellow, and more.
Drawn for dopamine dressing
Thick, purposeful brushstrokes, still-life paintings, and Gond art are just some of the things you’ll find on the canvas of Drawn’s collections. Dresses, skirts, and shirts in simple silhouettes are transformed with a bold colour palette and imaginative prints. Founded by Rhea Bhattacharya and worn by A-listers like Akshata Murthy, Alok Menon, and others, the brand collaborates with artists around the world to translate their art onto a textile medium. Their pieces don’t need much accessorising—let the art stand out!
Bodice for structured silhouettes
While summer essentials usually veer towards diaphanous and breezy silhouettes, having a few tailored pieces is necessary to tie your look together. This is where Bodice’s summer collection steps in, featuring pleated dresses, panelled tops, boxy shirts, and flared trousers in summery shades of lime green, cobalt, white, and soft pink. This Delhi-based brand by Ruchika Sachdeva is known for its form-flattering, minimal pieces that will make a great addition to your summer wardrobe.
The Summer House for elevated basics
Printed dresses, statement tops, and quirky trousers will only take you so far—you need to have seasonal must-haves like a well-fitting plain white cotton shirt, tailored linen pants, and fuss-free dresses you can style up and down. The Summer House has a wide collection of staples that you can endlessly mix and match with. Choose from their midi skirts, summery co-ord sets, and dresses crafted in breathable fabrics.
Ode To Odd for classic floral prints
A spring-summer closet is incomplete without romantic florals, and slow fashion label Ode to Odd, founded by Shreya and Priyal Mewara, has a collection awash with delicate blooms. Shirts, dresses, bibs, and corsets all feature intricately hand-embroidered flowers in a cacophony of shades against white or black. Our favourites are the unique floral-festooned bibs that come with a cropped hem and ties at the sides. Pair them with your go-to jeans and ballet flats for an easygoing look.
Feature image: The Summer House // Instagram
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