Chuck white this summer, don coloured accessories

New Delhi, May 3 (IANS) Summer means dressing up in white or beige cotton clothes with minimal accessories. But fashion experts say it creates a boring look and suggest shoes, bags and jewellery in orange, fluorescent green, red and other vibrant colours to enhance the style quotient this season.

Fashion-conscious guys and girls can even step out in a pair of colourful sunglasses, says Eina Ahluwalia, conceptual jewellery artist, adding it helps in tackling the heat best and looking good too.

"The most popular and most useful accessory this season for boys and girls is a pair of sunglasses with an umbrella and a fun piece of jewellery to liven up the hot and humid days," she told IANS.

Sunglasses, both a necessity and a style statement, in different colours, shapes and sizes, have hit the stores.

"We have been seeing a resurgence of 1970s shapes with a modern twist. Classic shapes like wayfarers and aviators are making a huge comeback. The modern twists in their design can be in terms of colour and materials used," Dhruv Gupta, CEO of online eyewear store gkboptical.com, told IANS.

"New colours, pink and blue, are in major demand. Even white, red, yellow and candy colours are popular. Patterns in sunglasses are gaining international traction but are yet to catch on to the mainstream trend in India," he said.

Usually white or light pastel colours are considered apt and cool in the heat, but shoe designer Swati Mehrotra begs to differ. She says reds, oranges and other "cute colours" in footwear, bags and accessories are the in thing nowadays.

Pointing out the most favourite shoe colour, she told IANS: "The colour of the season is orange. You should have a tangerine in your wardrobe and match unconventional clothes and accessories together."

Since the season is about being carefree and comfortable, flip flops in all kinds of vibrant shades and wedges are dominating the market and are worth spending money on.

"Flip flops and wedges are back this season. The broader the strap the better it is. Teaming wedges with capris is the fun look. Pointed toes are back too. A pair of formal pointed toes with a delicate attire would also be a nice change," said Mehrotra, adding now it comes with heels too.

Designer Rocky S recommends neon hues. From clothing to footwear - everything is available in electric blue, orange, pink and more.

"From clothing to footwear, handbags and even jewellery, neon hues are one hot trend. Dangling pieces of feathers leave a playful impression. Fringes, collar neckpieces, chain neckpieces, staked coloured bangles, wooden art bracelets and geo neck pieces are working wonders this season," he said.

However, Ahluwalia says artificial and costume jewellery should be avoided.

"Precious metals like silver and gold, natural semi-precious stones, wood and plastic jewellery get a thumbs-up, but it is better to avoid artificial metals and costume jewellery. It will become dull and not wearable because of the humidity," she said.

One does not necessarily need to spend big bucks on accessories. What is more important is mixing and matching them in the smartest way to get that perfect look.

"Neon tube belts work best on a white fitted dress. One can have artful layering of chunky neckpieces with a simple basic plain-coloured top or tee. A white hot bag or clutch is a must have to match with any outfit," Rocky said.

"Summer 2012 bags are elaborate and unusual. They come knitted, printed, with rivets and chain handles and wrist straps. But the biggest hit of the season is a tiny bag that is so small it can hold only keys and lipstick," said Rocky.

Ahluwalia cautions against overdoing it.

"Keep things simple, and the look clean. Comfort should come first and one should focus on quality over quantity. Wear that one piece that makes you feel special. Don't overdo it," she said

A delicate bracelet, luxurious necklace, exquisite earrings or even an unusual hairpin can help you grab those eyeballs.

(Aastha Khurana can be contacted at aastha.k@ians.in)