Seek summer comfort in gharara, sharara

Stay away from sticky denims and pants and opt for flowy ghararas and shararas, loose traditional bottomwear, in light fabrics to beat the heat this season.

Traditionally a Lucknowi concept, ghararas have been famous as occasion or even bridal wear, but now casual avatars of the garment are also available in the market.

Shararas, unlike ghararas, are fitted on the knee, and flare up below it.

Designer Pam Mehta suggests these options look wonderful in cotton and chiffon fabrics, with paisleys and floral patterns. These can be teamed with tank tops or kurtis or light corsets.

"Wear a light top and complement your apparel with jutis and a statement neckpiece or earrings," Mehta told IANS.

To maintain the summer look, choose soft colours.

"Colours like blush pink, pinkish peach with very subtle thread work will go well with

such attires," said designer Mini Bindra, owner of the capital-based Pakistan Fashion Design Council (PFDC) store.

As the silhouette of ghararas and shararas enhances the lower body, it accentuates the figure of slim and tall women. But even those with shorter and fuller frames can carry it well.

There's a word of caution for those who fall in the latter category - "They should opt for lesser pleats near the waist. Too many borders and prints should be avoided by them," said Mehta.

Designer Ambreen Khan's Courtyard Collection offers a range of such clothes. Her line is a blend of old craft from Awadh with contemporary prints and embroideries. Also, head to the PFDC store to pick some of these by Pakistani fashion designers.