Summer is nearly over, and monsoon is setting in. Of course in the south of India, it's already arrived! But with the new season, can new collections at high street stores be far behind? The answer is now! While a lot of 2022's trends stay all year in tropical countries like ours, you can expect a few changes. High street brands are particularly sensitive to these trends and are the first place where you can get your hands on apparel that follows suit. Probably reflecting the attitude of people getting out and making the best of the "new normal", there's a mix of the continued popularity of athleisure, and the emergence of daring styles like crop tops everywhere and miniskirts too. If you've been looking to shop from high street brands in India, we've rounded up what you can (and must) get, from where, and what their latest collection holds.
Aldo, Westside, Zara Or H&M: Here's What's Trending At High Street Stores
Westside
Westside usually changes its entire collection with seasons, and this time is no different. Especially the casual wear and Western section. The Indo-Western does have a fair number of new prints, but the styles remain the same.
Style Spotting: Tunics tops, shirt dresses, formal outfits with glitter and sequins, and lots of schiffli. Crop tops too are still reigning supreme at Westside. The Indian and Indo-Western collection has been jazzed up with shararas, lightly embroidered kurta sets for Eid, Rakhi and the rest of the festive season.
Prints & Colours: You’ll find loads of prints here, especially florals, paisley prints and few quirky ones like birds, cycles, teacups and cupcakes. Neon has paved way for browns, blacks and lots of muted colours. Prints too in the formal wear department are now polka dots.
LBB Picks: Shararas, asymmetrical dresses, schiffli tops and shirt dresses with belts.
Don’t Miss: They’ve got a new range of lingerie and swimwear that is cute, fresh and MUCH better than their old collection. Think frills, ruffles, polka dots and stripes on bikinis sets and lingerie sets too that you can check out here. It starts at an affordable price of INR 300. This is still from their summer collection though. We'll update you if it switches soon!
Zara
While Zara’s staples remain their muted shades, dresses, coats, jeans and shirts, the new switches gears to knitwear, blazers, and shirts. The flouncy silhouettes remains, except that from strappy or no sleeves, they now have cute cap or balloon sleeves!
Style Spotting: Zara’s also got corsets which are currently trending, so pick up those in black and white mostly. Oh, and lots of knits and crop tops. In fact, they have plenty of cropped knits! Not quite ideal for the monsoon but hey, they're in fashion! A lot of their biker and bomber jackets are back. Pick up faux leather ones for winter. Oh, and while it might be a year-round trend in India, Zara's got plenty of kimono and kaftan style dresses and shirts. Bags are not too different from usual and include minis, chain bags and totes.
Prints & Colours: While you will still spot Valentino pink; emerald green, orange, beige, brown, black and olive green are slowly taking over. Paisley, checks, gingham are back!
LBB Picks: This time, we’re skipping the apparel for their really cool co-ord sets, a trend that is clearly the main one for 2022!
Don’t Miss: Their Denim shorts and skort collection is out too and features dresses, crop tops and oversized shirts.
Check out the latest collection here.
H&M
If there’s a new season anywhere on earth, can a new collection at H&M be far behind! While apparently this high street store eternally has something new, we checked it out for the hidden gems.
Style Spotting: Co-ords, cut-outs, voluminous blouses, and over-sized shirts are the latest additions to the H&M shelves while there's till a lot of tie-n-dye, Jacquard tops, slip-style dresses, and crop tops, knitted tops and lace dresses - voluminous, airy and in midi, mini and maxi options. Oh, plus kaftan dresses.
Prints & Colours: Bold colours — again neon green, orange and pink, stand out with patterns such as butterflies, leopard print and floral/garden prints. There’s a good mix of black, brown and white with pastels like purple, pink and blue to keep cool in.
LBB Picks: Nothing stands out as much this time, but since it's monsoon, check out the neon wellies!
Don’t Miss: The Cherish Waste Collection. The latest in their Innovation Stories, wherein all the pieces are made to be loved, worn and shared, this time around the collection features things like bubblegum-pink heart-shaped dress in recycled polyester and the white tiered ruffle dress in recycled nylon and RENU® recycled polyester tulle. Essentially, it’s a super innovative, funky and sustainable collection that has been put together by photographer Raphael Pavarotti and stylist Ibrahim Kamara. It’s only gone live on April 21, and is online only.
Check out the rest of the new collection here.
AND
Best known for their dresses, vintage-meet-modern cuts and plenty of prints. Highlighting exactly that, this collection is mostly about prints — vintage, bold silhouettes and in white with some baby blue in the mix too! While we're a bit confused as to why white for the rains, we'll go with it because it's timeless and pretty! White is the new black!
Style Spotting: Straight, fit and flare, flounce and peplum dominate the dresses and tops, for women and girls. Style-wise we see not too much of a different. Although, AND isn't really too high on fast fashion trends. They're more classic! In fact, the collection itself is called Quintessential.
Prints & Colours: White and blue with stripes or florals are the trend here. Plus, some leftovers that are pastel, floral and feminine from the previous collection Vintage.
LBB Picks: While there’s not too much that stands out from the summer collection on their reECOgnise section is always worth a look.
Don’t Miss: Their Break Free style feature some very 80s style denim on denim. That’s definitely worth a buy.
ALDO
Not the biggest follower of seasonal trends as much as they do yearly ones, ALDO isn't going OTT. Sandals take centre stage this time, and bags with chains are dominating at this accessories store.
Style Spotting: Like most high street brands, ALDO too has nailed the vibrant hues and bold prints. Electric green, pastels and white dominate the palette. Their thong-style sandals, in metallic colours and platform heels are great to float about at the beach or at a resort, while the chunky chain necklaces make a comeback in the accessories section. Unlike in summer when we recommended you skip the bag section entirely, this time, it's the opposite. This time, check out the bags! The bags — with chains, texture, animal prints and studs — are really quite cool!
LBB Picks + Don’t Miss: Nothing as striking as before, so we clubbed these two sections. So our pick of don’t miss is their new lightweight sneaker collection that will make you feel like you’re walking on cotton candy. Besides, they look like cotton candy too! Especially this pink pair.
Charles & Keith
Comfortable yet stylish Charles & Keith's gone all out this season with footwear. And as always, their bags are on trend too! They are still on the summer collection though, so hang on for more of the autumn-winter in August.
Style Spotting: Vibrant colours, strappy silhouettes, thong sandals, half-moon bags and top-handle bags, Charles & Keith is taking it back to Y2K! Whether it’s bags or shoes, they are also focusing on ruched detailing and colours of the season are pastel shades, pinks, purples, yellows, greens, and blues. Though we’re also seeing a fair amount of bright orange, green and pink!
LBB Picks: For something a bit different, their Chunky Sneakers and translucent Sneaker Mules are a must-buy! They also have the translucent ones in half sneakers. Also, straight off the runway to this high street store, the curved Sonnet chain handle shoulder bag is a must-have. Available in a tree neutral shades of white, brown and black, there’s a pop of fuschia and cerulean too if you want to dazzle! Here as well chains are a dominant feature with bags, shoes and accessories all being knotted in metal. Like this pair of loafers!
Don’t Miss: The Shushuton x Charles & Keith collection is super cool. In what is their first-ever collaborative capsule collection with the designers of Shanghai-based fashion label SHUSHU/TONG: Liushu Lei and Yutong Jiang, it features two pairs of shoes and two pairs of bags. The Mary Janes in patent leather is offset with an edgy, chunky heel, in true Shushu/Tong style while a little rose adorns these retro style shoes. The handbag, a rectangular one that can be carried underarm or with the top handle, is sleek, elegant and also features the trademark patent rose in the same shade. Pick black or pink.
Bhaane
Bhaane is known for prioritising comfort over style, and they prefer to work with classics over transient trends. That being said, they take note of them and incorporate them into their designs, or they have this time around at least.
Style Spotting: Crop tops with cutouts, monsoon-friendly bottoms (loose, cropped cotton pants, midi skirts, casual cotton shorts, and coloured pants), and plenty of relaxed fits. All while the silhouettes are clean as usual.
Colour Trend: Their dresses feature 80s inspired prints, and chunky stripes too. A colour trend they've jumped on is using various shades of the colour green, and lavender in their tops, bottoms (especially for menswear), and jackets. Coloured pants are also growing in popularity, and they have a few options there as well.
LBB Picks: Women’s shorts (especially the cotton options, that you can lounge about at home in), blouses/tops maxi dresses, and men’s shirts of course
Don’t Miss: Their outerwear and loungewear options. And their “markdown” collection where summer-friendly options are available at great prices.
Marks & Spencer
If you’re buying from Marks & Spencer, you know it’s a piece meant to last. They’re known for keeping it chic, while still featuring contemporary designs. Classic silhouettes, if you’re looking for office-friendly (but still contemporary) apparel, they won’t disappoint. What has changed in stores is the fabric. They've gone from cotton to crepe, strappy dresses to shift ones, and essentially, you'll see more autumn wear here.
Style Spotting: Tops and dresses with dramatic sleeves (balloon, bell, and , and tees, trousers, and jackets that can be mixed and matched into a light yet layered look. Printed jackets, tiered dresses, wide-leg pants and plenty of blouses in lightweight material also feature. The knit wear and jumpers are back too!
Colour Trend: Whites, and solids in muted colours. We spotted buttercup yellow and light beige across outfits.
LBB Picks: Their linen collection features shirts, dresses, and plenty of loose pants ideal for the sticky monsoon.
Don’t Miss: Their night wear section has had an upgrade! Shorts, tees, pajama sets and chemise sets are on offer.
BIBA
Indianwear trends mostly pop up during the festive season, but you can trust BIBA for all your spring-summer Indian wear looks thanks to their uninhibited use of print and colour. Their latest collection features easy to slip into fusion as well as traditional ensembles that are fuss-free.
Style Spotting: Multicoloured printed kaftans (sets and separates), flared short kurtis/tunics, and ghagra suit sets (with similar, but limited options available for little girls too). Wide leg bottoms are here to stay be it shararas or straight cut pants - all featuring a variety of prints.
Colour Trend: Vibrant floral prints as usual, sunny yellows, dusty pinks, sky blue, and plenty of reds.
LBB Picks: Their colourful cotton kurta sets, and their straight kurtas that work well for stepping out, and informal events/gatherings.
Forever 21
Forever 21’s so bad but so good when it comes to trending outfits at accessible price points. Current, budget-friendly, and accessible, the fast-fashion giant’s spring-summer collection features athleisure, cheerful and feminine summer styles, and functional basics too.
Style Spotting: Crop tops (topwear in general), and summer dresses reign supreme in their freshest collection. Cropped hoodies, cardigans, shirts, and tees are aplenty, as are strappy, and bodycon dresses of all lengths. Cutouts and slits also feature on these, ideal for date nights, though we still think it's a bit too nippy for them!
Colour Trend: Dual-tone denim mini skirts caught our eye. Greens (from neon to emerald) tangerines and other sorbet shades are featured on their activewear options. Also find a lot of denim across their collection.
LBB Picks: Their leggings, solid tube tops, and mini dresses - all things casual basically, but we’re loving their activewear and athleisure options. Just as great to lounge in, workout, and even to step out in!
Lifestyle
We love Lifestyle for the sheer number of options available. Their inhouse brands feature current trends (both Indian and western wear). They almost always have a sale across collections and categories, even on newer collection, which is always welcome. But we'll start with a disclaimer this time. A lot of what is currently at Lifestyle, is a re-show of what we saw in February and early March! A lot of their outfits are still on the shelves, and we get it, it's such a massive store! Still, they do seem like they're playing catchup with the likes of Westside, H&M and Marks & Spencer.
Style Spotting: Crop tops, light dresses ideal for work and then dinner after and topwear with ruffles and lace is in. Breezy cotton kurtas and tunic tops (and usually long-lasting in our experience), and plenty of Schiffli detailed dresses (perfect for monsoon) also feature.
Colour Trend: As with most brands this season, florals and bright colours are what’s in. Green, yellow, and plenty of pastels are what we spotted - both solid and self-design print. That being said, GINGER has a number of funky and quirky graphic print tees that make a statement. In fact, they have it under their NEW Collection too!
LBB Picks: The western wear from brands like ONLY, Jack & Jones and Vero Moda are worth it, as they are on trend!
Don't Miss: Their festive collection with plenty of festive Indian wear in all levels of vibrant and glittery. Prices for sets start at INR 1,650.
Max
Max’s new collection includes lots of tunics, billowy dresses, ruffled tops, Schiffli shirts and quite a few kurtas and kurti. Keeping it casual and cool, we think the brand is consciously catering to back-to-work wear without quite saying that! With prices ranging from INR 249 - INR 1,899, they’re super reasonable too. They have something for the whole family - the kids collection is super cute!
Style Spotting: Dresses and tops that flow and flutter, wide-leg pants, and outfits with tie-up detailing for that cinched waist look, everything is light and breezy. Yes, even in the windy monsoons! Crop tops? Yup, still here.
Colour Trend: Plenty of pastels — the most common being dusty pink, light green, and muted blues. Also find many striped options featuring them, as well as palm tree prints, florals and leaves.
LBB Picks: Their jumpsuits and light coloured bottoms, as well as their solid tie-up shorts
Don’t Miss: We love their Max Curves section which does not compromise of trend and style but has sizes from 3XL to 6XL.