Follow these styling tips to experiment with athleisure during the summer season

Mumbai is getting hotter and we donrsquot mean that in the most flattering way The ongoing heatwave has rendered every Mumbaikar flushed exhausted and dehydrated and mdash if yoursquore anything like us mdash wearing a bodyhugging fit in this weather sounds like the perfect recipe for a stinky sweatstained disaster But then we caught sight of actor Kareena Kapoor Khan swapping out her typically breezy linen outfits for a chic athleisure vibe which got us wondering about how we could make our own athleisure looks work in the blistering heat And so we asked celebrity stylist Mitali Ambekar to weigh inStructure it wellAlaya F in stylish and comfortable athleisure wearA sports bra should be an essential in your athleisure wardrobe advises Ambekar Pair it with a sheer or mesh top for a trendy and breathable look along with high waisted shorts pants or a skirt This combination she says provides coverage while still allowing airflow For a more sportycasual appeal wear your sports bra with joggers sneakers and a denim jacketA smart way to stay cool is to pick openback tops and offshoulder styles which also make your ensemble more fashionforward For those seeking a feminine flair without compromising on comfort skorts may be your best bet These can be paired with polo tees tank tops and bralettes Although sneakers are a nobrainer you can up the comfort stakes by swapping them with slipon trainers in bright huesCoord rightThe easiest way to pull off an athletic look is by wearing a coord set Invest in matching athleisure sets that include a sports bra and leggings or shorts recommends Ambekar ldquoThese sets look puttogether and streamline the overall look For a breezy effortless twist you can layer a basic coord set with a lightweight shirt or a denim jacket This combination also adds coverage to your lookrdquoComfort firstKareena Kapoor Khan sports the trendWhen building your athleisure fit Ambekar advises following a simple thumb rule mdash pick one statement sportswear piece and pair it with a casual or structured separate Add accessories such as sunglasses a baseball cap and sneakers to complete your look To keep your cool she recommends picking sportswear made of moisturewicking materials such as nylon or polyester blends which allow for better airflow and moisture control ldquoOpt for sportswear pieces that feature mesh panels details to allow easy coolingrdquo she suggestsDay to nightKareena Kapoor Khan with moisturewicking fabricAlthough athleisure is most commonly associated with day looks you can easily add an element of glamour for summer evenings Ambekar clarifies ldquoYou could wear a metallic or neon sports bra with joggers and layer with a trench coat or a long robe jacket for coverage and drama Another option thatrsquos sure to make heads turn is a sporty halter bralette worn with flared pants and accessorised with stiletto heels and big hoop earringsrdquoKeep it freshAnanya Panday wears athleisure with fun printsldquoAlways play with textures colours and accessories to customise your looks and keep them from looking monotonous Fun prints and patterns ranging from tropical motifs to cute tiny prints can elevate your look and make a statement You can also experiment with colourblocking for a fun and playful lookrdquo Ambekar sharesMade for menMitali AmbekarMenswear could look too casual when experimenting with athleisure For a more sophisticated fit style track pants or shorts with a fitted performance polo shirt or a halfsleeved buttondown shirt Add lightweight zipup jacket or tailored blazer casual loafers and a sleek watch Ambedkar adds ldquoAnother easy but chic look is tapered sweatpants with a plain oversized tee layered with a bomber or denim jacket Finish the look with chunky sneakers a beanie and statement sunglassesrdquo