India, Aug. 17 -- Summer dressing sounds simple until you actually have to spend an entire day outside in 35degC heat. Suddenly, the cute dress you loved online feels clingy, sweaty and impossible to sit comfortably in.

I've learnt that the fabric matters just as much as the silhouette. A breezy dress in the right material can make a hot day feel significantly easier, while even the prettiest design can become unbearable if the fabric doesn't breathe.

So before I look at prints, necklines or trends, these are the fabrics I look for when shopping for summer dresses.

If I'm buying a dress for everyday wear in Indian summers, cotton is usually where I start.

It's breathable, lightweight and comfortable against the skin, which makes it pa...