Let's be honest, no matter how much we complain, summer in Dhaka has its charm. While on the one hand, there is the sweltering heat; on the other, there are sudden rains that drench our souls with love. And how can we forget those lovely dawats and parties where we let our hair down and dance the night away!

Photo: Adnan Rahman

A blouse makes a saree, and the woman in it. Earlier considered to be nothing more than a slip, like its sister (the humble old petticoat), a blouse received neither love nor attention. Sure, every saree came with a similar blouse piece with a matching border, but that was it. The earlier generation of women was not big on showing skin either and would wear blouses with mid-length or long sleeves, wrapping the anchal over their shoulders, keeping the blouse under wraps.

Well, that has changed and how! Nowadays, the blouse is all-important, much to the chagrin of our mothers! What's more, a halter neck blouse in silver lamé will hardly raise brows anymore. Rather, it is a perfect outfit for a summer soirée.

Photo: Adnan Rahman

Times have changed, and so has our lifestyle, which is much more cosmopolitan and worldly than it ever was. It is only natural that our wardrobe reflects that evolution where the east effortlessly meets the west to create stunning styles.

A deep-plunge bralette-style blouse will complement your chic golden georgette tissue saree that, again, is another modern innovation by master textile designers who have reinvented the stiff tissue in a more fluid, diaphanous way. Wear it to a reception party being hosted outside of Dhaka, in a beautiful resort.

A low-cut blouse with mid-length sleeves is equal parts sensual and elegant. Drape your saree like the iconic ladies did in the swinging sixties — in a slim single fold and show off your toned clavicle.

Photo: Adnan Rahman

Cocktail sarees ooze oodles of oomph thanks to the cocktail blouse! Chic and sophisticated, show off your chiselled back in a backless blouse to the next cocktail night or your designer friend's fashion show.

Saving the best for the last, say hello to the spaghetti strap bikini blouse that is bound to make you the belle of the ball. Worn with a gota-patti saree on a summer evening or a svelte chiffon saree for an elegant dinner party, the versatile style is just right for the fabulously stylish you!

Model: Arnira

Styling: Sonia Yeasmin Isha

Wardrobe: Warez

Set: Eskay by Saimul Karim