Spring is a short-lived joy in our country, and next comes the longest season of the year — summer. Last year, summers were spent in lockdown, and this relaxed our dressing sensibilities like we could have never imagined. Anti-fit became the new obsession and even in formal circles, it was okay to wear casual fits for (online) meetings. This year, although we aren’t in full lockdown (or at least, yet), the idea of dressing easy will stick. Shorts aren’t just for Silicon Valley loonies, and sandals don’t mean you are a socialist anymore. Here’s what you should conveniently covet.

Birkenstocks:

The EVA versions of Arizona and Gizeh, to me, were great as beach and resort accessories as they had the same Bira comfort but in a lightweight and waterproof form, an updated classic.

Crocs:

The most polarising of footwear, they are extremely popular and somehow, even I have started enjoying them now and then. They do a lot of collabs — Post Malone, Anwar Carrots — that sell out faster than AJ1s and Yeezys.

Superdry:

I love their latest logo, a corporate yet-sporty looking ‘S’ cane found on their latest slides and frankly, nobody does striking colours better than them. Lightweight, water-resistant, quick-drying and oh-so-bright, there’s always room for one of those.

Car shoes:

For those who feel sandals are too exposed and need shoes, well, eschew the socks and go for a driving shoe or even more hip at the moment, the Belgian loafer, and here are my top picks: Tod’s (of course), Gucci, Ferragamo, and in the #MakeinIndia section: Bridlen, Splits By Anderson, Baron&Bay, 3DM.

A good sandal needs the right shorts to show off all that sinewy calf and knee, and maybe some thigh action too.

Denim shorts:

I am never entirely comfortable with denim shorts because few brands view them as something more than just a jean with the bottom half cut off. G-Star and Replay do the kind that are comfortable, yet not too slack.

Board shorts:

These are the kind that are ideal for water sports, and the brands I like include Superdry, Decathlon, and Quiksilver. Paul Smith, Scotch & Soda, Boss, and Emporio Armani have swimwear that’s better suited for that ultimate beach party where style matters more than getting wet.

Chino Shorts:

Uniqlo’s Kando shorts remain the most comfortable semi-formal shorts out there, but in case you want radically zany, Gurkha shorts are the ones to go. Scotch & Soda is another brand with shorts that are tastefully quirky.