You & AI: Can AI help you dress better?

AI can refine your summer style to the finest detail if you provide an accurate prompt, from your skin tone to preferred colours. While some fashion enthusiasts already turn to AI for personalised outfit recommendations, human stylists say their artistic touch brings irreplaceable creativity. Would you rely on AI as your style guru?

HOW AI SHAPES FASHION DECISIONS
Jammu-based Varchasvi Mahajan, who loves staying stylish, uses AI primarily for fashion advice and to clarify her choices. She finds AI helpful for quick summaries, alternative options, and the best shopping deals. “AI has mainly helped me with colours for special occasions. I show Gemini or ChatGPT two outfit choices for a date, describing the venue and vibe. Based on that, it suggests a colour—often baby pink, as colour theory links it with innocence and sweetness,” she shares.
According to Mahajan, now, she primarily uses AI to predict the longevity of fashion trends and if it’s sustainable enough to invest in.
“AI can offer great summer outfit ideas, but its sustainability and affordability depend on our choices. Shopping smart—through thrifting, upcycling, and selecting quality fabrics—ensures AI’s fashion advice aligns with both our wallets and sustainability efforts,” shares Akhila Reddy, a fashion designer.

THE FASHION GAP AI CAN’T BRIDGE
According to fashion experts, personal style goes beyond weather and trends — that’s where AI falls short. “What AI struggles with when styling summer looks is its inability to grasp personal style. A Gen Z student might prefer a tank top or a khadi kurta for college, proving that fashion isn’t defined by a single taste or age group, regardless of the season,” says, Saloni Gupta, a Delhi-based fashion stylist adding, “AI often treats humans as uniform entities, yet every individual has a distinct fashion identity that cannot be generalised.”
Understanding a client’s unique needs is crucial. “AI cannot fully replace human stylists, who tailor recommendations based on preferences, body type, and concerns. A healthy body type varies — one may have broader shoulders or a heavier lower half — stylists consider these factors, offering personalised silhouettes, colours, and prints for a perfect look,” explains Srika Badkar, a fashion stylist.

AI-CURATED LOOK
Prompt used: For an Indian summer, with temperatures around 31 degrees in Mumbai, suggest outfit ideas for a lunch date. I have a brown skin tone, an inverted triangle body shape, and prefer lightweight clothing. Along with the outfit, please recommend suitable accessories and footwear.

Co-pilot recommendation -
Outfit Ideas
- Top: A sleeveless or short-sleeved cotton blouse or flowy top in light, warm tones such as peach, mustard, or olive. These shades beautifully complement brown skin and enhance your summer glow.
- Bottom: Pair it with high-waisted, wide-leg trousers in neutral shades like beige or white. Opt for breathable fabrics such as linen or lightweight cotton for added comfort.
- Dress Option: A midi wrap dress in a floral or tropical print is a great choice. Wrap styles flatter an inverted triangle shape by creating balance and drawing attention to the waist.
Accessories
- Jewellery: Minimal gold or bronze jewellery, such as hoop earrings or a delicate chain necklace, adds elegance without feeling heavy.
- Bag: A compact crossbody bag or a chic woven clutch—both easy to carry and perfect for summer.
- Sunglasses: Choose oversized or aviator sunglasses with tinted lenses for sun protection and effortless style.
Footwear
- Opt for comfortable yet stylish footwear, such as tan or beige strappy sandals or espadrilles. These keep your feet cool while complementing your outfit’s tones.