Welcome to God’s Own Country If you are reading this, you are likely planning the trip of a lifetime. Traveling from the historic, art-filled streets of Fort Kochi to the stunning, sun-drenched coastal cliffs of Varkala is a classic Kerala itinerary.
For travelers arriving from the US and Europe, the cultural transition is breathtaking—but the shift to tropical humidity can be an adjustment. Packing the right wardrobe is essential not just for your comfort, but for effortlessly blending into the elegant, slow-paced lifestyle of Southern India.
If you didn’t pack for the tropics, don’t worry. At House of Vandy, we have curated the ultimate sustainable travel wardrobe for you, right here in Kochi.
The Golden Rule of Kerala Dressing: Breathe The Malabar Coast is beautifully warm and humid year-round. Leave your synthetic fabrics, heavy denims, and tight fits in your suitcase. To stay cool while exploring, you need natural, breathable fibers like pure linen, mul cotton, and handwoven textiles.
Our collections are designed exactly for this climate, ensuring you stay comfortable whether you are navigating a bustling spice market or lounging by the Arabian Sea.
1. Exploring Fort Kochi: Art, Heritage, and Effortless Chic Fort Kochi is a walking town. Between exploring the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, visiting the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, and hopping between colonial-era cafes, you want an outfit that is modest, structured, and incredibly breathable.
-
Our Pick for Kochi: The Linen Iris Dress or The Cedar Handwoven Tunic.
-
Why it works: Linen is the ultimate traveler's fabric. These dresses offer a relaxed silhouette that keeps the sun off your skin while allowing the sea breeze to pass through. They are sophisticated enough for a fine-dining dinner at a heritage hotel, yet relaxed enough for a day of gallery-hopping.
2. Heading South to Varkala: Cliffside Resort Wear When you leave the city and head down the coast to the beaches of Marari or the dramatic red cliffs of Varkala, your wardrobe should shift to pure vacation mode.
-
Our Pick for the Beach: The Sage Drift Kaftan or The Sunset Glow Kaftan.
-
Why it works: A flowing kaftan is the holy grail of resort wear. They act as elegant cover-ups over your swimwear during the day, and transform into stunning evening wear when paired with sandals for a sunset dinner on the Varkala cliff.
3. Travel-Friendly, Convertible Accessories We know travelers love to pack light. That is why our jewelry curation focuses on versatile, coastal-inspired pieces that do double duty.
-
The Ocean Muse Charm Necklace: Adorned with delicate shells and starfish, this gold-tone piece carries the spirit of the sea and pairs perfectly with beachwear.
-
Convertible Scarf Necklaces: Pieces like our Golden Charm and Flora Heart feature soft fabric cords that can be worn as a choker necklace during the day, or wrapped around your wrist as a stacked bracelet at night—giving you two looks in one tiny accessory.
Stop By Before You Head to the Beach You don’t need to overpack before your flight. Instead, make House of Vandy your first stop when you arrive in India.
We are conveniently located right where you are staying. Visit our beautiful eco-clothing center inside the iconic Lila Cafe on Ridsdale Road, Fort Kochi (right next to the Post Office). Grab an ethically sourced coffee, browse our curated racks of sustainable Indian design, and pick up the perfect pieces for your journey down the coast.
Safe travels, and welcome to Kerala!