JANUARY 2013
Khaas Baat : A Publication for Indian Americans in Florida
Fashion

GO FUSION FOR THE NEXT SEASON!

Kiran Bahl

By KIRAN BAHL

Happy New Year! With the year so fresh and bright, we understandably dream of new hopes, new aspirations and new resolutions. I should hope one of your resolutions involves being more fashion forward in 2013! Besides looking good, feeling good is fashion too. This new aura alone will help spark determination to make your dreams and desires come true.

Fashion is almost confusing at this point. Spring/summer 2013 ensembles are being designed and slowly distributed, while fall/winter looks are being filtered out. Do you style yourself and stay in the trends for these couple of winter months? Or do you jump ahead and begin to incorporate spring looks, which you’ll have to do anyhow in a couple of months? Even more complicated, do you stick with complete Indian looks for events or can you fuse an east-meets-west look too, as being shown in spring/summer runways?

Go fusion! 2013 will be enforcing 2012’s dress code of expressing yourself within the fashion know-hows guidelines. Here are a couple of ideas to jump-start your wardrobes for the fusion looks about to blow up this next season.

Full skirts, fitted Tops

I was going through some Indian serials on TV (yes, I admit, I adore them!), and noticed a trend among several shows. I researched further and confirmed indeed it’s a look to inspire from. Happily, the legging with kurti look is over, a look I never could quite agree with.

Instead, the lengha is being fused with blouses for a ladylike look sure to become a hit, particularly in warmer months. A full silk skirt worn with a fitted lace blouse or tank is just beautiful. For cooler temperatures, opt for a scarf around the neck as a chic accent piece. Primary color combinations offer a clean style. For example, a blue skirt with red top or maroon skirt with pale yellow top is sleek.

Full skirts, kurtis/kameez

Wow, full skirts are full on! Besides the lengha being the choice for wedding outfits all around, skirts are the chosen ones for casualwear too. The specific look of a long, fitted top with full skirt is very traditional, almost very folk/bohemian looking. But boho is back, and with a bang! To update the look, try a full skirt with long kurti/kameez. The top should be super fitted, and higher slits will ensure a more modern twist. Remember, when pairing outfits with skirts, keep balance. Tops should be three-quarter length sleeved or higher. Again, I emphasize, they must be fitted. Some women may cringe at the fitted part of the outfit, but if you are too flowy top to bottom, you will remain shapeless. Besides, curves are in ladies! Wear heels or wedges not flat sandals to give you height and stature.

Men, slacks are back!

I have so many grooms begging to replace the tighter pajama/churidaar bottoms of their sherwanis and kurtas with something, anything else. Now, officially, permission is granted! From casual kurta pajamas to wedding formal sherwanis, slacks/trousers are in the trend. Usually composed of raw silk or crepe, this fusion alternative is sure to brighten most guys’ faces. Even better news? Men, you can wear your outfits with regular oxfords or loafers now, versus the Indian mojhris.

Once again, I am wishing a joyous new year to our Khaas Baat readers. Life will always have its ups and downs, but remember, the lower the downs, the higher the ups too. Be positive, be safe, be happy, and as always, remember to grow with style!

Kiran Bahl of Gro Styles, “An Indian Boutique” in Tampa, Orlando and Sunrise, can be reached at (813) 843-9040, e-mail kiran@grostyles.com or visit www.facebook.com/grostyles

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