Fashion
TIPS TO LOOK, FEEL COOLER!
It’s hot out there, and warmer weather can make you think twice about layering on the Indian clothes at occasions versus throwing on an easy cocktail dress. Indian dressing is easy too! Ladies, with these tips and tricks, you’ll want to fancy up a bit and enjoy an event quite authentically.
COOLER SHADES, BUT BLACK TOO
DO aim for those pretty pastels in baby blues, pinks and beiges. They look cooler, so feel cooler. Fabrics in cotton, linen and silky georgette won’t necessarily stick to skin and vent well with even a slight breeze. A lovely sky blue sari or pink palazzo suit is oh-so-pretty!
DO also aim to wear black. I know, you’re thinking, really? Why? The darkest shade of them all, it can almost feel refreshing in a sea of light hues. A linen suit in or print sari in black can formalize any event but still feel like springtime!
DON’T over accessorize! Going heavy on the jewelry will weigh your look down, quite literally. Staying minimal here is the key to outfit success.
DUPATTA DECISIONS
DO note that heavy, ornate dupattas are being splashed all over runways, particularly with more traditional designers such as Manish Malhotra, Rohit Bal and Sabyasachi.
DO decide which way you want to balance your look. A heavy dupatta with a light salwar kameez is cute. A sheer net dupatta ornated with the slightest lace embroidery or butti stonework is just enough to layer over an anarkali or straight suit.
DON’T, again, overdo a perfect look. A heavy dupatta with a heavy suit will distract the eye and create a unshift.
TO SLEEVE OR NOT TO SLEEVE
DO go sleeveless if possible, and yes, every lady can opt for this look. A sleeveless look can actually have eye work its way from top to bottom, vertically. Flattering!
DO wear long sleeves but keep them worthwhile and worth a longer look. Sheer sleeves are still in. Ruffled and bell sleeves, too, are in demand. A sari with a half ruffle sleeve but in light beige is pure balance. A churidaar suit with long pleated sheer sleeves is glamorous in a creamy shade. Yes, why not even in black.
DONT wear a maroon full anarkali suit to the floor, a heavy dupatta covered in sequins, and then long sleeves with embroidery on them along with lots of jewelry and makeup. If this read can teach us everything fashion we need to know for this spring, it is to keep your look neat and minimalistic.
Stay active, stay hydrated and enjoy the sun! Smile and spread the sunshine all around. And, as always, remember to ‘gro with style’!
Kiran Bahl of Gro Styles, “An Indian Boutique” in Tampa, can be reached at (813) 843-9040, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.grostyles.com