Fashion
TRENDS TURNING MORE SUNNIER, LIVELY
Happy 15th anniversary to Khaas Baat! Thank you, Khaas Baat and you, our readers, for your support and encouragement! And welcome to the Indian holiday season!
With India’s Independence Day and Janamashtmi being this month on top of back-to-school routines for so many – it is a busy August! Let us look at fashion forecasts for this coming fall season to get ahead and on trend.
RAINBOW BRIGHT LOOKS
Colors are extreme this coming season. It is either a white palette or a mixed rainbow of hues together. We are so used to the calmer pastel solids of sea foam greens, sky blues and baby pinks during this spring and summer, that mixing multiple bright shades together feels almost blinding to the eye. But what a beautiful change!
Saris in pink, yellow, navy blue and white swirl patterns catch attention. A simple neutral blouse and heels will balance and complete your look. Remember, the goal is to combine and look classy, not clowny.
Lenghas are even more playful now, being they are more deconstructed than the sari. The tops, bottoms and even dupattas are all either color blocked in neon colors such as vivid green, electric purple and hot pink. Color streaking is in too, with watercolor or abstract stripes of several deep colors together. If you don’t want to go so bold, try one or two rainbow colors with one or two neutral grays or beiges mixed in between. Black too is always a go to hue to mix and match colors with.
Suits are working the same way as lenghas with the all abroad color scheme, with the kameez especially contrasted with neckline embellishments, sleeve cuffs and back detailing. A solid pastel churidaar or palazzo ensemble can look modern with rainbow lace or floral appliques, an allover multicolored dupatta or contrast pants.
Jewelry in this case must remain minimal and neutral. Stick with base metals of gold, silver or rose gold. A light gold choker with smaller earrings or only large earrings in silver are enough to shine and not clash with your colorful vibe.
ART IN GRAPHIC PRINTS
Indian runways recently have been unveiling holiday looks for this upcoming season full of graphic prints, including whimsical artsy ones.
Animal prints are back. Python and leopard prints are on top followed by zebra and leopard looks. Taking a cue from the Western ’80s/’90s trends, India fused the traditional but wild look a bit; however, this time with these prints in neon shades. Hot pink python saris and electric yellow suits in zebra just pop.
Tribal prints are coming around too. Batik looks with women/men working in the tea fields or Moghul-inspired princesses holding pigeons and doves are popular as are abstract works of art with lotus flowers and bird cages.
Jewelry could go really playful with this. Go bolder with heavy gold jewelry and classic red lips and nails, or stay uber chic and wear no jewelry (gasp! at this thought for so many) and nude makeup.
WHITES, IVORIES, CREAMS
On the other end of the spectrum, white ensembles are gathering quite the fan following. Frowned upon as a color of mourning or grieving, it has been hard for India to accept white as a color to wear, especially to fancy occasions.
Long, flowy white suits, ivory chickenkari lenghas and ethereal cream ruffle saris are dreamy and oh-so-angelic looking! To dress up these more sober colors, opt for red/orange lips and bright heels in royal blue or magenta pink.
Jewelry, too, wear with color or multicolor stones on any metal base. You will definitely look classic and not understated at all. Late summer nights and summer in general have us feeling more relaxed. But it’s no excuse to skimp on your beauty regimen.
It is good seeing trends a little brighter and a little more playful. I think we over saw pastel ensembles with just gold jewels and a no makeup look. Just in time for the holiday season, Indian fashion is showcasing more color, more culture, more spirit and just more India. Enjoy the season, enjoy the festivities 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.facebook.com/grostyles