WANT TO SIZZLE THIS SUMMER? HERE IS SOME ADVICE
Happy Independence Day to all. The pour of wedding events (besides the rain) gives us the perfect opportunity to flaunt the latest and best of Indian fashion trends. With Independence Day festivities nearing as well, we are sure to always want to exhibit what’s “in” and put aside the “outs” – far, far aside! Here are some tips to stay sizzling this summer.
Ladies, yes, Anarkali churidaars are still in fashion. Personally, most of us feel this style just doesn’t suit, but it’s the type of Anarkali worn that can flatter all. The outfit’s look should include a fitted bust, flowing and pleated waistline (almost floating), and churidaar on bottom. Easy equation – the longer the ensemble, the slimmer the look on you! Just be sure to have the bust and sleeves custom fitted. Balance and proportion is the key. Shorter, baby doll looks flatter thinner women. To add curves even, opt for styles fitted above the bust and let loose throughout. This parachute style is more popular in Pakistani clothing, and is now slowly gaining popularity in India too. For those of us hoping the Anarkali phase will pass have now realized it won’t for quite some time. Years have passed, and it’s still proving to be a popular look – embrace it!
And now for some fresh news! Indian fashion is once again favoring the lengha! Moving forward from the only-saris-are-formal look, the lengha is back, and more elegant than ever. From fitted, shorter cholis and sweepy ballroom skirts to ruffled, vested cholis and fishtail skirts, engagements, weddings and receptions have a fresh look from the ‘saris only club’. Net is still the fabric favorite of the season, with bright sequin work. Embroidery styles will make their debut coming fall and winter. Dupattas in these ensembles are simply decorated if at all. Wear them down your side or ‘shawl-style’ if made of a sheer or semi-sheer fabric. For now, store those brocade and satin lenghas. Runways will celebrate them mid to late next year.
Send us your fashion questions and concerns. Follow the trend! E-mail us at [email protected], and we’ll answer any and all your fashion dilemmas! Here’s this month’s Fashion Drama Question of the month:
Q: My daughters insist on wearing orange, but I keep refusing them, as they are too fair-skinned to pull off this color. What should I do? – Pinal, Tampa
A: Hello Pinal! I understand what you mean, in that the color orange might make your daughters look even more washed out, being they’re so fair. But, honestly, anyone can pull off any color, guaranteed … as long as they accessorize accordingly. For example, dress them in orange outfits, mixed with contrast colored embroidery or sequin work. If the outfits are all orange, then mix with sapphire blue, emerald green or ruby red bangles and jewelry. The darker, deeper colors will pop against their skin, as well as keep the outfit’s more subtle color to a minimum.
Once again, Happy Independence Day to all. Enjoy the festivities to the fullest, be safe, and as always, remember to gro with style!
Kiran Bahl of Gro Styles, “An Indian Boutique,” at 2035 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa, FL 33612 and 9456 S. Orange Blossom Trail, in Orlando, FL 32837, can be reached at (813) 843-9040, (813) 903-8334 or (407) ALL-SARI.