Fashion
STAYING ON TOP OF NEW TRENDS!
It’s springtime and the occasion of Holi, too! Ladies, besides this month being about renewal and color in nature and climate, let’s also make it about fashion. Let’s feel revived and ready to take on the trends!
Saris are still the classic choice to wear to a formal party, event or one-on-one evening. If opting for a salwar kameez or churidaar, remember that longer kameezes are classically back in vogue, preferably with longer side slits. Fitted looks, too, are important to maintain. For sari blouses, tight hook and pleat placements are crucial. For kameezes, keep your backs zippered with back pleats for a smooth finish. You’re guaranteed to look just angelic! The following textures and tips will ensure you’re on top of all trends:
SATIN
Until recently, satin has almost been downgraded as a lesser fabric. Silks and silk blends have saturated most couture markets so much that satin is almost an afterthought to designers. But now, satin is sexy! Soft, smooth and supple, when placed into your ensemble correctly, the results are fabulous. Think of an ivory sari with a thicker, contrast shade satin border (in fuchsia or turquoise perhaps), including on bottom of sari. Include the same borders on the sari blouse as well as icing on the cake!
For a salwar kameez or churidaar, apply the same ‘satin-as-border’ technique. Or for a bolder look, find the new pleated kameez looks, with the pleats made of satin or brocade finishing – very posh!
Satin don’t: For satin looks, less is more. If both your kameez and salwar are of satin, then have your dupatta made of chiffon or georgette, and drape it down the side of your body. Balance is the key; too much satin will make you shine with tackiness!
LACE
One of the most romantic materials since olden times (both in the East and the West), lace is beautiful. In modern times, all-over lace is maybe too bold or bridal, but as some of your outfit or detailed embellishments, you can beautify the look even more. If donning a lace sari, most of the sari should be of a chiffon or crepe material. Lace appliqués or borders will make your sari truly elegant. Sari blouses in lace are pretty, too. Bright, bold colors are also trending, such as coral pinks, leaf greens and lemon yellows!
For your salwar kameez or churidaar, apply the same principles as for saris. Runway shows are depicting edgier twists with full lace kameezes, complete with satin linings, and solid bottoms/dupattas. The sleeves are longer, more fitted, and sheer for a peek of extra skin.
Lace don’t: Lace from head to toe screams lingerie, or nightwear – A fashion don’t!
NET
Don’t fear it. Lots of ladies assume net equals fluffiness. Not necessarily! Net saris are very much the rage, either fusioned with organza details or lined with soft crepe silks. Be sure, however, to avoid net sari blouses, as they aren’t the most flattering.
For suits, net ones look great, particularly with net dupattas. Layering nets will make you look like a child, so tailor your fit (and one layer) precisely. Net dupattas are soft and airy looking, very romantic indeed!
Net don’t: As with satin and lace, net’s policies are the same, too much of it and you could end up looking like a lampshade!
Enjoy the new season and shine. Celebrate with your loved ones. And as always, remember to gro with style!
Kiran Bahl of Gro Styles, “An Indian Boutique” in Tampa and Orlando, can be reached at (813) 843-9040, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.facebook.com/grostyles