BRIGHT WHITES ARE IN!
The happiest of holiday seasons is here! Not only can we expect a cooler, crisper month with the start of autumn, we can also expect a slew of holidays from Navratri to Dussehra, Bakra Eid to Karva Chauth, and Bhai Dhooj to Diwali. The most colorful and exciting events this month are too, of course, garba raas and dandiya nights, and India Festival in Tampa!
Holiday color!
Ladies, fashion week is over, both in the East and the West. Finally, we have time to soak in future fashion trends and twist them with current ones to create an exquisite look.
Most neutral shades in desi fashion are taking a step back, with bright whites being an exception. Wear all white with just a hint of sharp color, and your style is set from fall to winter and beyond!
Now the fun begins. Bright colors, deep colors, rich colors are daring this season. From vivid pinks and yellows, to jewel tone greens and blues, and even chocolate browns, color is splashed all over. A simple trick to simplify the monochromatic head to toe feel is to minimalize on jewelry. A pair of light gold earrings with a large ring or kada/bangle is enough to let an allover maroon or purple sari shine.
Holiday shine!
Shine doesn’t have to come from just the gold you’ll be purchasing for Dhanteras or from the gold and diamonds you’ll be displaying on your neck. Shine is radiating even from the most casual outfits right now.
Start with any color, taking out those safe shades we read about earlier. Instead of the basic silver or gold working, make sure the whole outfit shines! Gold sequins, silver kundan stones, gem shaded jewels, heavy zari and embroidered threadwork is the trend. The latest look? Multi-colored embroidery. A green Anarkali churidaar looks stunning with large appliques of gold, pink, black, and blue threadwork.
Also remember – color can shine too. Multiple colors on your ensemble mean less bling necessary on the material. An easy rule to follow is if the outfit is one or two shaded, bring on the sequins and stones. If there are three or more tones, lessen the sequins and add embroidery. You can’t and won’t go wrong!
Holiday for the whole family!
Men and kids will not be ignored! This season, ladies, have the family complete with matching looks for the men and children in your life.
Menswear is bright as ever, with purples, red, blues and greens taking precedence over the white and beige neutrals of last season. Embroidery is light but noticeable, and sherwanis are seen with beautiful zari and stonework too. The best part is with so many color options, matching your outfit with your man for any occasion is very easy!
Try to get the kids involved too, parents! We work so hard to look our best and then match our style with our spouse’s, that the kids end up wearing something else altogether. Every event family photo will look just right with all members at least sharing one common color together! Ladies, picking a color as tough as pink to match with your family? Easy! You wear the pink salwar kameez, have your man wear a sherwani or kurta pajama with pink dupatta, and finally, have your daughter in a pink patiala or your son in a pink kurta. If the issue of pink could be resolved and matched, any color can!
The happy holiday season is definitely a time of celebrations, parties and dressing up. But remember, it’s also a season of prayer and thankfulness. Always wish for nice things, but never take for granted what you already have. It’s much more than so many unfortunate ones will ever have in their entire lives. Enjoy now and every day. And as always, remember to ‘gro with style’!
Kiran Bahl of Gro Styles, “An Indian Boutique” in Tampa, Orlando and Sunrise, can be reached at (813) 843-9040, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.facebook.com/grostyles