OCTOBER 2020
Khaas Baat : A Publication for Indian Americans in Florida

Fashion

LOOK COOL IN CHANIYA CHOLIS, SARIS, KURTIS/SUITS!

Kiran Bahl

By KIRAN BAHL

Happy October! It’s fall and the weather already feels cooler and breezier out. Navratri, too, is approaching on Oct. 17 and although garba and dandiya celebrations are non-existent now, it doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate at all.

Between poojas and smaller get-togethers, get your holiday on and dress up too! After all, let’s strive to look cool like fall and not scary like Halloween!

CHANIYA CHOLIS TO A HOUSE DINNER?

Yes, it’s upsetting that due to Covid-19, the garba and dandiya event we look forward to every year is cancelled. It’s definitely a favorite time of year dressing up in our finest, praying and dancing the night away – just celebrating God and one another.

How do you stay positive and still motivated? Hold a mini garba/dandiya night at your house, your backyard or even use a small event center. Practice social distancing, find some good music and speakers, serve up some juice and appetizers and dance the night away like we do every year at the Florida State Fairgrounds!

And wear those chaniya cholis! Looking good definitely correlates to feeling good, so stay bright with vivid colors and sparkly jewelry. Wearing jeans and a cute blouse just won’t give you the feel of Navratri that even the simplest chaniya cholis can. Don’t have one? Try a lengha set or even a mirrored suit with flowy dupatta to mimic the ideal. If outdoors, keep hair up to avoid extra sweat flying around.

SARIS TO A DINNER OUT?

We are slowly beginning to venture out not only with our immediate families but with our extended family and friends too. Meeting at an outdoor restaurant seems safer lately, so why not have a Navratri dinner there?

Choose your favorite people, RSVP at a restaurant (Indian or not) and plan a theme. Wearing all blue saris or chaniya cholis and showcasing your ensembles is beautiful and confident. Saris look elegant regardless when worn, but dressing up for Navratri and matching with your squad – oh-so-chic!

KURTIS/SUITS TO ONE ON ONES, THE BEACH, A HIKE?

A basic kurti with jeans looks and feels so easy put together. Put on a kurti or simple suit kameez/top and meet up with a friend for coffee or lunch. Wear jhumke, bangles even juttis/shoes with a dress or skirt and top for an Indian-boho-fusion look in your everyday vibe. It’s all in the details.

There’s been a rise in ladies wearing kurtis, suits even saris to the beach or forest. So many are tired of staying in house that going out for no reason becomes an event to dress up for and feel great. Try making the smallest chore outside the house an event, a celebration, and dress up a little more. It’ll have you smiling more and spreading that smile around too, even at Publix.

As you make these small outings into big events and dress up, take this mantra into your life too. Inviting a friend to tea is a grand, happy moment. So is going out to buy a gift for a family member at the mall, it’s a joyous thing and will spread happiness throughout.

These moments enjoyed will serve as memories cherished forever, even among a few loved ones versus the so many more we may be used to at garba/dandiya venues. Enjoy every little thing, enjoy each other and, as always, remember to ‘gro’ with style!

Kiran Bahl of Gro Styles, an Indian Boutique (www.grostyles.com), can be reached at (813) 843-9040 or kiran@grostyles.com

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