Fashion
CELEBRATE FESTIVALS WITH LATEST STYLES!
Festival season is here and October is a month full of celebrations! Navratri, Dussehra and Karva Chauth are happy and fun, full of joy. Celebrate each occasion, each day, each moment with love and laughter. Good fashion is the icing on it all; let us take a look at what’s trending!
NAVRATRI – OF SHORT AND PEPLUM TOPS
I’m loving the revival of the 1970s and 1990s Indian pantsuits. Full and wide palazzo and sharara sets are trending high. Tiered and ruffled looks are definitely fancier and all bottoms are displaying some variety of metallic threadwork, embroidery or sequins and stones. Dupattas are the same but the tops are what’s most fun.
Tops are short, crop tops really, also keeping in alignment with garba chaniya choli ensembles. A cute version is the peplum top where a crop top extends into a flowy section attached to the waistline. The latest looks feature a longer section added, that too tiered and ruffled. Absolutely adorable with pants and skirts alike.
Many fear the look of shorter tops with pantsuits, as the hips and your behind are no longer as covered. Just remember to wear the longer top styles, it’ll be more flattering for every body type.
DUSSEHRA – NECKLACES ARE SCREAMING A STATEMENT
Yes, the key piece of jewelry necessary this season is the statement necklace. Sabyasachi, Vastraa and Tarun Tahiliani collections are featuring thick, full neck pieces, mostly choker style, some with wide stone dangling extensions. Coordinating earrings are small to medium sized to keep proportion and balance to the face. A definite Dussehra celebration fashion accessory!
A bolder vibe could be to wear the necklace and leave the earrings out. Then opt for a big tikka/headpiece. Elegance personified!
KARVA CHAUTH – RED IS ATTRACTING
Karva Chauth is toward the end of the month, so runways and look books are already on ‘red alert’. From Anita Dongre to Ridhi Mehra, and Tarun Tahiliani to Manish Malhotra, the color of the season is now officially this bright and beautiful hue.
The color red is a little tricky for some to wear. It seems bolder and more confident, a color that alone has you standing out amongst the crowd. But then embellished with embroidery, sequins and appliques? Will it all be too much you’re thinking? Not when worn using these simple tips. You’ll look drop “red” gorgeous!
Wear an all red lengha with self-embossed work. It’ll look subtle without the extra shine and you can wear it from engagement function to Diwali party with ease. Not feeling so brave wearing the color head to toe? Have your dupatta a lighter, paler shade such as a baby pink or peach orange to tone down the bright shade. Keep hair and makeup minimal too for a clean look.
Wear a red sari with contrasting choli. Jewel tones such as sapphire blues, emerald greens and citrine yellows will pop as a pairing with the sari and keep the look whimsical. If you want to tone it down a little, keep the choli in a neutral or brushed metallic shade. The look will blend in a little softer.
Want to wear this most wanted hue at an Indian wedding? Don’t. The bride will most likely (and hopefully) wear this color of attraction and tradition. Do not choose to have her see red and not just wear it!
Happy holiday season. Dressing festive isn’t and shouldn’t be a chore – it should be a show off moment of your culture. And we’re so lucky our ethnic wear is coveted by so many. Wearing such beautiful ensembles will have you looking and feeling just as beautiful. This good energy will carry through you and then to all you further meet. That’s what the holidays are all about right? Share and spread the love and light, 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 [email protected]