The festive season is officially here. Come Navratri and everyone and their mother begins to pay closer attention to their wardrobes. And if you’re looking for fashionable cues, Bengaluru’s designers have plenty of advice you could follow.
According to Roopa Reddy, Creative Head at House of Blouse, “While sarees are eternally popular festive outfits in India, floor length anarkalis in rich looking brocades and silks are hugely popular this year. Interesting detailing like open tie backs with tassels are trending.”
Navaratri fashion from Aditi Lal's collection
Pranita Mehta, a stylist and fashion blogger, says, “Traditional mirror work embroidery in bold and colourful patterns never goes out of style but this time we’re veering towards modern Indian inspiration. Floral prints or lehengas in solid colours mixed with cold shoulder blouses and even coordinated shirts, and embroidery with pom-poms and tassels in bold and bright colours are some trends to look out for. Also, traditional prints like ikat and kalamkari, natural dyes, organic textiles and all things sustainable are breaking the monotony of dressing up this season.”
If you’re looking for new ways to wear a traditional outfit, Roopa suggests you try “pre-draped sarees, saree gowns or dhoti sarees. You could pair long straight kurtas with full length skirts or palazzos to give a cool twist to your kurtas. Wearing longer dresses which double up as kurtas or front slit kurta/jacket/dress over leggings, cigarette pants or palazzos, are interesting ways to ring in the festivity.”
In terms of cuts, colours, fabrics, and embellishments, “Hot pinks, oranges and the Pantone Colour of the Year ‘Greenery’ combined with gold touches are some shades which still remain festive favourites.
A dash of elegance Navaratri fashion from Aditi Lal's collection
Mix and match is the thing to do this year. Large motif brocade fabrics are totally in vogue this festive season. Banarasi brocades are hugely popular for blouses, sarees, and anarkalis,” she informs.
Fashion designer, Aditi Lal, finds that “pastel shades, layered silhouettes with minimal unique embellishments will be popular. Silks definitely add richness to silhouettes, especially during the festive season.”
Making a comeback this season are “puff sleeved blouses inspired by movies like Baahubali ,” Roopa observes. “Elbow length sleeves, three fourth sleeves, or even sleeves which reach just slightly below the elbow, have also made a fashionable comeback. Cap sleeves which used to be trendy are not so hot this season. Last year boat-neck blouses were in, but this year rounded U-necks and closed (high) U-necks are ruling the roost. Festive sarees in cotton silks instead of the usual pure silks are big. And kalamkari on everything is another trend we’re all digging.”
“Capes are definitely back and are being styled a bit more differently using sheer fabrics,” informs Aditi.
Navaratri fashion from Aditi Lal's collection
Coming to accessories, Pranita says, “Silver jewellery goes well with outfits in mirror work. Lightweight jewellery, maang tikkas, kamarbands, and statement earrings go well with bright and contrasting colours.”
Not too much is usually said about festive menswear but Sandeep Khapra, design head at Max Fashion, points out that “Nehru jackets have made a huge comeback. For the ethnic look, simply don your jacket over a kurta. You could pick a material like khadi. You could also westernise it by pairing it with a shirt, formal pants, and pair it with loafers or brogues. The kurta-pajama has also become a festive go-to choice for many. Even though we men don’t have many options to accessorise, you might want a stole to wear with your kurta-pajama or sherwani. Shawls also a great option. Joothis or mojaris and Kolhapuri chappals are still the staple complement when it comes to traditional Indian dressing. Don’t forget to wear a fresh pair of sunglasses.”
Pranita says, “For men, deep-hued kurtas like wine or blue, and churidars/pyjamas paired with ethnic jackets that can either be printed, solid, or embroidered, are in style.” With your desi fashion fundas in place, all you need to do is carry your festive look with flair and enjoy the gaiety.
