Doll up

A look at what’s hot and what’s not this festive season

Ethinic is the fashion mantra this season. Photo: H.Satish

Festivity is in the air. As the rhythmic beats of the dhol rise and you pick up the colourful bamboo dandiyas for the Raas, it’s time to look your best. So before you put your best foot forward to dance the night away at the garbha, here’s a look at what’s hot and what’s not, this year for Navaratri.

For the past few years, Navaratri attire has been indo-western with ankle length ganji skirts teamed with halter tops and bandhini duppattas.

Going traditional

This year, fashionistas feel traditional is the way to go. The ghagra choli and the chaniya choli are stealing the limelight. Knee-length ghagras are the rage. Make sure your ghagra has a lot of kalis. Mirror work and embroidered cholis are never out of vogue. The lehenga too is timeless.

Says Bangalore-based fashion designer Divya Tater, “For women, it’s a chaniya with a wide flare, and for men, it’s a well cut angarakha this season. Besides making a style statement, the wide cut is comfortable.”

Designers also predict that saris sans pleats will be a hit this year. You could find new ways of draping your sari. Anarkali sets and empire line salwar suits will also make their presence felt.

Bandhini and kutchi work, lehriya prints, patchwork, traditional embroidery, sequins, baadla and mirror work are excellent options for Navaratri. Although the spaghetti and tank tops aren’t exactly passé, it is best to go in for ethnic blouses, designers say. Plunging necklines and tie-up blouses are in. Brocade blouses are also in demand. Neatly embellished and well-fitting corsets are for those who want to flaunt some skin.

The colour palette includes earthy tones. Red, black, yellow, mustard and green are popular. However, offbeat shades such as violet, pink and gold are catching on this year.

Fashion designer Ameetha Mathew says, “The preferred fabrics for the festive season are chiffon, silk, net, lace and free-flowing satin.” She advises against overdoing the embellishment on the garments.“For men, kurtas and sherwanis are good options. There’s no doing away with the dhoti, however,” she adds.

The right accessories

As far as accessories go, Divya says, “Silver ornaments and white bangles are hip. Jewellery such as the kundal, bajubandh, choker, anklets, and kamar bandh lend a festive touch.”

Footwear must be traditional to match the attire. So go in for mojris, joothis or kolhapuris. With the right clothes, jewels and footwear, all you have to do is go out and enjoy those festive evenings.