JOIN USFashion is not about what you wear, it’s about how you wear it. Shilpa Khandelwal gives you a lowdown on how to look your chic best, despite the sultry weather.
Summer is here and shades like hydrangea blues, citrus greens, magnolia whites and lotus pinks are contenders for top place in your wardrobe, right alongside corals, rust and shades of chrome to keep the earthy connections alive.
While it is the season to look chic and effortless, vivid floral prints can be
decidedly difficult to wear without looking like a table cloth or - God forbid - your grandma! Chic flowy gowns, summer dresses, casual tunics, breezy handbags or exotic clutches, or even OTT hair accessories can all sport floral motifs with panache.
So take notes, while we guide you through what works and what doesn’t.The white dressBut naturally, its spring and the time for merry brunches and picnics. So trade in your trustworthy little black dress, better known as LBD, for a flirty LWD. Also, its no longer about whether you can wear all-white. It’s about how you wear it.
Layer it, shade it, and texture it. Classic combos Black and white or blue and white are classics for a reason – they always look great. Of course, make sure to layer up your combos and add texture for a cooler vibe. Chiffon and cotton, crochet with linen all work fabulously well.
Floral Prints
Floral one shoulder dresses, flawless skirts paired with crop tops, can be the best choice for your hangout parties. Choose pastel colours for daytime soirees and go earthy for night affairs. Jumpsuits are the easy answer to head-to-toe florals. A floral pant is rather tricky to pull off, so pay attention to the print and the fit. The print needs to be well balanced and paired with neutral accessories to create a truly wow effect.
If you’re in the mood to pair prints then make sure you choose patterns that complement each other. Wearing two printed pieces together is fashion fraught with the potential for a faux pas, so tread with caution. It’s a good idea to balance traditional floral prints with structured modern footwear to revamp the 70s floral look to a zingy 2015 power statement.
Indian outfits
Floral printed sarees with minimalistic embellishment (think the elegant Sharmila Tagore) paired with diamond earrings and a statement ring would make you stand apart. Textured floral fabrics using hand embroidery, intricate beading and three-dimensional appliqués also display a level of craftsmanship that is impressive in any scenario. Dark red, green and yellow for special occasions are in vogue.
Sensual shoulders
Leggy beauties can take a rest, as this season, it’s all about power shoulders. You read that right. The sexiest part of your body in 2015 is going to be your shoulders, so start dipping. Less is more is the right approach here, so bare those shoulders with off-shoulder tops or bold one-shoulder necklines.
Minimalist meets 70s
There’s nothing minimalist about the 70s. However, retro touches in lapel shapes, juxtaposing colour combos, pant silhouettes that mix the flared, full and wide are all in. Jeans, of course, are never out, but expect to wear a lot of baggy, wide-legged ones. You could also rock your denims with crop tops that show off great abs.
Sport this
Designers are including sporty themes by paring down athletic influences and using small details here and there like racing strips, wrist bands, zipper pulls and drawstrings. Lace-up styling is, of course, a noteworthy choice on the runway. Polo shirts with collars are also making a popular comeback.
Accessorise right
With the Bohemian trend, quirky floral accessories are a great way to make a statement. Use these accessories judiciously to accent your outfits. Amazing flower hair headpieces have burnt the Paris runways with their charm. Floral crowns, hairpins, motifs side-clips have enhanced the look of sheer clothes. Brass pendants, single earrings, and half-moon necklaces are a favourite among girls. Oxfords are a great shoe selection. Not only are they super comfortable, but add balance and quirk to an otherwise busy floral look.
Whatever you wear, you need to remember that true style comes from within.
Confidence works wonders for your style quotient, so choose trends that suit your body type and make you feel good about yourself. After all, fashion is not about what you wear, it’s about how you wear it.
(The author is a fashion designer and owner, Shilpa K)