Fusion fashion is shining this season

Summer is here and the sun is out. It's also that time of year when we love our ethnic wear even more because of its soft breathable 'no lining' kurtas and long tops. Indo -Western looks are always a go-to, even if it's as basic as jeans and a kurti! Here is a list of the trendiest Indo-fusion looks to try and pull off this summer.

A jumpsuit,  dupatta aka stole, heels and bling

Picture this! Beautifully tailored black jumpsuit, which is what your modern interpretation of a salwar suit would be.  Crimson dupatta with traditional 'phulkari' embroidery, heels and don't forget to accessorise like the Kardashians.

All things shiny and shimmery

For all things 'gala', wear something shimmery that works well when the night falls. Choose a metallic top paired with a statement pleated skirt, cropped pants or midi-skirt. If you want a more sophisticated look, couple a blazer with a shine-along heavy/traditional ghagra skirt.

Sequins are a rage in international waters, use them to suit your ethnic wear wisely. A lame fabric, organza, or shimmery crepe would be great choices for tunic crop tops and lehenga combo.

Kurta dresses

Kurta dresses is the new  'in thing'  this year. Be it a simple, long kurta worn as a maxi dress or just an elaborate, embellished 'anarkali'-style 'kurta'  that looks fabulous sans the 'churidaar'. Alternatively, short western gowns embellished with Indian motifs, embroidery patterns, fabrics etc. can be worn for a more Western look.   This trend mixes easy silhouettes with style, and form with functionality.

Colour block layers

The colour-block trend continues to reign runways and high street fashion. Why not include it in your festive attire too? The next time you decide to wear a Chinese collar aka 'bandh gala', instead of a plain or embroidered 'bandh gala', tailor one in contrasting metallic fabric for a colour block appeal. It will be the most bespoke outfit at that soiree. Wear a plain 'dhoti' or 'dhoti' pants beneath, and team with leather shoes.

Formal Indian wear without a 'kurti'

You can pair your 'lehengas' with a formal white button-down shirt or a crop top and accessorise it with junk jewellery. Forget the 'dupattas', bring on the collars. Try crop tops, tunic jackets, boleros with all them gypsee skirts. Try ethnic culottes with a western blouse and a great handbag the next time you go to work.

The cold shoulder anything

It's absolutely impossible to miss the influx of cold shoulder 'kurtas' and salwar suit in the market today. That Western trend has caught on like wildfire. Try it on your sari blouses, bodices, crop tops, 'cholis' and 'kurtas'. Try it on mirror work, 'kalamkari', 'chikenkari', anything!

Crops as tops

Your 'choli' is now a crop, your nice short 'kurti' can also now be your crop, a sari blouse can be a crop, and also, that thing you wear to the beach over your swimsuit? Also a crop top… Get the hint?  Now the cherry on the icing would be a body suit lehenga mash up.