It really doesn’t matter whether one is a fashionista or not. All you need is to develop an eye for the right combinations to get more from the apparels in your closet. As fashion fads keep on changing, it is going to be a smart move if you can figure out how to use what you already have in the wardrobe in a smart and effective way. You might end up buying less and wearing more and that is why the fashion brigade swear by mixing-and-matching to have an evergreen collection.
“Mix-and-match is something people have been doing since forever. But only a few get it right,” designer Sakshi K Relan tells Metrolife.
According to designer Lalit Dalmia, “it redefines the entire look and feel of the outfit”. “It also shows the colourful aspect of the wearer’s personality,” says the designer who has over 10 years of experience in the fashion industry.
He emphasises that the trick lies in “sticking to two colours” and pairing neutral prints with colourful ones.
Giving examples of how different patterns can be teamed up with a variety of fabrics and colours, Relan says, “Wear the pattern you feel most comfortable in. If you want to focus on your legs, bold patterned trousers and a neutral top are a great combo. But if you are looking for a topwear, a stripped blazer over a polka dotted shirt with plain trousers go well if the colours are sober and not too jarring.”
Designers also point out that people should take out time to mix-and-match outfits because only then they will be able to see which elements are missing and this exercise in return will help them to shop purposefully.
“Nobody needs three black suits, for example. If you have one, you can move on and add other colours. Lack of variety is the greatest reason that some people struggle,” says Dalmia.
“Most people are confused when it comes to wearing monotonous tones with geometric or linear pattern. The solution to this is to wear same patterns in different shades of the same colour, or to wear different patterns in same shades of colour,” says Kapil Arora, creative director of label Kapil&Mmonika. “Though its considered a faux pas to wear different patterns together, but if worn in the right way, it looks great. For instance, he adds, “teaming up a white polka dotted top with a black horizontal stripes skirt.”
However, experts warn against going overboard.
Designer duo Sweta Tantia and Priyangsu Maji from the label Garo say, “It doesn’t matter how large or streamlined your closet is, if the pieces don’t communicate and work with each other, you will never be able to create a mix-and-match wardrobe,” informs Dalmia.
“It should be kept in mind that what looks good on the runway or magazine may not look good in real life. The dress code has to be deciphered and made more comfortable for every day wear. You cannot wear layers if you travel on a daily basis and work in humid conditions. Comfort should not be compromised for fashion.”
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