Get bold and beautiful blouses

Clothing in any form is no longer staid, especially in metropolitan cities, where women are looking more and more stunning with each passing day.

Yesterday’s blouses that accompanied the  saree and lehenga are no longer a simple metre of cloth stitched by just any tailor. The new-age fashion mantra has given way to some snazzy and sassy bustiers. Sarees and lehengas are now accompanied with blouses which have embroidery, mirrors, zardosi work, crystal and kundan work, threads, sequins and bead work. The bustier, or the traditional blouse, is now designed to accentuate the attire’s best features. If done tastefully, the overall effect could be stunning and win you lots of compliments.

Bustiers are definitely getting bolder, with the backs getting deeper and sometimes backless too. Cholis come with plunging necklines with sleeves that are mere straps or simply done away with. The embroidery, depending on its weight and complexity, could cost anything between Rs 250 - Rs 1,500. More exquisite work may cost up to Rs 3,000 or more.

Popular TV serials have given a tremendous boost to the blouse or the choli as a fashion garment. As an outfit it has universal appeal, as anyone from the age of six to 60 can wear it. From ancient history to the 20th century, the chaniya-choli has made a long journey that has sustained it as a garment of huge interest, not only to the Indian but women in the west as well. Bollywood movie stars like Aishwarya Rai, Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra have done their bit to add a sensual touch to the simple bustier.

What’s trending?

The current trends are leaning toward lots of embroidery around the neckline and sleeves. Says Meena Jhamb, a fashion designer running her own boutique in Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi, “Sequins and beads look exquisite as does zari work and attached borders. Sleeveless is a universal favourite with all age groups. Halter necks and backless with strings also look elegant. Women these days are very choosy about the blouses they select to go with their lehangas and sarees. They ask for intricate embroidery and thread work. Kundan work is hugely popular among the young, as the work is intricate and pretty. So are Swaroski crystals, which are stuck to the fabric with special glue. Brocade blouse is also a popular choice. Women are willing to experiment with their cholis, trying out the trendier and bolder patterns.”

Another designer, Vinita Chugh, who runs her own boutique, Kiana, in New Delhi, says, “A good blouse could actually do wonders for your saree or lehenga whether plain or printed. We stress on the sleeves and the back. Bold patterns are in vogue and deep backs look really chic. Most youngsters love spaghetti straps and deep backs with lots of strings, gold pattis or velvet borders. Slim and tall women can carry off lacy blouses of three-quarter or full sleeves. I also feel that a woman’s assets can be highlighted.”

Tips for blouses

- Slim arms look great with sleeveless blouses
- Reserve the royal look for special occasions and party-wear
- A heavy blouse in tussar or brocade or silk, with a beautiful piece of embroidery could go with plain sarees
- Team such a blouse with a variety of soft fabrics like silk, chiffon, georgette
- Old Banarasi saris can be used to make heavy blouses and cholis
Perhaps the best part of having a stunning bustier in your wardrobe is that if the colour is carefully selected, it could be teamed with many sarees and skirts. A mix and match formula works for colours such as:
- Blue-green
- Maroon-pale-yellow
- Maroon-cream
- Aqua-blue–purple
- Purple-pink

You could create beautiful contrasts by selecting your own favourites too. However, always consider your body shape and complexion before selecting the style, pattern and colour.

Delhi and Bangalore bazaars have numerous showrooms and boutiques that are flooded with myriads of shades and fabrics. Be innovative, creative and traditional all at once. Get the allure and make heads