<p>Designers and trendsetters are constantly looking at modernising ethnic wear to meet the demands of the complex, contemporary and conscious woman. <br /><br />Ethnic wear today no longer means heavily embellished ‘salwar kameez’ sets with heavy zari work. Instead, the focus is more on new-age silhouettes and sleek tailoring. Here is a quick guide on how to update your spring-ethnic wardrobe.<br /><br />The modern sari <br /><br />The Lakme Fashion Week and the recently commenced Amazon India Fashion Week saw the six-yard wonder transform itself into new forms. The most notable ones had <br />interesting ruffle details, monotone blouse-and-saree combinations, tassled and fringed hemlines, all over florals and gingham print in good measure. Handlooms, it seems, are a mainstay and will never go out of style.<br /><br />Kimono robe coats<br /><br />A third layer in ethnic wear is important to add edge and dimension to your ensemble. Ditch your dupattas and invest in a kimono-sleeved robe coat with a waist tie-up which speaks fashion and functionality. Fabrics like satin, linen, light georgette and organza are cool and apt for the day while you can switch these for a zardosi silk version for a cocktail event in the evening.<br /><br />Dramatic sleeves<br /><br />Sleeves are the primary focus for most designers this season. They have been slipped off the shoulder, given a cut-out-shoulder and even extended into a cape itself. <br /><br /> Shoulder pads are prominent, owing to the heavy influence of 80s fashion, while frills and tiered ruffles bring in a feminine and romantic vibe. Oversized bell sleeves and Victorian-inspired shirt collar details on saree blouses will take your entire look up a notch.<br /><br />Embellished flat mules<br /><br />Influenced by the flat mule trend that is doing the rounds on international fashion shows, closer home an embellished ‘jutti’ complements both ethnic and Western looks alike. <br /><br />Look for ornately decorated versions or floral embroidery work for a royal appeal. <br />Wear them with cropped trouser pants or with you favourite leggings and tunic combination. <br /><br />Denim and khaki separates<br />Warmer months call for easy layers and relaxed separates in cool colour tones. Light denims and khaki trousers with paperbag waist details ooze minimalism and indie-boho. Opt for culottes, crop tops, longline shirts, straight-cut trousers,tunics, waist-coats, pleated skirts and light jackets that can be mixed and matched. Pair them with silver accessories and tan coloured loafer shoes and a satchel bag for a relaxed lunch or evening coffee.<br /><br /> The colour palette nowadays has made a massive shift towards earthy colours like steel grey, indigo blue, biege and ivory while accessories stay minimal with envelope clutch bags and ‘potlis’ being a good option with your sarees. <br /><br />Head-to-toe monotone dressing in colours like white, dusty rose, sorbet yellow and blush pink will make your look summer-appropriate. <br /><br />Scarves and stoles with fun prints like elephant motifs, combined with silver bangles, thrown over a t-shirt and jeans combo breathes indo-ethnic fusion wear. <br /><br />(Contributed by Farah Magi)</p>
<p>Designers and trendsetters are constantly looking at modernising ethnic wear to meet the demands of the complex, contemporary and conscious woman. <br /><br />Ethnic wear today no longer means heavily embellished ‘salwar kameez’ sets with heavy zari work. Instead, the focus is more on new-age silhouettes and sleek tailoring. Here is a quick guide on how to update your spring-ethnic wardrobe.<br /><br />The modern sari <br /><br />The Lakme Fashion Week and the recently commenced Amazon India Fashion Week saw the six-yard wonder transform itself into new forms. The most notable ones had <br />interesting ruffle details, monotone blouse-and-saree combinations, tassled and fringed hemlines, all over florals and gingham print in good measure. Handlooms, it seems, are a mainstay and will never go out of style.<br /><br />Kimono robe coats<br /><br />A third layer in ethnic wear is important to add edge and dimension to your ensemble. Ditch your dupattas and invest in a kimono-sleeved robe coat with a waist tie-up which speaks fashion and functionality. Fabrics like satin, linen, light georgette and organza are cool and apt for the day while you can switch these for a zardosi silk version for a cocktail event in the evening.<br /><br />Dramatic sleeves<br /><br />Sleeves are the primary focus for most designers this season. They have been slipped off the shoulder, given a cut-out-shoulder and even extended into a cape itself. <br /><br /> Shoulder pads are prominent, owing to the heavy influence of 80s fashion, while frills and tiered ruffles bring in a feminine and romantic vibe. Oversized bell sleeves and Victorian-inspired shirt collar details on saree blouses will take your entire look up a notch.<br /><br />Embellished flat mules<br /><br />Influenced by the flat mule trend that is doing the rounds on international fashion shows, closer home an embellished ‘jutti’ complements both ethnic and Western looks alike. <br /><br />Look for ornately decorated versions or floral embroidery work for a royal appeal. <br />Wear them with cropped trouser pants or with you favourite leggings and tunic combination. <br /><br />Denim and khaki separates<br />Warmer months call for easy layers and relaxed separates in cool colour tones. Light denims and khaki trousers with paperbag waist details ooze minimalism and indie-boho. Opt for culottes, crop tops, longline shirts, straight-cut trousers,tunics, waist-coats, pleated skirts and light jackets that can be mixed and matched. Pair them with silver accessories and tan coloured loafer shoes and a satchel bag for a relaxed lunch or evening coffee.<br /><br /> The colour palette nowadays has made a massive shift towards earthy colours like steel grey, indigo blue, biege and ivory while accessories stay minimal with envelope clutch bags and ‘potlis’ being a good option with your sarees. <br /><br />Head-to-toe monotone dressing in colours like white, dusty rose, sorbet yellow and blush pink will make your look summer-appropriate. <br /><br />Scarves and stoles with fun prints like elephant motifs, combined with silver bangles, thrown over a t-shirt and jeans combo breathes indo-ethnic fusion wear. <br /><br />(Contributed by Farah Magi)</p>
