Designers and trendsetters are constantly looking at modernising ethnic wear to meet the demands of the complex, contemporary and conscious woman.

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.

The modern sari

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
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.

Kimono robe coats

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.

Dramatic sleeves

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.

     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.

Embellished flat mules

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.

Look for ornately decorated versions or floral embroidery work for a royal appeal.
Wear them with cropped trouser pants or with you favourite leggings and tunic combination.

Denim and khaki separates
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.

  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.

Head-to-toe monotone dressing in colours like white, dusty rose, sorbet yellow and blush pink will make your look summer-appropriate.

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.

(Contributed by Farah Magi)