Casually careful!

STYLE QUOTIENT

That’s the first outfit that comes to your mind when one says ‘comfort’? For many, the answer would be a t-shirt. Casual, sporty, round-necked, v-necked, with and without collars, long, short; the types of tshirts are endless. Always comfortable and never out of fashion, t-shirts can make a striking style statement, provided one keeps a few points in mind.

Popular Bollywood designer Mandira Wirk,  who has designed for the likes of Malaika Arora Khan and Minissha Lamba, has some advice for women, when it comes to casual and t-shirts. According to her, customised t-shirts are ‘totally in”. “Go for spray painting, block and digital printing or surface ornamentation. These make customised casual shirts look like a work of art.”

As someone who designs a variety of casual shirts in all shapes, colours and sizes, Mandira feels t-shirts are not just meant for young or thin girls. “A well-designed casual shirt can also be worn by women in their 40s. It depends on the fabrics used in the shirts. Fabrics like satin, organza and net not only give t-shirts an arty look, but also make them wearable for women of all ages.”

Speaking of long t-shirts, she says, “They can be converted into dresses and tunic tops.” According to her, long t-shirts with a thin belt are trendy and look beautiful. Ask Mandira on the colours that are in this season, and she notes, “Bright colours like bubble gum pink, acid yellow, ice blue and other aquamarine colours look great. Even darker colours like charcoal, grey and black are trendy. Personally, I feel ivory is timeless and looks good especially during summers.” Layering and pleating works great on shirts too.

If you are opting for striped t-shirts, go for the nautical stripes says Mandira. “These are the sailor t-shirts, which are totally in. Plus, graphic shirts with skulls printed on them look totally cool too. And florals can never be out. Go for eco-friendly fabrics like cotton.”

Speaking of sleeves, Mandira says, “They can be of different variations  — puffed, halter cut and off or one shoulder. Currently, big shoulders are in fashion so one can go for padding for a dramatic effect.” In winters, one can opt for hooded t-shirts. Fluorescent, bejewelled and multi-coloured zips enhance the colour of a t-shirt. 

So what does one team t-shirts up with? “Simple jeans look best,” she answers. “Sporty t-shirts look great with wrist bands and chains. One can opt for loops, big bags and flats or heeled shoes too.” To sum it up, Mandira says, “Most people think t-shirts are for casual wear but when teamed with the right accessories, they can end up making great style statements.”

Fabulous fashion statement 

Neeta, a final year student of architecture at the UVCE, loves wearing t-shirts. “They speak a lot about your personality, be it in terms of colours or art work.” Neeta loves wearing t-shirts with graphics. “I buy most of my t-shirts from branded stores but sometimes, you get extremely nice t-shirts at export house sales as well,” she says. “Export houses like Arvind and Mathura garments hold these sales in various parts of the City,” she informs.

Neeta prefers wearing t-shirts with three-fourth pants and jeans. She teams them up with funky ethnic bags and Kolhapuri chappals. “These bags are a fusion between ethnic and contemporary designs,” she explains. When it comes to sleeves, Neeta prefers wearing mega sleeves. “I think the retro graphics on t-shirts are totally in right now.”