Festive fits are on a high

Come October, it’s time for festivities and all the extravaganza. This season, it’s all about the understated and fuss-free look. So, take a break from your regular ensembles say the designers, for, it is time to tweak that traditional wear to something quirky and contemporary. Dressing up for festive parties is the best way to showcase your trendy wardrobe and look your fashionable best. You may want to go for traditional wear, fine, but it’s time you sprinkle your ethnic style with a dash of a contemporary look, say the fashion gurus.

Pastels are in

Gone are the days when reds and pinks were the chosen lot. Today, pastels’ versatility has managed to make a mark in the fashion circles, points out Delhi-based fashion designer Abhinav Mishra. “This season is for everyone to play with pastels. Since most people like heavy outfits, soft pastel shades balance the overall look of the outfit.” He adds, “One can pair pastel yellow and pink together or powder blue. Ivory is another colour that stands out. For those who love reds, they are still open to wear a darker shade of red for the festivals.” Abhinav recommends lehengas in contrasting pastel colours — pink blouse, yellow skirt and powder blue dupatta.

Gujarat-based designers Shyamal and Bhumika recommend an interesting range of the colour palette — a mix of antique pastel shades and jewel colours like English rose pink, ochre, moon grey, dusty mint, muted ivory, champagne, midnight blue, emerald green and raspberry red.

‘‘If you prefer subtle colours, opt for pastels such as mint green, powder blue,’’ suggests Mumbai-based designer Neha Agarwal, known for her high-end label Agami. For Nishant Tulsiani of Anaqa Jewels, mint green is the colour of the season. ‘‘It’s elegant, fresh and has become a new favourite,’’ he says. While Hyderabad-based Swapna Anumolu, known for her niche label Mishru, is all for muted rose, ice blue and silver grey. She says, “They complement the Indian complexion really well. These colours are versatile and can be paired with anything.”

Accessorise

Remember to go easy on rich, heavy textures and embellishments this festive season. Arpita Mehta, a Mumbai-based designer, would like to see more of fabrics like Dupioni silk and natural crepe. According to her, cane accessories have made a statement this season, be it in the form of jewellery, bags or shoes. “They add a fun element to the look and are something different from the everyday jewellery pieces,” she says. Swapna Anumolu loves adding texture to the outfits via ruching and pleating. According to her, sheer shirts and crop tops paired with a lehenga along with statement shoes and embroidered clutches will make for a stunning look this season.

“You can style your classic jadau jewellery with a modern cowl dress to stand out,” say Shyamal and Bhumika. They recommend light embroidered textures on natural, handwoven and eco-friendly fabrics. For accessories, embroidered clutches and heels work wonders. Statement earrings, finger rings and one-of-a-kind neckpieces are also recommended.

Go glam

Break away from traditional silhouettes and heavily embellished pieces. This season is all about being more experimental and edgy with your choices. Lehengas and gowns with trailing flares for a modern look with nuances inspired by royalty are recommended by Shyamal and Bhumika. The designers are all for asymmetric or draped gowns and lehengas with delicate embroidery worn with stylised blouses.

They say, “High-low hemmed skirts can be layered on with a ruffled tulle to create a dramatic effect and paired with off shouldered blouses, blouses with exaggerated sleeves, jacket-styled blouses or embroidered corsets. Embroidered A-line and cowl dresses paired with embroidered capes and dupattas are trending this season, too. Woven sarees can never go out of style. We recommend an ivory cowl dress with a shimmering churidaar and a signature cutwork edged dupatta for a formal festive party, while our light ruffled tulle skirts or our asymmetrical lehenga for a fun garba night.”

“Flared palazzo pants that are as fun to twirl around in as lehengas and even more comfortable to carry is a new ‘go to’ for this festive season,” says Neha Agarwal. “Ditch the dupatta for a trendy cape instead, it will be fuss-free and will not get in your way as well.”

She adds, “You cannot go wrong with a kaftan, it’s an easy silhouette to wear which looks chic as well. Do not forget the ruffles, as ruffles and more ruffles are the new trend. Instead of going for very heavy embroidered outfits, opt for smarter and more fun silhouettes which have delicate embroidery.”

A jumpsuit paired with heels and minimalistic earrings is definitely trendy and is here to stay, says Swapna Anumolu. “Also, a shirt paired with lehengas or sarees with crop tops and belts give a structure to the entire outfit and change the look of your normal monotonous saris. Another piece of clothing that is making a comeback these days is a poncho. It has a fresh and young vibe. There’s a lot of sheer fabric that is in trend right now, along with structured corsets paired with fluid silhouettes.”

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to put your best outfit forward.