LIGHT KURTI AND JEANS THE IDEAL FASHION STAPLE
Hello all. With the weather warming up fast, everyone is outdoors, and that means clothes and jewels for this month can get lighter, brighter and much easier to handle!
With humidity and pollen levels rising, comfort becomes a huge factor in most peoples’ wardrobes. A light kurti, or cotton/linen embroidered ethnic top, paired with jeans, leggings, or pants is the perfect fashion staple (a similar look extends to menswear too!). Just be sure the kurti is semi-fitted, and not too frumpy looking. Kurtis almost always look flattering on anyone! Designs have changed as well. Gone are the traditional double shaded, tie-dyed, batik print patterns. Abstract designs/embroidery, sequin work, bold colors, and pastel shades is the trend, especially now in American fashion as well.
Another now famous Indian fashion staple is still hot worldwide – cotton skirts. They’re always pretty on every body type, and any light, fitted top matches most any skirt! A fashion don’t, however, is to mix a long kurti with a long skirt. The look becomes too grungy, and makes you look sloppy, something nobody needs to accomplish!
Keeping in mind how hot it could get in sunny Florida, hair is all about being hassle-free. A ponytail frames a face beautifully. Low ponytails are in, and ‘Bedhead’, casual, loose hair is popular as well (wow, even for formal occasions!). Hair should be an effortless worry now; even fly-aways are finally acceptable!
For get-togethers or picnics, ladies, continue focusing on lighter, more embroidered churidaars and shalwar kameezes. Bold colors such as lime green, fuchsia pink, bright orange and neon yellow are in much demand, and look great on darker, more wheatish complexions. Black, surprisingly, has become the “it” color of spring too, prominent in lace, sequin and contrast embroidery looks. The trick to wearing this otherwise heat-inducing color is to keep the material light … Cotton, linen and gauzy materials can keep things much cooler. Saris are becoming more and more lightweight and sheer, but at the same time, heavier and heavier in work, including a fancier blouse and sari border to contrast the simpler pallus.
In jewelry, go anything but casual. Chunky statement necklaces, big earrings and wide bangle cuffs are the must-have accessories of now. Shoes, too, are being offered in an array of rainbow colors and thick wedge and platform styles.
Gentlemen, you already have the general lightweight and comfortable trends in mind. Keeping this in mind, again, opt for a linen kurti with slacks for a sexy but casual look. An easy kurta pajama look in white or baby blue can make you feel and look super. Unfortunately, the popular color black is just reserved for the ladies. Men can just stick to pure white ensembles.
Everyone, enjoy the weather! Live to the fullest the longer, sunnier days. And as always, remember to gro with style!
Kiran Bahl of Gro Styles, “An Indian Boutique,” at 2035 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa, FL 33612 and 9456 S. Orange Blossom Trail, in Orlando, FL 32837, can be reached at (813) 843-9040, (813) 903-8334 or (407) ALL-SARI.