DECEMBER 2014
Khaas Baat : A Publication for Indian Americans in Florida

Fashion

OUTFITS TO RING IN 2015!

Kiran Bahl

By KIRAN BAHL

Happy holidays. So much to celebrate in such a small amount of time! From Christmas and New Year’s Eve, to the parties and gatherings that associate with these occasions, it’s time to celebrate and dress for the festive season. Let’s take a quick look at outfits popularly considered and enforce them a bit to have you sparkle all month long into 2015!

ANARKALIS/CHURIDAARS VS. GOWNS

Christmas parties are almost always a formal time, a time of dressing up a bit more than usual – it spreads the holiday spirit too! When confused whether to opt for long anarkalis, long straight churidaars or gowns, think of the function you are attending.

Indian fashion brings in a slight twist this season. Keeping an eye on the almost floor-length anarkalis and straight churidaars reigning runways, designers completely erased the bottoms and dupattas (the bottoms barely show anyhow). What was left was really a gown. How is the look different than the traditional western gown? Well, the pleats and darts are more tailored, more Indian. The workings, too, are more sequined and/or embroidered. A fusion of sorts, many Bollywood celebrities are embracing this dressing as well. Just keep in mind, when wearing a gown, keep all accessories minimal and steer clear of Indian accents such as bangles or dupattas. The gown is enough to have you stand out.

Out of the two choices, however, I would still choose the pure Indian versioned outfit, the long, flowing anarkali or straight churidaar. It is true that anarkalis are fading as each season passes, so go for a narrow, straight kameez. Slits are high, hemlines are low. Dupattas are fancier, in stark contrast to simpler, more subtle kameez designs. Add tradition with a bindi, lots of bangles and even a pair of anklets for head-turning looks at any event!

SARIS VS. LENGHAS

New Year’s parties are going to demand you wear your best ensemble. After all, you want to begin the year looking fresh and fashionable with a hint of fun!

Saris will be the most popular choice to ring in 2015. Lengha saris, though, will take a backseat. A lengha, worn like a sari, was very popular throughout the Indian holiday season earlier, but now tradition is the key word to remember. Wear a sari like a sari. Wear a lengha like a lengha. Saris will be more embellished, the blouse will be ornated and more couture. Add contrasting jewels to add pops of more color. And black is definitely not a cheerful primary color to carry. Try fire reds, lemon yellows, and royal blues to look more fun than confetti!

Lenghas will be a popular option too. The latest styles take on the ‘opposites attract’ line. The bottom is so much larger and fluffier than normal, ball gown like. The top/choli is on the other end of the spectrum, is very small and very fitted. The dupatta is your savior in this look. A sheer net version with a small splash of sequins can help those who want to show a bit more skin. For those more conservative, choose a crepe silk or chiffon dupatta with embroidery to cover more towards the front.

JEWELRY SETS VS. ACCENT PIECES

We mostly know the standard Indian jewelry kit consists of a necklace, earrings, lots of bangles/kadas, and a bindi. It’s beautiful, it’s pretty, and it’s a safe bet, being all pieces match. Wear the jewelry set with your outfit, but to add some edge, wear bangles that are slightly off to garner extra attention. A silver and pearl set worn with black and silver bangles is stunning. Or a gold kundan set with green and gold kadas is so regal.

Now, accent pieces are more exciting, more adventurous to wear! From jhumars to large tikkas (forehead pieces), and belly chains to huge glittering rings, add a bit of gypsy to your look and elude mystery. These pieces when mixed and matched with your outfit will strike a memorable ensemble, something we want our outfit, and 2015, to be!

Once again, enjoy this month wholly and wholeheartedly. Love those around you, appreciate them and share joy with them. And, and always remember to ‘gro with style’!

Kiran Bahl of Gro Styles, “An Indian Boutique” in Tampa, Orlando and Sunrise, can be reached at (813) 843-9040, e-mail kiran@grostyles.com or visit www.facebook.com/grostyles

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