Fashion
Adjust your fashion, but enjoy August’s celebrations
Two beautiful occasions arrive this month, readers! Rakhi, celebrating the love between brothers and sisters is Aug. 18. Lord Krishan’s birthday, Janmashtami, falls on Aug. 25. Both celebrations involve a lot of family love and festivities. Let’s dress just right to involve a lot of style, too!
Keep it light and simple, ladies
It’s really hot outside!
What to wear on Rakhi or Janmashtami can be confusing. A sari maybe feels too suffocating, a suit perhaps too restricting. There are ways to make things work just right for you.
Saris should be very light or colored, giving your audience and even your own mindset a cooler vibe. Sheer chiffon, lace, cotton and even georgette fabrics feel nice. Just be sure to keep the working on the sari light, even the blouse. Foil or thread work is great, and a light dusting of shimmer or sequins is fine. Very thick borders and stonework, however, can weigh down your look. Black, too, is to avoid.
The evolution of an Indian suit for women is ever-changing. Particularly now, it’s in such a varied state it’s up to one’s own creation. Long sleeveless or short-sleeved tops with skinny churidaar leggings are simple and airy, matched with a breezy dupatta. Shorter tops are lovely paired with salwars and patialas.
Another breed of suits involves a lengha or sharara look. Long tops are slit either on the sides or front. On the bottom, a basic straight skirt is worn. Palazzos, or wide-flared pants, look really nice with them, too. Shorter tops look nice with these styles as well, though they oversimplify the feel. Overall, a looser no-fuss look but also one with a flowing, summery feel.
Need a cute way to “dress” up your simpler print or solid suit for a wedding maybe? Dupattas are more narrow and lighter in feel. To make up for it, designers are embellishing this piece with prints, appliquéd florals and even stripes of glitter. Details can mean so much!
Go for pale tones, gentlemen
Kurta pajamas are the go-to Indian outfit of summer. Sherwanis and other semi-formal looks are taking a break, even for grooms!
Neutral and light colored kurtas are all the rage. Whites, beiges and grays are the most popular – and the safest. To match a significant other even more, pale hues are in demand such as pale yellow, lilac, peach and blue. Save your deeper jewel tone outfits for the winter.
The bottoms of the kurta pajamas are being blended better by coming in beige shades versus the traditional bright white. The look is a bit softer, not as stark as before. Scarves, too, have gone to rest. Don’t overheat by layering those onto your ensemble.
Gro Styles wishes all a cherished Rakhi and Janmashtami. Never take for granted all the loved ones around you: Celebrate each and everybody, everywhere. Pray, party, and as always, remember to “gro” with style!
Kiran Bahl of Gro Styles, “An Indian Boutique” in Tampa and Orlando, can be reached at (813) 843-9040, email [email protected], or visit www.facebook.com/grostyles