Fashion
FIVE ALL-IMPORTANT STYLES FOR ANY EVENT!
Happy Valentine’s Day! February is a month dedicated to love, love, love!
Indian fashion is slowly and finally coming back to us to tease us with upcoming spring looks. Cautious still with COVID-19 woes, we are as a whole too getting out and returning to society’s many occasions once again. Let’s mix up some styles and focus on these five Indian fashion must-haves to dominate any occasion and also be on top of east-meets-west fashion to be seen once again!
MUST-HAVE 1: FOIL PRINT TOPS/KURTIS
Even a simple foil print top can work for a fancy soiree, especially in a deep or bright hue. A hot pink kameez with gold foil work mixed with bright yellow palazzos and a white dupatta is ethnic, colorful and festive looking! Same with kurtis. A black top with silver foil print paired with jeans or leggings is just right for an informal gathering with family or friends at home.
MUST-HAVE 2: FOLK SARI BLOUSES/CROP TOPS
Often designed with rich fabrics, such as silks, brocades and velvets, sari blouses are more traditional than ever. Mirrorwork and zari patterns are in an allover look, front and back. Pair with your sari for a look that goes from engagement party to wedding! Use these same cholis as crop tops with your high waisted jeans or long flowy skirts for a bohemian vibe.
MUST-HAVE 3: THE LENGHA/LONG SKIRT
I think and almost know sometimes that the long flowy skirt was thought of and discovered in India. The staple has been a part of the culture for centuries. When styled right, a skirt imparts femininity to your appearance and is super durable besides being super flattering! Warmer climates like ours here in Florida are especially right for this. Wear a cotton/silk lengha set in the now colors of orange and purple for the next wedding reception or anniversary party. For everyday looks, wear a cotton or linen skirt in white or pastel shade with a crop top, long fitted kurti or slogan tee shirt/tank top for a statement look!
MUST-HAVE 4: DARING DUPATTAS/SCARVES
Make sure you have your stock together of your colorful, printed even some solid dupattas/chunnis. They can be mixed and matched with an outfit and have the potential to transform a maybe old or dull ensemble into a completely new and trendy one. A black pantsuit with a rainbow banarasi dupatta will brighten up any occasion. Even a pair of jeans with any top will instantly get an upgrade with a dupatta tied like a scarf around your neck.
MUST-HAVE 5: CONTEMPORARY DHOTI PANTS/HIPPIE PANTS
Dhoti pants have tried to make a statement these past couple of years. Somehow, another trend or COVID-19 takes over their grand entrance and they get hidden yet again. They’re back now and are securely making their way up top of trendy fashion wardrobes! They have a visually appealing design especially paired with a long fitted top/kameez. For a more American-hippie flair, pair with a crop top and vest or tuck in a fitted tee shirt/tank top for a finished feel.
It's Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14, but remember every day is an opportunity to love all around you, no matter how near or far. And show it too! The smallest actions can create the biggest impacts even if you start as close as your home or within yourself. Stay safe and, as always, remember to ‘gro’ with style!
Kiran Bahl of Gro Styles, an Indian Boutique (www.grostyles.com), can be reached at (813) 843-9040 or [email protected]