While fearless fashion works on the principle that style has no rules, in this case, we beg to differ. No, we’re not here to preach like your (un)friendly neighbourhood aunty, who insists you should always cover up with a dupatta. Being well into the shaadi season of 2016-17, we thought it was time to jot down a list Indian wear styling tips for you. Here’s a simple guide to acing the desi girl look!
1. Always – And We Mean Always – Try Out The Outfit In Advance
Before hitting the runway even supermodels go through several fittings to ensure their outfits fit just right. With our tight blouses, flimsy stitching and made-to-fit anarkalis, there is no room to leave things for the last minute.
2. A Well Fitted Outfit Is Very Important
Image : Deepika Padukone on Instagram
We know that planning an Indian outfit takes a buttload of effort. You’ve picked the borders, chosen the style, bought the cloth – but your tailor fails to bring to reality the dream outfit clouding your head. No matter how unhappy you might make him, pester him into creating the perfect size – it’ll be well worth the effort.
3. Safety Pin Overdose
It’s better to be secure than sorry. ‘nuff said.
4. Make An Outfit From Statement Jewellery Pieces
Image : Aditi Rao Hydari on Instagram
Picture this, you pair a structured Zara crop top with a simple raw silk skirt and pile on heavy Indian jewellery. Just like that you’ve got yourself an amazing ethnic outfit. Yes, it’s that easy.
5. Create a Handy Styling Kit
Double sided skin tape, a mini sewing kit, bindis, and as mentioned earlier, heaps and heaps of safety pins.
6. Don’t Overdo The Accessories
Image: Alia Bhatt on Instagram
Unless you’re deliberately trying to upstage the bride, you have no excuse to wear a matha patti, nath, jhumkas and a heavy neckpiece, all at the same time. It’s about an instinctual balance. If you’re wearing an elaborate maang tikka, skip the heavy earrings you had picked out and, instead, stick with a light neckpiece.
7. Unconventional Ways to Drape Your Conventional Dupatta
There are a mind-boggling number of ways to transform a single Indian outfit and make it look like it’s completely new. With a simple flip of a dupatta your outfit can go from drab to fab.
Looking for inspiration? Check out this video.
8. Something Old Becomes Something New
Image: Sonam Kapoor on Instagram
There might be a barrage of weddings you need to attend this season, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to spend your hard-earned money on new outfits. Instead of picking up yet another expensive lehenga, thoroughly investigate your mum’s closet. You can pair an old kanjiwaram sari with a full sleeved western style crop top – creating an ensemble that is stylish, chic and most, importantly, kitschy.
9. Pick And Choose The Risqué Factor
We know, we know, Indian outfits are one of the best ways to show off that hot bod you’ve been working on all summer. A sexy lehenga choli, or even a sultry chiffon sari adds a certain X factor. But take our advice, if you’re going for a backless blouse, make sure it comes with a high neckline. It’s all about balance!
10. Finally – Carry It With Confidence
Image: Freida Pinto on Instagram
No matter which ‘fashion rule’ you’re out to break, carry the look with confidence and you’ll find yourself turning more heads than usual. As we always say – chin up, buttercup.
