here is no denying that the traditional saree is the ultimate wear when it comes to making you stand out, whether it be at an office function or a traditional marriage. But, with the march of time a wide variety of ethnic outfits have entered the scene that ensures that you are traditional yet urban chic. First of all, the kurti comes to the forefront, for this is one item that can be worn by men as well women. For girls, kurtis vary in length and cut. The best part is that kurtis can be easily paired with jeans and tailored pants, and merge nicely into the daily wardrobe.
The secret lies in mixing and matching the kurtis so that they can be perfect with boots or a leather jacket for a wintry evening outing. Soft make-up, bangles, golden hoops or chandelier earrings, and a beaded purse complete the look. A stole or dupatta can also be draped around the shoulders for a more elegant appearance.
The main attempt should be to create an image that is feminine and has a mixture of independence and urban modernity. Combining rich fabrics such as silk and crepe and very sheer fabrics like chiffon assures each piece is unique and authentic. Delicate embroidery offers a soft touch to each piece, giving a feminine glow to the woman who wears it.
The chanya choli, also known as ghagra choli, is another popular choice often used as formal or semi-formal attire by many women. The choli is a fitted blouse that ends several inches above the navel. Longer bodice pieces can also be worn for a more understated look. For a more daring look, backless cholis can be worn with cotton skirts and jeans. Halter neck cholis, cholis with beadwork, and tieback cholis are some of the sleek options available today.
Last but not least is the ever-in-demand salwar kameez, which has become the habitual mainstay of urban Indian women. Both elegant and feminine, the flexibility of cuts, textures, and styles can be uniquely tailored to any woman’s body shape and height. The pants should be several inches longer than one’s height and is a perfect choice for petite women who want to create a more sophisticated look. It also gives an illusion of being slightly taller than one is. Soft silhouettes can be used on every body type, hugging every curve or creating long, slender lines for a leaner look.
In recent years, the traditional salwar has been replaced by elegant trousers. Coupled with a low-waisted tunic, these “parallels” or newer salwar kameezes are here to stay. These may be fitted to the contours of your body or be worn loose. Beadwork, lace, sequins and slits have been popularised by designers such as J.J. Valaya, Ritu Beri.
— MF
There is no denying that the traditional saree is the ultimate wear when it comes to making you stand out, whether it be at an office function or a traditional marriage. But, with the march of time a wide variety of ethnic outfits have entered the scene that ensures that you are traditional yet urban chic. 