Festivity is in the air, but keeping up with the overall scenario fashion takes a sustainable hue

Mona

Subtle and sober is the mood this festive season as the pandemic holds the world in its grip. Dazzling parties giving way to close-knit circles coming together to celebrate, the mood in the fashion circles is also classic and muted. Here are some sustainable, yet trendy looks to opt for.

Be versatile

The festive season is upon us, but it’s not your typical year. Social distancing norms have resulted in muted outdoor celebrations and events. The season’s festive trends too are in accordance with this new reality. Choose outfits that can be worn for your celebration at home or at small gatherings even after the festivities.

Handlooms and hand-printed garments would be a great pick for this festive season — subtle details and high versatility appeal to people across age groups and gender. Cotton-silk and linen are the go-to fabrics — a linen saree with a simple blouse is a great look for a daytime celebration. Dupattas can also be worn to add a festive touch to any outfit. For the evenings, opt for a contrast saree-blouse combination, or a silk skirt paired with a crop top or blouse. And finally, don’t forget the most important addition to the outfit — a mask! Go for a silk/satin mask, or one with embroidery that matches with your garment or bag.”

— Tanvi Bikhchandani, co-founder, Tamarind Chutney

Choose your look

Pastel suits for Diwali puja and greetings: By far pastels are the hues constant and trending in fashion since long. We suggest bling on silk or chanderi suit in bright pastel colours, accessorised with beautiful polki jewellery and bright thread work juttis in subtle, contrasting, pastel colours for a royal look.

Host your guests in the perfect Indo-Western comfy yet stylist attire: Palettes of white never ever date. A beautiful cotton in crushed look dress or avant-garde Indo-western skirt with a blouse perfectly paired with sequence work jutti will look great.

Go Western for Diwali card parties: Fashion realms have changed and traditional events are no more about traditionally bound outfits. Coming up with dazzling yet comfortable outfits for all the fun, chatter and cards, pair a graffiti/graphic printed skirt with a subtle wine top.

— Sakshi and Varinda Handa, founder, Tinkling Toes

Trend alert

• This festive season, classics make a comeback for good
• Above-the-keyboard styles with embroideries and metal thread work on yokes will be a key trend we will see this year
• Neutrals paired with pop-toned accessories will be the go-to for those looking to make subtle style statements
• Silver is the ‘new neutral’ that goes with every look
• Metallics and gold accents that instantly create a more refined look will always be in-vogue, be it within jewellery or clothing accessories
• Vibrant jewel tones and soft pastels will be the predominant colours of choice for most festive ensembles
• Women can revel in lehenga skirts and palazzos with eclectic Indian prints. Best paired with crop tops or kurtas, these styles are always easy to take you from morning to evening with ease. Anarkalis are a time-tested favourite as its flattering silhouette complements every body type and can even be alternately worn as dress
• Men can experiment by layering their looks and unlayering or unbuttoning, depending on how a soiree progresses. A silk kurta worn with chinos or jeans can be an easy pick for a casual festive outfit

— Ameet Panchal, CEO, Shree Balaji Ethnicity Retail Limited

Cheer & laughter

In the collection Dhanak, colours dance throgh rich handmade textiles. The seven colours of the rainbow acquire new form and shape through the kaleidoscope of this festive season. It is made from energetic colours of precious gemstones, such as garnet, sapphire, citrine, jade, amethyst, emerald, topaz and rose quartz. The collection is designed to bring cheer and laughter! Easy kaftan shapes paired with fine zari and khatwa work make these pieces ideal for the festive season.

— Anavila Misra, designer