Karwa Chauth 2022: Feet style tips! Enhance your outfit with a right pair of footwear this festive season

After season one of the festive month in August, people are gearing up for another month of occasions calling for some ethnic glam-up starting with Dusshera. While Indian fashion markets, from streets to high-rise malls, are buzzing with raging fashion trends in clothing, the footwear section is equally attracting eye-balls.

Among a diverse range of flats, shoes, heels and sandals, all of which are now experimented with to define emerging cross-culture styles and trends, the Indian festive season seems to be dominated by similar variants with eclectic colours and prints to suit the occasion and add the much-needed pop and glamour.

"Sparkling embellishment with novelty heels, pointy wedge mules and high shine metallic shoes are some of the trends that will dominate this year's festive season. The embroidered mules are going to be quintessential this season as well," says Somdeb Basu, head, accessories at TCNS Clothing Company Ltd.

As nothing beats the contentment of wearing a perfect pair of shoes, which are stylish yet comfortable, not to forget, the street-wear and athleisure innovations have also paved the way for tuning down the traditional rules without guilt and keeping up with the evolving fashion environment. Ankur Rastogi, collection head at Bata India, touches upon this aspect when he says sneakers are in vogue currently and to be precise, your Air Jordans, Yeezys or old-school converse shoes can also amp the style quotient elegantly just as the classic kolhapuris or mojaris would.

Experts Rastogi and Basu share tips on how to style the following footwear to accentuate your OOTD:

Loafers: These days, brands have added the Indian X-factor to a lot of loafers. Perfectly blending comfort with style, these can go well with Angrakha jumpsuit and a traditional kurta with a pair of jeans to make a fusion outfit or simply carry them out with an Indian suit set.

Minimal leather flats: Leather flats are wardrobe essentials, which bring in a dash of sophistication. The most refreshing option this season would be to wear them with an off-white flared jacket, bustier top and matching pants. One can also style them with traditional khakis and add dazzling statement jewellery set to complete the look.

Loafers and sneakers by Bata. Image credit: Bata

Sliders: Embellished sliders are becoming a favourite because of the comfort factor. Style them with a flared midi length shirtdress in matching colour. Complete the look with a cross-body bag. One can pair the perfect solid yellows, greens or blues in sliders with a white button down and a printed palazzo set. You can always go for the Jaipuri styles to make it more authentic.

Heels: This season pair braided heels with block printed Anarkali kurta and accessorize with chunky bohemian jewellery. You can dawn the nude heels with a floral or extra blingy wrap around blouse with a solid saree. Mini wedges and flatforms are the most comfortable options, without having to compromise on the fashion quotient.

Sneakers: Sneakers are the current hip way to create your very own fusion outfits. Style your trend blazing indo-western look by combining a long open front shrug with a silver choker and pair them with the classic white sneakers over cami and distressed denim. Pick your favourite sneakers in monotone and pair it up with a linen co-ord set. Have fun with playful earrings.

Closed-toe sandals: Set style trends this season by pairing closed toe sandals in metallic colours, with a co-ord brocade set. Finish the look with contemporary, minimal gold jewellery.

Open-toe sandals: The IT factor to even the most basic outfit is immediately increased by choosing metallic or brightly-coloured open-toe sandals.

Also read: Beauty tips: How to achieve a minimal makeup look for this festive season

Flats and Mojari by Bata. Image credit: Bata

Don't be lazy with your Kolhapuris and Mojaris

These classic traditional footwear save many a lot of trouble and time picking ethnic footwear. While it is a common belief to style any kind of kolhapuri chappal with any traditional outfit, experts say one must use lightly embellished and plain mojaris for casual clothing during day time and embellished or embroidered versions of the same for evening festivities. Basu says, embroidered mojaris with wedge heels are a perfect choice for those looking to make a statement at a Diwali party or a winter wedding.

As classic juttis have evolved to co-opt different styles, one can go all out and create their own fusion looks with western attire and sequin shoes or sneaker juttis in pastels or printed patterns. Rastogi advises to skip the traditional greens or reds when opting for a fusion look.

Bonus tip:

Indian festivals are all about light, colour and embellishments. To attune to the joyful mood, Rastogi suggests adding tones of bright pink, royal blue and corals to your outfit. Shades of burgundy, olive and tan are also helpful in breaking the monotonous neutral choices. Keep an eye out for vivid prints, including floral and festive motifs such as diyas, while shopping for the occasion.

Also read: Festive wear: Experts share tips on sporting a simple yet stylish ethnic look