Karwa Chauth 2022: Experts share tips on sporting a simple yet stylish ethnic look

With Karwa Chauth and Diwali round the corner, October is an eventful month calling for some impromptu grooming sessions and experiments with different fashion trends. While sticking to one type of look may get boring, it is better to innovate by mix-matching items from western and traditional Indian styles.

From one-piece short and long dresses to kurta-sets, sarees and skirts, the fashion market is replete with a collection of fusion pieces in a plethora of prints these days. Moreover, it's an age when people are embracing comfortable fashion trends to tackle weather discomfort. This has further introduced new derivatives from historical styles to our wardrobe. May it be palazzo pants, kaftans; versions of legging pants, wrap-around sarees, ethnic lehengas and cigarette pants and many more, one can take the liberty to style these apparels according to their fashion sense.

As it is no longer necessary to be all gaudy on festivals, here are some expert-recommended trendy outfits one can choose during celebrations, while beating Mumbai's humid weather.

Flowy dresses:

As October is mainly going to be hot and humid in Mumbai, digital content creator Anjali Arora recommends wearing breathable clothes like flowy dresses with a dash of ethnic features for festivals. These can be handcrafted long kurtis paired with palazzos or leggings, salwar kameez in vibrant colours and even gowns. These can be paired with jhumkas or suitable accessories for a festive look.

Lucknowi/chikankari dresses:

A personal favourite of many, a Lucknowi kurti set is an essential when it comes to ethnic dresses. As digital content creator Alina Namazi puts it, they are timeless, elegant and her choice of ethnic outfit for a humid day. While these come in a variety of colours, style and materials, one can pick an embellished cotton or georgette dress as they are incredibly light, comfortable and can be styled using accessories in different ways. A Lucknowi outfit can be a best option for Independence Day and Janmashtami.

Kaftans:

Kaftans are emerging as one of the popular fashion fads with a variety of them available in the markets for different occasions. From kurtis to short and long dresses, they can be styled in multiple ways depending on the event. Due to their relaxed silhouette and availability in breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, georgette or chiffon, Kaftans can be a suitable option for comfortable fashion even during festivities.

Designer Gautam Gupta suggests pairing them with palazzos and a pair of wedges; a hand-painted or colour-blocked long kaftan can go well with nude stilettos and a clutch. Tie-dye kaftans and ombre hues also make the outfit stand above the basic look.

Wrap-around sarees:

If you love sarees, but find it too much trouble to handle the fuss that follows, then wrap-around sarees are something you must consider checking. Sarees are timeless and can offer a complete traditional as well as a modern look. Wrap-around sarees save you the time and effort of wearing a traditional one, while giving an effortless festive look. The best way to style them is to know your colour and not make go overboard with it. Experimenting with blouse can also be a great add one.

Ruffle sarees:

Ruffle sarees are one of the most trending saree-styles these days. Characterised by ruffled or trimmed borders, they come in different materials and are known for their casual and modern look. Not very festive looking, but, according to Gupta, one can definitely pick a floral or Mughal era print ruffle sarees for Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami. Plain sarees styled with a jewellery print blouse also gives a festive look with appropriate accessories.

Short kurtas and mandarin shirts for men:

Designer Anand Singh, DaMENSCH says the market is buzzing with short kurtas and button-down/mandarin shirts that can be paired with pants, denims and harem pants. Sleeveless vests and Nehru jackets can be added to give the ethnic touch. With humidity being the key parameter deciding what to wear or not, cotton is the king. And if not cotton, then linen and chambrays can be your next choice.

Going all out to dress-up during festivals is one's choice; those who believe in the mantra ‘keep it simple yet stylish'. Follow these expert-tips:

1. Go for a nice Indo-western outfit and light makeup. Use a bold coloured lipstick and long jhumkas or a neck piece with traditional footwear. One can never go wrong with these- ever!

2. Choose light pastel colours reflecting the type of occasion. Floral prints, printed or hand-stitched also look great.

3. Accessorising is key to balance out the elements. A simple kurti set paired up with heavy jewellery, nude coloured footwear and a small solid coloured bag would best suit the rest of your outfit.

4. Singh highlights it is important to compliment the scenery the monsoon showers bring. Men can go for motifs, paisleys, tropical leafy prints, floral conversational prints, stripes, self-textured, bright solids and pastels for their kurtas.

5. Embellished toe-band flats, kolhapuri chappals, mojdis serve the best ethnic look. However, one can even experiment using sneakers and crocs with a simple kurta-denims outfit for comfort and an Indo-western look.

Also read: Monsoon fashion: Rock a sporty look with this quick athleisure wear style guide