Mini, but make it desi

Two fashion experts decode and turn Sara Ali Khan’s recent red, hot mini dress into a Diwali-ready look

Taking style inspiration from red carpet moments and celebrities isn’t just for Halloween. This festive season, we’re styling a version of Sara Ali Khan’s most recent fiery look that she wore for a talk-show promo. But how do you translate a spaghetti strap mini dress with a sweetheart neckline, and aptly placed gatherings and ruffles into a Diwali look? Two designers decode the desi fit.

Karisma Kapoor sports an embroidered jacket and a modern draped saree

Indo-western fusion

Taking inspiration from the actor’s look, designer Nisha Sainani, founder of Waikiki and Nisha Sainani Label in Bandra shares combinations that can achieve the oomph of Khan’s outfit with a festive spirit.

Nisha Sainani

“Pair the western silhouette of the dress with desi elements and jewellery. Add sharara pants, a belt and dupatta. This gives you the perfect Indo-western look,” Sainani notes, adding that this outfit has a high repeat value since it’s styled well with individual clothing items that can be reused with other looks.

For a modern festive look, Sainani adds, “Try a corset saree with a unique drape skirt and slits.” A sweetheart neckline corset with a gathered skirt will mimic the key accents of Khan’s dress. She also suggests pairing pants [made using Indian textile] and suit set with ethnic jewellery, if you like to style it simple.

Modern and embellished

Nelson Jaffery, head of design at Navyasa by Liva, shares ways in which you can style any mini dress for a festive look. He says, “Drape a saree over the red mini dress for a new and modern twist. Pair this with a contrasting solid gold belt and matching metallic earrings.”

Red bralette with a chantilly lace and embroidered jacket over a draped skirt. Pic courtesy/azafashions.com (left) Pre-draped satin slit saree with a sweetheart neckline. Pic courtesy/fabiliciousfashion.com (right) Rakul Preet Singh in an embroidered jacket. Pics Courtesy/Getty Images

Another look that Jaffery recommends includes adding a long, embroidered shrug with festive prints or gold embellishments and embroidery to match the red dress. “You can wear a long highly-brocaded skirt over the dress in a colour that complements the red such as a jewel green or ink blue. Top that with an embellished embroidered belt.”

Nelson Jaffery

“Over the dress, you can opt for a cropped sleeveless jacket with Indian embroidery or prints, or an off-shoulder sheer cape that’s relevant for the festive season,” Jaffery concludes.

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