Slay the slit' look

The ever-glamorous high slit long dress silhouette may be a perennial favourite for red carpet dressing but it is no longer merely the choice of celebrities or just to be worn at red carpet events. You can very well pull off this fabulously feminine and stylish look even during lunch with friends.
Fashion and costume designer Nachiket Barve reiterates that the form-fitted leg-lengthening shape with the allure of a bronzed leg peeping out has been a failsafe style.
“However, it is important to remember that this look works best for toned legs,” he cautions. “While the new rules of dressing are being reinterpreted constantly to be more inclusive, dressing well revolves around showing off your best assets.”

But Nachiket also points out how not to get too comfortable with the idea of going crazy with the slits. “For instance, celebs who have an army of stylists to micro manage the slit and metres of double sided tape, the rules are different and the envelope can be pushed to include a slit that goes all the way to the waist. However for mere mortal lay people, the key to remember is to position the slit where you can sit comfortably without any wardrobe malfunction,” he advises. “Similarly, position the slit so that it doesn’t gape when you sit or dance away. The fabric shouldn’t stretch at the slit either.”
According to the designer, a fitted waist and a fit and flare work best. “Most importantly, however, confidence is the key to pulling this off,” he adds.

Getting it right

Mahika Yadav, the owner of SITCH, a multi-designer fashion house, sees high slit dresses as utmost glamorous with a high style quotient. According to her, they are one of the best evening wear looks if styled correctly. “Ensure the silhouette fits you well and enhances your curves at the right areas,” Mahika suggests. “Wear the right footwear to elevate the look of your outfit. If you are wearing an outfit that has a slit with a flare, go for cleaner and sharp hair and makeup and keep the look sleek.”

In fact, Mahika emphasises on the clean makeup with minimal jewellery and the right footwear when it comes to acing the look in a high slit dress. “High slit can make one look sexy and add oomph and glamour while grabbing a lot of attention,” she admits.
Quite like Nachiket, Mahika also agrees that it’s important to ensure the slit is at the right place to avoid making it look unflattering and awkward. “A mid-calf slit or a low slit is considered better compared to a high slit if you’re a bit conservative,” shares Mahika.

Archana Shah, founder and creative head at Archana Shah, a clothing brand, talks of how despite Indian women being shy of skin show in the past, they have been slowly moving towards this trend too.
“Nowadays, slits can be seen not only in not just evening gowns but also in lehengas and ethnic wear, which is a beautiful blend of Indian and western fashion, ultimately making it global!” exclaims Archana. “And according to me a mid-thigh slit can be both sexy and stylish, giving that hint of skin without being risqué. It also allows more women to feel adventurous and still be a part of a worldwide fashion trend.”