With our feeds flooding with drool-worthy celebratory pictures of celebs and fashionistas, it comes as little surprise to find yourself wanting to step up your sartorial game, this festive season. Interestingly, the understated Lehenga is seeing a glamorous resurgence — making it one of the season’s top picks for Indo-ethnic bashes. Shimmery or sheer, ruffled, feathered or cold-shouldered — the trusty lehenga is impressively versatile and won’t disappoint. To help you kit out one helluva attire, city designers lay out the rules...
“The season’s message is loud and clear: less is more. The traditional lehenga has definitely gotten a westernised twist. Even the choli finds many interesting substitutes — capes worn over halter tops, long jackets, crop tops, tube tops, strappy short blouses and the like. The list in indeed endless,” begins designer Sarita Mandoth. While cold shoulders are trending in a big way, it doesn’t suit everyone. And certainly isn’t a one-size fits all kinda apparel. “Essentially, I suggest women on the heavier side to steer away from the trend,” adds Sarita Mandoth. Enthusing how the season throws open to experimenting with your top wear at great lengths, designer Ravina Belani adds, “The younger crop has an inclination towards shorter blouses. Even the T-shirt paired with a humble lehenga is a look that’s simple yet striking. Slighter older women look graceful when they sport a short kurti over a lehenga with a dupatta. Earlier it was about a whole set, but now, it’s all about mix and match.”
As the rule applies to the colours as well, a detour from the usual colours is strongly suggested. “Off-white lehengas with electric blue blouses, a neon-hued choli with earthy toned lehenga skirts are stellar options. But, if I were to offer a fail-safe style tip, it would be to invest in a chikan Lucknowi set. It has an evergreen appeal to it,” advises Ravina.
With multi-functionality being the flavour of the season, fashionista Sarayu Hegde, adds how its important to be thoughtful. “I’m a lover of a classic and vintage appeal than fleeting fads. The lehenga, like most other Indian ethnic ensembles, have evolved. There’s certainly a modernised twist to the apparel. Kimono sleeves with a heavily embellished lehenga is what I’ve seen a lot of, this season, and I think it looks fabulous. Get creative and indulge in a bit of a mix and match — play around with your choice of choli to have fun this festive season. It’s always a great idea to experiment with your blouse when sporting a lehenga this season.”
Vouching by similar lines, Sarita adds, “Milk on its versatility. You could attach a dupatta to the choli and create a wonderful anarkali. Lehenga skirts are timeless. We’ve worked with a lot of bling, crystals and myriad fabrics like velvet, brocade, zardosi embroideries etc.”
If you’re someone who is not willing to kit out with the same ol’ same ol’, invest in accouterments for an instant jazz up says designer Manoviraj Khosla. “If you go by our Bollywood trendsetters, it is clear than feathers, ruffles, trails and funky add-ons are in. Just ensure you don’t go overboard with the outfit as it shouldn’t overpower your personality. Play around with fun elements and but ensure it is a reflection of your personality,” he concludes.
