With the change of seasons, Holi is an occasion to make appropriate sartorial changes too, in a spirited way. The festival of colours is celebrated across the country with great enthusiasm, and every region has some signature traditional wear for the Holi revelry. For youngsters, this festival can be a perfect opportunity to fuse desi elements with quirky modern ones to create a new look for parties and get-togethers.
Splash of colours
Many people, both men and women, love to wear white from top-to-toe for Holi festivities; however, a mélange of colours paired with fun accessories constitutes a fresh approach to tradition. “Most countries have a prescribed fashion identity for every season. In India, we follow the rhythms of nature and there are no specific colours for this festival,” says senior designer Ritu Kumar. “Most of our Holi outfits are inspired by Vrindavan —vibrant and traditional. For such occasions, people like to wear traditional choli-and-lehangas and other Indian outfits in lively shades.”
Fusion for fun
With safer and washable colours being used for Holi revelry, one doesn’t need to worry about festival outfits being stained anymore, which in itself opens up the spectrum of fun choices. The brighter the colours, the more fun the effects. Designer Saaksha Bhat of the Saaksha & Kinni label recommends acid wash denim jeans paired with Ikat/abstract print shirts, tees, and capes for a cool Holi party. She adds, “Other fun options are printed kaftans that are comfortable enough to run in. Bright colours should be worn —pinks, purples, blues and yellows — colours that reflect fun, masti, and spontaneity. Choose soft cotton or chiffons that won't cling to you and restrict movement.”
When tradition meets modernity
With crop tops taking centre stage in almost every wardrobe, Holi is an opportunity for fusion clothing — crop tops and saris for instance, suggests designer Pallavi Singhee of Verb. She shares some style ideas: “T-Shirts tied as crops over loose salwars with broad belts can be a great look for Holi. Cotton chikan straight kurtas paired with shorts or shirts tied as crops with lehenga skirts are other fun options. Also, colourful tie-dye dupattas worn as halters, paired with sarees, skirts, denims or shorts, would work beautifully. White cotton translucent shirts with colourful bra tops /crop tops can give a bold look while keeping comfort in mind. Layering might be a great idea especially because water-splatter will create a peek-a-boo effect. Add a great pair of sunglasses and gorgeous earrings/jhumkis for a fabulous look.”
Dash of style
One can experiment with combinations like loose tees and shorts, or go for a tank top with an ethnic skirt for a Holi meet-up, says Malvika Poddar, founder of Carma. “Simply pair a kurta with a palazzo or play safe with a white chikan kurta and denim combination for a carefree look. Style your outfit with a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes and add a colourful bandana to save your hair and scalp from colour damage. A tie-dye stole can be used with any of the outfits as a cover-up.”
The colours of comfort
A varied palette of pop neons /sorbet hues fits the balmy summer weather perfectly, and this season is defined by pop fusion/floral prints. “Keeping in mind the comfort-first approach, embrace your Holi look with flared and flowy silhouettes with delicate embellishments of gota patti or mirror work,” recommends Sidhant Keshwani, CEO of Libas. “Choose your style statement from the wide offerings ranging from elaborate anarkalis to simple ethnic dresses in lightweight breathable cotton for an easy, fun Holi. Keep it simple yet comfortable, both in terms of the garment and the accessories.”
