This season, merge style and comfort to master the ultimate balancing act in fashion. Before you brainstorm, here are some interesting style tips to make this task a cakewalk.
“Fashionable woman wears clothes; clothes don’t wear her,” reminds designer Nupur Kanoi quoting Mary Quant, and adds, “Endorse the chic and easy mantra while dressing up. If you are always on the move, opt for long wide trousers or palazzo pants — these are super comfy yet stylish. For a little dazzle effect add a sequined scarf around the neck, or opt for understated elegance with a muted one.”
The designer reminds that a white dress is a timeless summer classic. She says, “A white dress is a perfect summer stunner. Opt for a knee-length or calf-length one, or just pick a white sheath dress. It will rock any party. You can go for sheer but my choice lies with cotton and voile. For accessories, the sky is your limit. Chunky neckpieces, or a sheer long jacket or a classy shrug, all complement a white dress.”
Designer Parul Bhargava gives a thumbs up to the style meets comfort concept. “The idea is to have a relaxed look while looking chic. However, don’t follow trends blindly because all of them do not promise comfort. Glance through your wardrobe and settle for shirt dresses and pencil skirts with boyfriend shirts, for simple yet stylish statements.”
Parul suggests: “Go for neutral colours like white and nude. Or stay loyal to rose pink, which is this season’s favourite shade. Go for fabrics like georgette and crepe that settle well and are lightweighted too.”
Spring/Summer ’14 is all about airy silhouette, jumpsuits and cotton dresses, say designer duo Monica and Rajeev Malik. They recommend, “For dressing that combines looking good with feeling good, you can also bring in an element of drape to amp up the glam quotient. On the colour front, summers are all about light shades and sheer fabric. So stick to that and ignore the neon and flashy card.”
Monica’s idea is that of a minimalist look that’s an eye-catcher: “Cotton dresses with drapes are most comfortable and stylish, and make a classy statement. One can opt for a long flowy dress with long thin sleeves and draping from back to front — these are perfect for spring-summer outings.”
Whereas, Rajeev’s preference is — “Jumpsuits with a front drape. Go for a palazzo jumpsuit with a net or lycra drape from waist to shoulder.”
Designer Wendell Rodricks’ advice to achieve the right mix of comfort and style is to “concentrate on your individual style.” He says, “If a colour, cut or silhouette suits you, stay with it and improve with slight modifications each season. Choose one focus point, for example if a kurta is exquisite, wear a simple churidaar and dupatta. Same with accessories. One can’t have a necklace, earrings, rings, bag and shoes all fighting for attention. Strive to look slimmer and taller. While floaty blouses and tunics are two handy options, soft silks and linen can save your day.”
