How to mix style and comfort

With Eid around the corner, embroidered blouses, lehengas, makeup kits and bangles are flooding the city’s streets. Metrolife brings you fashion tips for the season.

Many fashion brands have launched colourful collections ahead of Eid, expected to fall on June 5.

What is the best way to get a festive look while keeping in mind Bengaluru’s hot weather? Metrolife asked around.

Kurtas are classic

Menswear designer Rocky Star, whose brand is also called Rocky Star, says a simple look can go a long way if you style it well.

“Take a kurta and team it up with a ‘bandi’ in print or solid colours. For a more contemporary look, team it up with a bandhgala jacket and Jodhpuri or straight-fit pants,” says Rocky.

You can also experiment by combining a coat from your formal suit with a short kurta or printed shirt to create an entirely new outfit from existing clothes.

Designer Pearl Uppal says this
season calls for pastel colours in
summer fabrics.

“Opt for colours like maroon, beige, black and grey. You can also experiment with prints for Ramzan,” he adds.

Tips to accessorise

For men, less is more. Keep your look clean and subtle and not overbearing. If you are wearing a printed jacket or kurta, avoid accessorising.

“Let the outfit be the highlight. Style your look with a brooch and a scarf. Opt for shoes that are formal or traditional. Say no to sneakers. Be creative and create your own style,” he says.

Farah Magi, fashion and lifestyle blogger — her blog is called Six Inches of Pleasure — says modest fashion is taking a new leap this season.

“There is a lot of inspiration coming from Pakistani designers. Their chic take on the traditional salwar kameez is loved by many. Bold and geometric prints, fun colours, and a modern interpretation of the traditional salwar are a big yes, especially with the young crowd,” she says.

Trouser pants and flared pants with interesting details are changing the game, with leggings taking a backseat.

“Go for tops with suit-like details, kimono sleeves and asymmetrical hemlines. Play around with textures, patchwork and detailing like tassels and pearls,” she recommends.

Are quirky trends like wearing ankle-length boots with lehenga accepted?

“When it comes to Eid, we are still traditional. Most people prefer wearing salwar kameez but in a modern rendition — now it is more like a trouser-suit,” she adds.

Go light this year

With the temperature soaring, there is a rise in demand for functional outfits that people can wear for ceremonial outings and Iftar dinners.

Designer Pearl Uppal says, “Light-weight shararas and kurta sets are fast moving. These are made in summer fabrics and colours like pastels and whites. Besides these, red, burgundy and jewel tones are always a favourite,” she says.

Keeping the climate in mind, most people prefer cotton blends, Chanderi and linen. “As a community, Muslims have a keen interest and love for age-old traditional craft. They like to wear outfits with rich design elements like Chikankari, Parsi Gara and Zardosi during Eid,” she says. Women in their 40s and 50s are inclined towards heavy embroidered outfits while younger women have a minimalistic sensibility, she says.

A juti from Fizzy Goblet.

Right footwear

For Laksheeta Govil, founder of footwear brand Fizzy Goblet, it is extremely important to take comfort into consideration while dressing up for festive occasions.

“Jutis in intricate designs can look classy and grand. Pastel colours with embellishments, golden thread mixed with embroidered technique or heavy work in silver are good options. Deep colours like midnight blue work wonder to enhance one’s looks,” she says.

Sameer, shop owner at Commercial Street, says gold
plated earrings are selling fast this festive season.

On Commercial Street

Sameer of Imad Collection says the demand for grand sets has gone up, pushing down sales of standalone earrings and necklaces. “Gold-plated earrings ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 500 are selling fast this year,” he says.

Traditional pieces in black metal or oxidised metal are in high demand. They are usually big and heavy.

“Since women wear heavy suits for Eid, these styles go well with their outfits. This is common among older women while youngsters between 15 and 20 and newly-weds look for light-weight jewellery,” says another shopkeeper.

A vendor on Commercial Street says he gets good business as he goes from lane to lane. “My prices range from Rs 95 to Rs 450. My customers are women buying bangles for their children, and older women buying big, heavy earrings,” he says.