Dress it up this Dussehra

It’s that time of the year again when we look into our closets and sift through our traditional clothes. With plenty of parties and pujas to attend this Dasara season, women are gearing up to flaunt their finest jewellery and most colourful clothes. We speak to experts who’ll help you ace the sartorial game this festive season. 

“Try the Kanchi sari that infuses traditional korvai weaving of Kanchipuram in textures like organza, khadi and silk and is painted with the frescos of the ajanta caves in natural dyes of hand-painted kalamkari,” advises fashion designer Gaurang Shah, adding, “If you love a jugalbandi, you can play with kanjeevaram and kalamkari. For instance, a bright orange kanjeevaram sari with a kalamkari blouse. Or a kalamkari dupatta paired with a makaish-chikankari anarkali.”

 Gaurang also states that while recycling old dupattas and saris is a popular choice, one has to remember that they are classics for a reason. Instead of breaking it down completely, one just needs to tweak it to get the balance right. Instead of cutting an old kanjeevaram dupatta to make a dress, pair it with a contemporary lehenga or drape an old sari with an anarkali.

So what colours can you choose? Celebrity stylist Archa Mehta says, “It’s one of the biggest festivals, so go for royal colours like red and peacock blue/green. You can also try vibrant ones like haldi yellow, rust and olive green. Another colour that is very much in vogue is fuchsia. Pair these with a statement jewellery piece to complete the look.”  

About hair and make-up, Archa says, “Keep it simple. If you’re going for a dark lip, keep the eye makeup minimal. Make a bun with your hair or a plait and use flowers.” 

Gaurang Shah

Another thing that is in vogue now is revamping old silk saris. “A classic silk sari will never go out of fashion,” feels designer Shravan Kumar, adding, “You can borrow your mother’s or grandmother’s saris and try to drape them in a different way — in the Bengali or Maharashtrian style. You can give the look a modern touch by pairing a traditional sari with a trendy blouse.” 

For boys, stylist Rick Roy feels that the festive season is the right time to experiment and try new things. “You can complete the dhoti look with a long kurta or even a shorter kurti and mojari. Keep the accessories minimal. Don’t go for big watches. Choose a metal or leather strap watch.”