This Holi, bring out the colours

This Holi, let fashion and fun go hand-in-hand as the best way to enjoy a traditional festival is with a touch of style. To make the most of the festival of colours, think of all the stylish trends that Bollywood actors have been promoting on the silver screen for ages. From Deepika Padukone’s white shirt and denim shorts in the song ‘Balam Pichkari’ to Alia Bhatt’s colourful skirts and playful tops for the title track of Badri Ki Dulhania and 2 States – fashion can play a really important role in adding a dash of glam for this fun festival. Not to forget, dressing right for Holi can also save you from a lot of trouble after you play colours because a smart fashionista knows the trick to look good and play safe at the same time.     

While most Holi enthusiasts choose old clothes to play Holi or go with the boring top-to-toe white clothing, try not to be a cliché this time and dress in some celebratory clothes to set the mood. Celebrity stylist Nidhi Sharma suggests that the best way to express oneself on Holi is through colours. She says, “I think plain white clothes are super boring. I would love to see people in traditional garments but with a modern twist. A nice handmade mulit-coloured kurta with denim will not just look good but also protect your legs and arms from excessive colours and tanning. Go for loose shirts and blouses in bright reds, yellow, green and blue for women, and men can opt for shirts in softer shades like powder blue, mint green, millennial pink and sunshine yellow. These shirts can be paired with blue or black denim and a tie and dye dupatta to complete the look.”

Pair it right

Being comfortable is the key to confidence, and Holi is all about being confident even when drenched in colours. While this year is big on handcrafts and sustainable fashion, designer Aditi Singh urges people to choose Indian garments for attending Holi parties. She says, “At Holi parties, one can pick up a simple top and skirt and pair it with a beautiful handmade jacket with multi-coloured paisley designs or floral embroidery. If you love wearing a sari, then pick up a nice cotton sari in bright yellow or pink and wear it with full sleeve blouse and denim to give it a modern twist. You can accessorize the look with silver or black metal jewellery that is easily available on the streets. Don’t forget to cover yourself with a dupatta or a jacket to be safe from suntan. Instead of buying from a big brand, pick up from an artisan and go for natural fibres and handmade accessories to support them and brighten their Holi in your own way.”

While colours are going to be a big trend this year for Holi, for Shilpa Bhatia, founder of The Clothing Rental, white remains the perfect fantasy Holi colour. She mentions, “For me, an ideal Holi look is influenced by Bollywood films -- people wearing beautiful white chikankari kurtas or lehengas, paired with colored parandi in the hair and pretty silver jhumkis or one of those new silk thread jhumkis. Little kohl in eyes and you are all set to play with colours or flower petals.  Don’t forget to apply oil in hair, slap some Vaseline on the lips, heavy moisturizer on face and dark nail polish to protect from stubborn colour.”

Play safe

Playing smart on Holi is one of the most important things to remember for anyone who wants to enjoy the festival because getting rid of colours can literally spoil all the fun. Swati Kapoor, co-founder of Soul Tree, gives you a quick lowdown on how to protect your skin from the harsh chemicals and maintain a healthy, glowing skin this season. She recommends, “Go for a pre-Holi skin care routine by applying Ayurvedic face oils or moisturizers to protect your skin. Start applying it a week before Holi to help replenish the skin, restore its oil balance and protect your skin from absorbing harmful chemicals. Holi is generally played outdoors and the constant exposure to sun and water can take away the moisture from your skin and get you tanned. Always apply a generous amount of good sunscreen lotion before stepping out to play. To protect your lips from the harmful chemicals and colours, apply an organic lip balm instead of petroleum jelly. It will keep your lips well-moisturised and hydrated. After playing Holi, cleanse your skin with a natural face wash that will help remove dirt and harmful chemicals from your face and prevent breakouts. Follow this up with a gentle scrub that will help exfoliate the skin leaving it soft and supple. Before going to bed, use a mild hand and foot cream that will help replenish your skin and restore moisture overnight.”