Jackets, crop tops: Mix and match is the mantra this wedding season, says Masaba Gupta

It’s time for the big fat Indian wedding season. Rock a jacket over a sari or opt for a crop top over a lehenga skirt, says designer Masaba Gupta

We’ve just recovered from Diwali festivities and it’s wedding season already. Almost every woman — whether she’s the bride or part of the bride brigade (read bridesmaid) ends up fretting about that one dreadful question, “What do I wear?”

According to me, the key is ‘less is more’. For instance, if the print is the star of your outfit, don’t accessorise too much. And if you have a gorgeous piece of jewellery, allow it to shine through.

I am big on mix and match; it helps make each piece of clothing versatile.

Opt for a net sari with a vibrant, printed skirt underneath. It is a lovely incarnation of this season’s sheer trend. You could also opt for palazzo pants underneath the sari instead of the traditional skirt. Add structure by teaming your sari with a jacket; this is sure to make you stand out.

Ethnic printed jackets and vests can amp up the quirk factor

Kurtas: This is a versatile piece of clothing; so here are a few different ways to wear it.

As a dress:  Pick a great pair of footwear and a signature piece of jewellery such as a statement necklace or heavy earrings and you’re good to go.

Add a jacket:  Ethnic printed jackets and vests can amp up the quirk factor.

Pair kurtas with cigarette pants, formal pants or palazzos for a more relaxed yet classy look.

Play with the fabric:  Fabrics such as raw silk, velvet, shimmer, satin and georgette work well for the wedding season. The high-low kurta and asymmetrical cuts are trendy this season.

Dupattas: Dupattas can be worn in many different ways — from draped around the neck to tied around the waist. Opt for the brightest colours — lemon yellows, rani pinks, blue and gajri reds. Colours have the ability to lift the entire outfit, so pick one that suits your skin tone. Invest in a zari-embroidered dupatta or a Benarasi dupatta.

Jackets: For women looking to dress up on a budget, a jacket is a good investment. An embroidered or brocade jacket adds a lot of structure and the right amount of spunk. Cape blouses over lehengas and shararas are a big hit right now.

Lehenga skirt: Pair a lehenga skirt or any long skirt in quirky prints with a crop top, an off-shoulder blouse. Contrast is the key; you can’t go wrong with black and gold.

So go ahead, have a super fashionable wedding season.

Masaba Gupta is a leading fashion designer. She tweets as @MasabaG