Partying in ethnic

Give that glam cocktail dress and sequinned sheath a miss, as style experts tell you how to ace ethnic wear this party season.

Give that glam cocktail dress and sequinned sheath a miss, as style experts tell you how to ace ethnic wear this party season.

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Vibrant boho
While the party culture is all about colour and vibrancy, there is a thin line between doing bright boldly and looking like a costumed mannequin. “Work around one statement garment and let the accessories and frills highlight it,” says designer Anand Kabra. Pick out a dramatic voluminous floor length anarkali or a multi-coloured, ruched long skirt. Accessorise the attire with feathered drop earrings, and finish with a stylish sling or hobo bag.

Prim and Formal

When going for a formal event, take the understated yet elegant route. According to designer Rajat Tangri, "One can try dinner jackets that have antique-style embroideries over a black jumpsuit or a sleek pair of trouser and shirts." Opt for a sheer-pallu sari or a salwar kameez with intricate lace and net work suit in soft pastels. "It’s all about adding a fashionable twist to the ethnics", adds designer Leena Singh of Ashima Leena.

Day Party
A day party is one where you can pull out all of your light and bright summer cottons. Play with vivid warm colours like fuchsia, burnt orange and turmeric, stylised with chunky and bold accessories in muted hues. “Experiment with stoles and layered angrakha jackets over a fitted churidar and simple muslin tunic or pair a block printed maxi with a solid colour tunic, crushed stole paired with desi jhumkas for a fearless look”, says designer Rajat Tangri.

Retro/Vintage
Bringing back classics is always exciting. “To get an authentic retro look, pick out things from your mom’s wardrobe and jazz them up with neo and modern accessories”, says designer Anand Kabra, who also believes that opting for woven, handloom garments and fabrics adds to the vintage feel. “Experiment with saris. Not just embroidered, but one can try out funky prints too. Innovate with your drapes to keep the look vintage, yet contemporary”, says designer Nida Mahmood. Go for a beehive updo or a side braid to finish your look.