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Party tricks: How to take these fashion staples to the next level
The good news: This season’s fashion staples can create a party look, a holiday fit and a wedding look too. There is no bad news
December is demanding on the wardrobe. There’s a friend’s wedding, the office Christmas party, countless catch-ups, descending NRIs to meet, and the big night of the 31st. Ease up a little with stylist-endorsed hacks on how to make a few looks stretch out over a month (and more) of events. Here’s what to pick.
The maxi dress. It’s a season essential, says stylist Anushree Sardesai. “Pick one in silver, gold or any metallic colour and you are set,” she says. It needs minimal styling. For a chill party in the city, wear it with toe-loop sandals or kitten heels, a classic watch, hoop earrings and a small cross-body bag. On a holiday or for a destination wedding event, wear a stack of chunky bracelets, statement earrings and style the hair in beach waves. Complete the look with tie-up sandals and a pop-coloured clutch. “You can’t go wrong with this ensemble,” says Sardesai.
The draped jacket. Fashion designer and stylist Dipti Advait believes that a well-fitted coverup that wraps around the body is great for creating different looks. Wear it over a dress, add statement jewellery, and the fitted shape turns the look into eveningwear. Wear the jacket over a corset, skirt, slip dress, tube dress or a shift dress to change up the mood. A festive-looking corset (velvet, embroidery, metallic finish, handloom) is perfect to glam up a simple outfit for a wedding, or to throw over a holiday look right before the selfies.
The pre-pleated sari. Keep it simple – single colour, not too much bling or heavy embroidery. And pick the blouse with care. A corset style, a fitted cropped top, a bustier or a bright-coloured fitted style. “It’s a ‘not too much, not too little’ kind of look,” Sardesai says. For a formal party, dress it up with chunky metallic jewellery or a traditional polki jadau maang tika, choker and earrings. No handbags. Carry a festive-style potli. For a dinner event, even on vacation, lighten up the look with coloured gemstones and a fun clutch. Bags with cane and marbled effects are trending. They’ll elevate a simple look.
The silk shirt and skirt. The co-ord set is still a big trend, and remains versatile, says Sardesai. “It’s very easy to dress it up or down,” she says. For engagement ceremony parties, wear it with a jadau choker, juttis and stacked rings. For a posh dinner, switch to a heavier necklace, a tennis bracelet, stilettos. On a holiday, pair the skirt with a bikini top and wear the shirt unbuttoned, and wear the shirt later with shorts.
The tie-up skirt. Pick one that’s of a better quality than a Goa or Thailand souvenir. Keep the print simple, and the colours either pop or neutral. On a beach holiday, wear it with a bikini. For brunch or an evening out, team it up with a shirt and chunky jewellery or pearls. “You can’t go wrong with pearls,” says Advait. “Just remember to pair a draped bottom with a structured top and vice versa, so the look is balanced.”
The palette. Everyone wears black, white, champagne, silver and gold around this time. So, pick outfits that stand out for their shape, texture, and quality. “This season, I’m also loving burgundy and hot pink,” says Sardesai. Both are day and night colours and can be casual and dressy. If the dress is in a neutral hue, Advait advises wearing metallic or earthy blue footwear. “Also, it’s Christmas time. Red, white or black will also look great,” says Advait.
The bro code
A light-coloured shirt. “Stick to high-quality basics and add a little bit of detailing, like a motif on the sleeve or pocket,” says Advait.
Trouser with a low yoke. “So trendy. They go well with white, blue, black and grey shirts.”
Short-cut. “A fitted coat in a fun print will cover any boring neutral and brighten up the look.”
From HT Brunch, December 21, 2024
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