Fashion is the only thing that doesn't go out of fashion. We witness the evolution of fashion every day. A revival of the past or the entrance into the future, fashion can speak volumes about someone's personality simply by the clothes they wear and carry off. That being said, a person wearing an animal print is well, not an animal. One of the most beautiful fashion unions in the Indian context that we have seen is the introduction of Indo-Western outfits. As clichéd as, where traditional meets modern, the concept behind Indo-Western fashion is actually pretty simple. Elements that can be incorporated from traditional outfits and mixed with contemporary style are basically what Indo-Western fashion really is. And the best part is that Indo-Western fashion can literally be anything you like. You're the inventor of your own Indo-Western style and can be experimented in multiple ways. If Rhea Kapoor can wear a pair of sneakers with her lehenga for her sister Sonam Kapoor's wedding, then darling what's stopping you from ditching your dupatta for a denim jacket to pair your lehenga?
The idea behind Indo-Western wear is that it can be mixed and matched with different outfits and perfect for different occasions. A single statement piece isn't just an investment to your wardrobe but can be used and played along in many styles (think sustainability, folks). Indo-Western wear has gained much momentum over the years and to understand this trend a bit better we brought in designer Anaita Shah, Founder and Designer of her label Kaprapan. The core belief of Kaprapan is to add a touch of modernity to Indian wear and vice versa. Interesting silhouettes like high-low shirts and corset blouses are only some of the styles she breathes life into.
Interesting silhouettes like corset blouses and high-low shirts can be explored with Indo-Western wear.
The Potential Of Indo-Western In Casual Wear
Being an ardent traveler, Anaita Shah has learnt and discovered many new crafts and the art of different craftsmanship along the way. The idea behind of Kaprapan stemmed out of the need to simply merge those western styles with Indian craftsmanship for the modern woman. The modern woman wants her clothes to stand out on the edge while still looking stylish even while grocery shopping.
Designer Anaita Shah says, "My Indo-Western designs exude the elements of feminine charm & power dressing simultaneously. The beauty of hand embroidery over chic western cuts, drapes & outfits makes them unconventional and progressive. This generation loves the traditional aspect to Indian fashion while never letting go of that fun and exuberant side. Therefore, Indo-Western outfits make for fabulous casual outfits too. A hand embroidered jacket over a simple dress or a shell sequins over a white shirt, an intricate mirror work over denim on denim outfit can all really up your fashion game."
We've probably already got some timeless pieces like a basic white shirt, a little black dress, the basic blue jeans et al but did you ever imagine that these could make for great casual Indo-Western outfits as well?
She gives some fashion advice on how to achieve an Indo-Western outfit from your clothes in the wardrobe! "You can pair your favourite denim shirt with an ethnic short skirt or glam up your jeans with sequins embellishment. If you are a working professional, you must have a formal shirt for sure. Wear it with a vibrant long embroidered skirt for an effortless look. Invest in an embroidered jacket to wear over a basic printed top to get you party ready within seconds. Add colorful bangles, suede boots, beautiful scarfs and oxidized silver jewellery to complete the look."
Is Indo-Western Outifts Body Inclusive?
A question we so often hear people asking - can Indo-Western outfits be worn by women of all shapes and sizes? The answer will always be - a big yes. When it comes to body inclusivity and Indo-Western outfits, one needs to make sure what works for their body type and most importantly - what they're comfortable in. Indo-Western fashion can be played around with different silhouettes think ripped jeans and a chikankari kurta or a white shirt with a brocade lehenga - it can simply be worn by just about anyone, we promise.
Anaita Shah throws light on some pieces from her collection that looks good on just about anyone wearing it. A pleated blouse, a corset blouse and a long blazer can be worn for simply a dinner party with jeans or glam it up by pairing a pleated blouse or a corset blouse with your saree. Another favourite pick from her collection is the overcoat with threadwork and embroidery on it. "This is suitable to be paired with anarkalis, sarees and even gowns very stylishly," she says. "Jumpsuits with drape sleeves can be easy picks for a dinner party or go for a casual chic avatar in a sequin embellished denim on denim look to make a statement," she further adds.
Celebrity Pooja Batra in a Kaprapan ensemble.
Indo-Western Fashion And Bridal Wear
Indo-Western fashion is the need of the hour especially with respect to bridal wear and we genuinely could not be happier seeing this combination. We're seeing a trend among many celebrities where they're opting to wear simpler drapes and silhouettes that aren't just trendy but oh-so-comfy! We believe they look even comfier wearing it than they look in appearance. Lehengas are being ditched for palazzo sets and dhoti pants, sarees are being switched up with pre-draped sarees and gowns (because who even has the time or skill to drape one) or even better just throw in pants with your sarees!
Frankly, the lazy girl in us is supremely happy about this new Indo-Western trend entering into bridal wear.
Anaita Shah tells us how times have changed with brides inclining towards Indo-Western styles while still keeping some traditional elements key to the overall look. "The new age brides look out for a vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary designs for various functions. They are looking out for light weight outfits which are effortless to carry as well and do not mind tweaking their favourite outfits to create new designs totally. This could be converting the six yards into a sharara or teaming a waist coat style blouse with a pleated or drape skirt. The Indo western concept is all about creating unique designs by elevating the ethnic attire with western elements. I love experimenting with shoulder wedge silhouette with interesting additions such as shoulder pads, butterfly sleeves & puffed sleeves."
Do you see how simple acing Indo-Western style really is? It is simple enough for your wedding too we can assure you that.
The next time you're confused about what to wear and how to wear it, just throw in a fusion outfit and if anyone stops you, simply walk all over them in your trendy avatar as well.
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