Less is more

Want to Look chic in a simple black and white combo or a multicoloured saree? Want to develop a bold yet elegant approach towards fashion? Are you a minimalist already but not confident yet? Whatever, wherever and however you are, we all want to look good and feel good about how we dress up. While each of us want different things from fashion, there are a few basic rules we can all follow to feel confident everytime we step out.

Before you find out what key rules I might share today, here’s what I think of the idea of Minimalist fashion.

Minimalism is not the lack of something, it’s the perfect amount of something. Sticking to limited colours and keeping accessories to a minimum. Basically, creating a classic stylish look with less clutter no matter whats fashionable at the time.

In an era where most of the things are fabricated, you begin to wonder when and where did simplicity fade out?!

As Indian women, we have a huge task of balancing our wardrobe to the many occasions that spring up. We are definitely spoilt for choice due to the diversity – be it the kind of fabric to choose, the number of outlets our city has to offer or of course – online shopping. To up the glamour quotient, try these simple hacks –

1. Mix and match the right way

One of the golden rules – ‘wear no more than 3 colors per outfit’ will set any starter up for experimentation. Keep in mind not to don busy prints with bold colors. For e.g. – if you plan on wearing a loud busy print, subdued the other layers. Another way to go about it is mixing styles which is getting way too popular among Indian women – how about a denim blouse and a chiffon saree with traditional earrings? Sounds about right, isn’t it? Don’t be afraid to venture out on new ideas, you never know you might be starting a new trend 😉

2. You can never go wrong with the classics

Remember Deepika Padukone on this years Cannes? A simple knotted white tee with a pair of jeans and the retro circular glasses with nude heels, such a simple and classic combo that was. We girls can always simplify the whole attire according to our personality. So when there are days when you just feel like toning down or just grabbing something from your closet in a hurry, this trick saves your day. Few of my favourites are –

• Black and white with a pop of red or any other bright color.
• Denims – This trend is back with a bang. Always remember to wear just a single piece of denim, or if going with two pieces – use two shades.
• LBD – “One is never under- dressed or over- dressed with a Little Black Dress” I would consider this as a ‘must have’ in your wardrobe. You can team this up with numerous accessories like blazers, stoles or funky footwear. To add some personality you can also have fun patterns, different cut or sequins and make it unique
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3. Pattern and Prints to dial up your style

Don’t find yourself in a store wondering what to pick up, instead try understanding your body type and be self- assured. If you’re lean go for daring, large or horizontal prints since they add more volume and if you are on the healthier side like me, go for smaller, thin prints to bring the volume down. Either ways try to embrace prints as they showcase your personality and also complement your beautiful body shape. There’s no shortage of patterns and prints, talking from Indian prints like ikat, block prints, Dabu, tie and dye, kalamkari etc., to global ones like bohemian, floral, stripes, animal, tartan, polka dots, checkered etc. Try to be adventurous by mix and matching pattern at once, sometimes the best combinations happen by accident. A bright floral top with black and white checkered skirt, different pattern but same hue shirt + trouser with a solid- coloured big belt can make you look so dashing and spunky.

4. The Indian goddess

How many weddings or events do we attend in our lifetime as Indians? As a cultural and festive hub, we celebrate each occasion with grandeur which means major dressing up. I personally love wearing sarees, it has such a traditional charm that no other outfit can give you. But you can also try something out of the box and stand apart from the crowd. Try these tips –

• Mix and match the blouses with the same saree to make it look different each time.
• Dig in to your mother’s wardrobe and call it vintage.
• Drape sarees in an unconventional way.
• Sport a heavy embroidered belt in fabric instead of gold waist belt
• Wear a crop top instead of a blouse.
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5. Accessorise the right amount.

An accessory can either accentuate or kill your overall outfit, so choosing them along with your outfit is the best way to go about it. What is the right amount you ask? I think it’s easy – do not go overboard with earrings, neck piece, bracelets all at once. Pick one powerful piece (a geometric scarf, a statement necklace/ earring, over – detailed footwear, a sculptural cuff) and let it pop against something basic. We can go desi too, like choose something entirely traditional like silver jhumkas to go with a monochrome shirt, tie a vibrant printed stole to a denim trouser as a belt or wear an uber- cool headgear with an A-line skirt for an event. Accessories can be your best friend at any age and try to have fun or go wild with them.

Finally, I’d like to say don’t be too hard on yourself by reading the do’s and dont’s or taking fashion advice from everyone, instead just believe in yourself and have fun dressing up.

“Clothes mean nothing until someone lives in them” – Mark Jacobs

 

Post written by Aashitha.