New Year’s style commandment
If 2019 was all about the overpowering logo mania, ’80s outre glamour and blinding neon hues then 2020 heralds a pared-down, grown-up approach to style. Ditch the dated bundis and the done-todeath bombers and also stop teaming shimmery saris with skimpy bralettes. Unless of course, you want to come across as a style relic stuck in the late ’80s and early ’90s.
GO EASY ON BLING
When we step out for weddings, we often forget that less is more. Designer Shruti Sancheti says, “In 2020, I hope to see less sequins and sparkle at Indian weddings and red carpet dos. Since our country has such beautiful textiles and crafts, it’s high time people stopped chasing sequins.”
BUNDI AND BOMBER ARE DEAD
Embroidered bombers are passé. The chinoiserieinspired embroidery on the varsity jacket may have been brought into vogue by labels like Gucci, but 2020 calls for a rather restrained approach. Designer Gaurav Khanijo says,“Shacket — combination of shirt and jacket — is dated now.” Besides, the ubiquitous bundi should only be worn if one’s asking for votes. How about investing in a tailored gilet in a heritage fabric like herringbone?
NO TO KNOCKOFFS
For a wedding cocktail, it’s common for people to show up in tacky imitations of runway gowns. Also, most of them opt for ill-fitting pieces which do nothing to flatter their frame. In 2020, embrace the classic sari which is the purest form of couture dress.
BURN THE BANDAGE
The body-con bandage dress maybe out of favour in high fashion, but that doesn’t seem to be the case in Bollywood. A section of ‘I’ve-got-a-great-bodand-won’t-let-you-forget-it’ starlets still opt for the look-atme dress when they are out partying the night away.
STEER CLEAR OF SARIBRALETTE PAIRING
The itsy-bitsy bralette teamed with a sequinned chiffon sari is one of the dated red carpet trends that has stayed for long. And, it’s time to invest in a handwoven sari and team it with a blouse or a waistcoat.
FORGET NEONS
From athleisure to red carpet, neon hues have been employed to death. “A hint of fluorescent detailing on shoes is fine, but head-to-toe neon looks jarring,” says Shruti.
DON’T GET SWAYED BY LOGO MANIA
Logo mania may have been all the rage in 2019, but go easy on it in 2020. “The chunky logo monogram flashing on winter scarves isn’t fashionable,” says designer Sahil Aneja.