- A trendy and versatile clutch bag. These can range from understated and simple to elaborate and embellished. Either way, clutch bags can completely enhance the look of any outfit, making it look more chic and elegant. Matched correctly with the outfit, a clutch can do wonders for the overall appearance of any particular look. Velvet sequined and embroidered clutches are all the rage these days and lend an air of polish and finesse to the outfit.
- Chandelier earrings or jhoomkas have adorned the ears of Indian women for the centuries. Even though they are traditional looking and pair excellently with an Indian outfits like a sari or a salwar kameez, chandelier earrings also look stunning when worn with western outfits. I feel they go a long way in upping the glamour quotient and give you an extremely feminine and sexy feel.
- Bangles are another key accessory that today's fashion conscious woman simply cannot do without. Whether they are traditional glass ones or the more contemporary chunky ones, bangles team up beautifully with everything from a casual tunic and jeans look to a formal outfit such as a sari.
- The Stole is making a huge comeback on the Indian fashion scene. An embroidered stole simply draped or wrapped around the neck or slung across the shoulder gives a beautiful break in the silhouette of an outfit.
- Hip but comfortable shoes are also an absolute must in any wardrobe. When selecting shoes, be sure to pick ones that not only complement your outfit but ones that are also easy to wear.
- Of course accessories would be nothing if there were no outfits to pair them with. She recommends the five wardrobe must have for the season
- Tunics or kurtis are an essential part of a fashion-forward Indian woman's wardrobe. Today there is an amazing array cuts, lengths, prints and embellishments available for both day and night occasions. Kurtis are comfortable to wear, can be teamed up well with jeans as well as with churidars and if you accessorized correctly, look simply gorgeous.
- Given the upcoming festive season, no wardrobe is complete without some traditional wear. As they have been for eons, churidars suits are still very popular. These suit women of all age groups, body types, sizes they and compliment the Indian figure really well. During the festival season, churidar suits in bright colors tend to be preferred as they add brightness and life to the celebration. Coupled with a set of jhoomkas, a stylish churidar suit can look simply stunning.
- Another trend that is catching on rapidly and becoming hugely popular is the ready to wear sari. Since it is pre-draped, the garment is extremely easy to slip into and then it remains intact due to the fact that it is stitched into place.
- No wardrobe is complete without a traditional Indian sari. I think no Indian festival or celebration is complete without the sari. Given the multitude of ways that a sari can be draped and the sheer variety of prints, embroidery and fabrics available, you are sure to find one that suits your signature style.
- Finally, for a less traditional take on the festive season, dresses are the obvious answer. There are so many kinds of dresses available that are simple yet very pretty and when accessorized well, completely make up for the lack of embellishments. So I would say that a simple yet pretty dress is a must-have for every closet irrespective of the season or celebration.
Talking about the colors of the season, she says, "My preference is for reds, yellows, pinks, oranges and crimsons. I feel that these colors bring an air of brightness to the occasion and beautifully complement the celebratory spirit of the festive season."
And when it comes to gifting, no festive season is complete without the exchange of warm wishes and gifts. For a stylish gift idea for this season I recommend a dressy tunic for that fashion-forward woman in your life. Worn with a pair of jeans or a churidar, these look fabulous on anyone as they suit almost all shapes and sizes and can be teamed up brilliantly with lots of accessories to look utterly chic yet traditional.
During this season the entire country is lost in the same mood of fervor and festivities and this makes the people really want to come out and spend. Now that the recession is somewhat behind us, people are really going all out in buying great stuff and without hesitation. But of course they want value for their money and as long as they get that, they don't mind spending extra money for something great. Indians are really breaking out of the closet in terms of great designer wear whether its' for Diwali or for the bridal season. Everyone wants to look their best and they don't mind spending to achieve that. They want to make sure that they are noticed for having taken the effort to pick up something very stylish.
By: Meenakshi/India Syndicate
