fashion trend Archives - Page 2 of 2

Barbie Becomes Better With The Newly Released Dolls Having Varied Body Types

Have you come across the huge wave of social media appreciation that has gone Mattel – The Barbie Maker’s – way, ever since the release of their new dolls this year? I did, and it made me so very happy! Now, aside from the original Barbie body, the Barbie Fashionistas Line has “petite”, “curvy” and “tall” dolls too. Isn’t that simply wonderful?

Maybe this diversification of Barbie body types affected me more deeply because I have a closer insight into feminine body image issues. As an image consultant and fashion stylist, I’m privy to the insecurities and desires of women from different walks of life. You have no idea how many of these arise from a mindless longing for “the perfect body”.

Today, with so much discourse on the female body, numerous body types and new definitions of “perfection”, things are changing. Slowly perhaps, but there has certainly been some progress. I mean, look at this Fashionistas Line of Barbies that has been released in 2016. It has dolls with 4 body types, 7 skin tones, 22 eye colours, 24 hairstyles and many stylistic nuances. The first-ever flat shoes on a Barbie are also finally here. Surely, we are moving towards a healthier understanding of diversity and individualism and that is brilliant, no less.

In my opinion, this respect and appreciation of all body types is absolutely essential. We are all born unique, with varied physical features, and that’s just how it is. No brand, no toy and no designer label should set standards of beauty common to all, when we are all born so differently. True, the hour-glass figure has been considered the best female form since times immemorial. But we need to move beyond this mind-block and realise that different proportions suit different body structures and beauty is in fact, in the eyes of the beholder. As women, we should be intensely aware and proud of our bodily form and dress to accentuate our assets. We should wear clothes that flatter our body shape and that will boost our confidence in many, many ways.

With Mattel having realized this, the iconic Barbie is now a better reflection of different feminine body structures and complexions. This is a step in the right direction. I hope you’re headed the same way too!

How To Style Brogues Like A Beauty

There is just something about androgynous fashion that screams sophistication and style. In a world where traditional gender roles and responsibilities are blurring, why should fashion stay behind? The classic brogue shoe, also known as the Oxford shoe, has come back with a bang (although most people do not know that Oxfords are actually one out of four closure styles for brogue shoes). I love this style of shoe as a great alternative to ankle boots, ballet flats and other casual closed-toe shoes. The best part is that there are such a wide variety of styles available – sequins, glitter, patent leather and more – that every girl is bound to find one that makes her inner fashionista sing with joy.

Over the years, I have learned a really handy trick about androgynous fashion: it always helps to balance out the masculinity of menswear-inspired pieces with feminine ones. Plus, the infusion of “girliness” will make your outfit look less fuddy-duddy and more fabulous.

In line with this style of thinking, pair your brogues with floral skater dresses, pleated skirts, patterned crop tops, coloured denim and flirty mini skirts for fun summer outfits. This combination works especially well if you are wearing traditional brogues in earthy colours like tan and black. If the weather is on the cooler side, you can always pull on a pair of sheer black stockings or thigh-high socks. Accessorize with a statement necklace and a fun clutch to complete the look.

Of course, brogues look equally good with trousers, pants and jeans, too. One of my favourite ways to style brogues is to pair them with ankle length jeans. Given the cut of the shoe and the cuff of the jeans, this style shows off your ankles in a cheeky way. Throw on a crisp white shirt and you have fashioned yourself the perfect ensemble for a casual spring day! When the fall comes around, you can take this outfit up a notch by layering a chunky sweater over your shirt for a vintage vibe inspired by menswear, that brings out the beauty of brogues wonderfully. If you want to dress things up, switch the sweater for a sharp blazer instead. Brogues are a really great way to jazz up an ordinary t-shirt and jeans combination, too. Add a statement necklace to the mix and you are good to go!

Finally, do not be afraid to experiment with new styles of brogues that make a statement. Whilst the traditional leather shoes are timeless, you can have a lot of fun with brogues in vibrant colours, quirky prints and offbeat fabrics. If you are on the short side, you can even add some height to your look with a pair of heeled brogues – these are absolutely adorable and so chic. Happy styling, ladies!

Top Trends from the Lakme Fashion Week 2015

With the end of the LFW 2015 comes the excitement of discovering what new trends it has produced. After all, you have to justify your next shopping spree some way – upgrading your wardrobe to match ramp glamour can be the excuse for now.

But before all else, you need to know what’s in vogue this season; what cuts, prints and styles would be best to sport. So here’s a list of the top trends that emerged from the Lakme Fashion Week 2015 – put together outfits keeping these in mind!

Blue Hues

With Manish Malhotra’s ‘Blue Runway’ collection being such a huge success, it comes as no surprise that this colour is topping the fashion charts now. From dresses and skirts to suits and lehengas, all seem better and brighter in blue, especially its indigo shade which dominated the leading designer’s line. Manish Malhotra in fact himself predicted that blue and yellow are going to be “huge colours” this season. So if you love the blues, this is the time to go all out and wear the colour with much panache. With blue becoming a fashion statement, other allied styles such as denim-on-denim and royal-hued, satin clothing shall also make a comeback.

The “Sculpted” Look

Anamika Khanna’s ‘Sculpt’ was the grand finale of the LFW 2015 and grand it certainly was. Several elements from her collection are now being incorporated into everyday fashion and you shouldn’t miss out on these. ‘Sculpt’ played with the idea of structure and silhouette to produce beautiful drapes and flowy styles. Making liberal use of zardozi embroidery and thread and metallic work, her designs naturally used shades like gold, silver, ivory, nude, black and gunmetal liberally. You too could stock up on jewel-toned clothing with either structured of flowing silhouettes (whichever suits your personal style mantra) for both are dominant trends this season. Also, with the Kapoor sisters modelling for the designer, wearing the latest Lakme makeup line which promises a more sculpted look and sharp finish, you know what look to aim for when primping up for the next party.

Funky Headgear

Who doesn’t love their hair accessories? This season you can be as experimental and bold as you like for funky headgear is so in. Tarun Tahiliani’s 2015 ethnic collection was striking and uber-glamorous owing to the exquisite turbans he incorporated into his outfits. You can follow his lead and make quite a statement with some well-styled boho headgear. A scarf wrapped as a turban, or a hat with intricate patterns will immediately add dimension and edge to your outfit. And a happy by-product is that you will have some more fortification against the sweltering Indian heat!

Crop Tops

If you thought that crop tops were “just a phase”, think again! LFW 2015 seems to suggest that they are here to stay. Spotted on the ramps of a huge number of designers, these mid-riff baring blouses seem to have been re-presented in new and interesting ways. Both Sabyasachi and Tarun Tahiliani had a range of ethnic crop tops, while Alan Alexander Kaleekal and Salita Nanda offered more modern, western creations. These were teamed with all kinds of bottoms, from denims and pants, to skirts and shorts. It would be a wise choice to pair fitted crop tops with high-waisted skirts and loose, casual ones with skinny jeans and cut-offs. While these would be safer, classic ways of styling your crop top, you can go in for more unconventional pairings, taking inspiration from the collection by Kavita Bhatia.

Round Sunglasses

One of the many retro trends to be revived, round sunglasses were spotted rather frequently on the ramps this season. Outfits by designers including Sabyasachi, Aiman Agha and Armaan Randhawa, Shruti Sancheti, Anuj Bhutani and Tarun Tahiliani were chicly accessorized with vintage round-framed shades. You can get yourself a cool pair of such shades too! Adding a touch of quirk and high couture eclecticism to your look, such eye-wear will jazz up both formal and casual outfits.

These are some of the top trends that the LFW 2015 has ushered in. Fortunately for us, these can all be adapted to one’s everyday wardrobe with much ease. So ladies, gear up for a season full of beautiful blues, lovely drapes, cutesy crop tops and fun accessories!

The Low-Down On The Overall Fashion Trend

Overalls (dungarees, bib-and-brace etc.) instantly transport me to my childhood in the ‘90s. I remember having a particular pair made from the softest denim that I literally wore until they were threadbare and then some more. To my surprise (and elation), this quirky trend has made a major comeback in the last year and it looks like it is here to stay. Of course, the way I would style my overalls today is drastically different from how I would have rocked them as a kid.

At first glance, it may be difficult to navigate the line between looking like a fashionista and looking like a farmer, but once you get the hang of it, overalls will become your go-to garment!

For starters, it is absolutely critical that you focus on the fit of the overalls. When it comes to long overalls, opt for a pair that offers a sleek and skinny fit so that you do not drown in the denim. If short overalls are your game, ensure that they are not so tight that they restrict your movement. I firmly believe that fashion can and should be comfortable.

Once you have got the right pair of overalls in place, you can start experimenting with various ways to style your look, depending on the occasion and the kind of outfit that you are aiming for. The beauty of overalls lies in the fact that they can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion. For a casual daytime look, slip into a fitted graphic t-shirt and leave one of your overall straps undone for a laidback yet ultra chic vibe. You can pair this combination with a trusty pair of Converse (I have been digging the white high tops lately) or chic printed loafers.

If you are trying to achieve a look that is put-together and sophisticated, I would strongly suggest that you skip the blue denim altogether and opt for a classier version in hues like black, charcoal grey and navy. Fabrics like corduroy, tweed and suede work really well. Pair these babies with a classic white shirt and pumps for a chic work look, or a cheeky crop top and platform heels for a night on the town.

I am a huge fan of layering items on top of the overalls as well. For a casual work look, throw on a boyfriend blazer over your blouse and overalls. If you are styling your pair for brunch with your girlfriends, why not layer an off-shoulder top over your overalls instead of under them?

Above all, remember that this is a trend that you can have a lot of fun with. Experiment with different colours, materials, prints, cuts, lengths and ways of styling until you find something that works for you. Push the boundaries of creativity, ladies. When it comes to fashion, there is no right or wrong…unless you are wearing Crocs.

Five Jewelry Essentials Every Girl Must Own

It’s not just diamonds that are a woman’s best friends. Any piece of jewelry that promises versatility in usage and envious looks with every wear becomes her close pal. And why not? After all, jewelry is a vital part of any ensemble and can be the fine line between fashion success and disaster. So here are some jewelry essentials that no woman should forgo – they are elegant and trendy, definitive markers of fashion forwardness.

A Statement Neckpiece

Accentuating a woman’s collarbones and drawing attention to all the right places, a statement neckpiece is an absolute must-have. It can go a long way in elevating plain, ordinary attires. Depending upon your personal sense of style, you can go in for either a bright, colorful neckpiece or classy metal-toned one. Team it up with just about any outfit, be it casual or official, especially on those days when you want a cutting-edge look with minimal effort.

Tiny Studs

At the risk of invoking a cliché, it has to be said that tiny studs are fabulous in an understated way. They add a touch of femininity and grace to bold outfits, while also being the perfect match to office wear. Though round, square and oval studs are most popular, in recent times, princess-cut earrings have been topping the fashion charts. Invest in a pair of diamond or diamond-adjacent stone studs and a wise-decision it shall prove to be!

Cocktail Rings

These flashy little things are great for evening wear. Be it a party or a formal event, a cocktail ring will compliment any look you are trying to pull off. They draw attention to your hands so your every movement, from flicking your hair nonchalantly to holding that champagne flute, highlights your chic accessorizing. Get one with a neutral base metal so it can be worn with various outfits.

Assorted Bangles

While cuffs and bracelets are most women’s go-to wrist jewelry, assorted bangles make more of a statement. Having a variety of differently sized, shaped and patterned bangles adds much dimension to an outfit, making it appear more attuned to runway-fashion. Even those who favor classic styles over the bohemian should have a set stashed away for those times when simple and safe just won’t cut it.

Bedazzled Clips

Though they may as well be categorized as hair accessories, bedazzled clips and clutchers are as striking as any other piece of jewelry. Since they bring one’s tresses into focus, they are ideal for occasions when you are going fancy with an elaborate hair-do. And with a beautiful bejeweled hair-pin or comb-clip on, you can be minimalist in accessorizing otherwise.

So stock up on these essentials ladies! You will then be ready to hit the streets, confident and well-groomed – the complete, jeweled picture of perfection.

Contributed by Anjuri Chandra

How To Wear Print like a Fashionista

Nothing spices up an ordinary outfit like a bold burst of print! Over the last few years, this trend has seen many evolutions and revolutions. Today, the world of fashion is home to more variations of print than one can imagine – think floral, digital, literal, animal, Ikat, tie-dye, vintage, Aztec and water colour, to name a few.

Unfortunately, when it comes to the print craze, there is a very fine line between making a powerful style statement and looking like Paula Patton at the Grammy Awards last year. In fact, the very fear that prints and patterns may come across as “loud” or “gaudy” prevents many ladies from testing the waters. Yes, I’m looking at you! What you do not realise is that when you ban quirky prints from your wardrobe, you miss out on one of the most exciting and versatile trends that fashion has to offer.

If you are used to a safe and minimalistic wardrobe, it might be a good idea to take baby steps into the whacky world of print. Start with your footwear and handbag. Invest in a pair of swanky leopard print loafers or a bohemian Ikat satchel. Once you feel confident and comfortable, you can up the ante.

The trick to rocking the print trend like a superstar is to select one printed statement piece and curate the rest of your ensemble around it. Ideally, this garment should be fitted. No billowy kaftans for us, thanks! Neutral shades like white, grey and beige are ideal for your accent pieces and will instantly cue in some sophistication to balance out the vivid print. The rest of your accessories and jewellery should be as simple as possible – a pair of elegant diamond studs and nothing more. Remember, the print is the centre of attention and nothing should take away from that!

When you are ready to experiment with a style that is truly radical, try your hand at mixing prints. At first, this will sound chaotic and seem downright ridiculous, but once you get the hang of it, you will wonder how you ever did without. When done right, an outfit of mixed prints screams chic like nothing else. So, how do you nail
the trend without looking like fashion road kill? As a rule of thumb, you should always mix your prints based on the colours found in them rather than the prints itself. Put simply, you can pair floral with digital print as long as they belong to a similar colour palette. Once you have got that prerequisite out of the way, you can
start playing around with textures. The combination of different fabrics is easy on the eye and adds a sophisticated element to your get-up. Needless to say, the rest of your look – hair, makeup and accessories – should be as vanilla as possible.

Only then will the true flair of the mixed prints emerge.
It is time to get your print on!

Contributed by Shradha Bhatia

Fashion Trends That India Has Gifted To The World

India has given the world bountiful reasons for happiness: Bollywood, butter chicken and Bhangra are the first few that come to my mind. Film and food aside, the striking subcontinent has made a lasting mark on the global fashion scene. Let us explore the iconic gifts of style that India has given to the world with love.

The Jodhpur Trouser

With humble origins in the traditional Indian churidar pant, the Jodhpur trouser is now a fashion statement in its own right and the key reason behind the birth of the ‘Equestrian Chic’ trend. Indeed, an Indian polo player popularized these pants in Europe. They quickly became a must-have in every horseman and horsewoman’s wardrobe. Today, they are making waves across international runways and leading fashion magazines. I fell head-over-heels in love with Dolce and Gabbana’s silky rendition a few years ago.

The Maang Tikka

Once reserved only for the big fat Indian wedding, this sultry head accessory has absolutely skyrocketed in popularity, both in its home country and across the globe. In fact, Karl Lagerfeld was so inspired by this accessory that all of the models in the Chanel Pre-Fall 2012 show, aptly called ‘Paris-Bombay’, sported regal maang tikkas. And we all know that Karl can do no wrong, right?

The Bindi

The spread of the bindi trend to the furthest corners of the world has not been without its fair share of controversy. Opponents of the trend believe that those who sport it are actually disrespecting the Indian culture where the bindi is worn by married woman to signify their commitment to their husbands. Right or wrong, this trend is here to stay as an important part of the bohemian music festival style. I’d love to know what your take is on this craze – fashion trend or blasphemy?

The Henna Tattoo

Another ethnic bridal trend that has made it to the frontlines is the art of applying henna tattoos to hands in intricate designs. Popular with the artsy lot and bohemian babes, the henna tattoo trend has been spotted on many celebrities who are trying to make a bold fashion statement. It has also inspired an entirely new trend altogether – the temporary metallic tattoos that became all the rage at the end of last year. I’ve noticed that Vanessa Hudgens, a personal style icon, has been experimenting with henna designs for a while now. I have to say that I am pretty impressed with her handiwork!

The Sari

To my mind, the sari is one of the sexiest outfits in existence today. A long kept secret in The Golden Bird (i.e. India), the sari has now made its way across the borders and into the hearts of fashionistas across the world. No matter how you drape it, these six yards of cloth scream elegance like nothing else. Is it any surprise that the likes of Madonna, a true-blue fashion queen, and Elizabeth Hurley, a sophisticated siren, have worn it? I hope to see more women rocking this sultry outfit on the red carpet in 2015.

Contributed by Shradha Bhatia

Spring Outfit Ideas for Romantic Look

When cold winter days pass we all look forward to spring. That’s usually because you can finally take those three hundred layers of clothes off and get free from those shawls, caps and gloves that have been burdening you for the past two or three months. Spring is the best time for romance, your blood boils, you feel nature’s liveliness and you envy the beauty of gentle, soft flowers that bloom all around. Join the show and put on a romantic look for this spring following these great ideas.

Lace

There’s no romance without a little lace. Or a lot. Your choice. Lace gives a very feminine touch to your outfit. Whether you’re wearing a lace covered dress or have just a decorative detail on your leggings or a sweater, lace is essential for a gentle, soft look. Put on a white lace dress and spice it all up with a stylish brown belt. Or wear a sweatshirt with lace details. Match a lace shirt with skinny jeans and you’re ready for a nighttime spring walk. When the day is warm, put on a sleeveless lace top and peach-colored shorts. Just keep the colors bright, we’ve had enough of those grays and blacks throughout the winter.

Floral print

What better way to give out a spring spirit than wearing floral print? Celebrate flowers by wearing them. Flowers are gentle, colorful, cheerful and fragrant and everyone loves them. Just remember how happy you were the last time you got a bunch of flowers for present. That’s the symbolism of wearing them. Welcome the new season by wearing floral leggings with a single-colored slouchy shirt. There are so many beautiful floral print dresses available so go out and get one. If you want feminine yet bold try floral print shorts. Here’s an idea for a very clever and stylish outfit: white shirt, peachy blazer, jeans and floral print pumps. Just remember not to get too carried away – if you wear floral print piece of clothing you should only match it with single-colored clothes because you don’t want too many patterns screaming off of you.

Tulle skirts

Just like beach kaftans are essential for summer, so tulle skirts are a must-have for spring. The word comes from a city in France which was a centre of lace and silk production in the 18^th century. Parisians were the first to wear it in their ballet costumes. Nowadays they are available for everyone and are certainly a major trend. From shorter to longer models, you can wear them on any occasion. Match them with flats and you’ll look innocent like a ballerina. Match them with pumps and you’ll look like a glamorous princess. You can even match a tulle skirt with a black-and-white striped top for an exciting combination of sporty and elegant.

Accessories

Firstly, remember that a romantic look requires soft, pastel colors like white, pink and blue. To complete your perfect spring outfit, wear a simple silver necklace. Pearls are also a very clever and classy idea. When choosing bags, clutch purses are the right choice for a romantic-looking lady. Be creative with belts and be sure to include ribbons and flowers to your outfit ideas and you’re ready for sping.

Image credits: AnnieAnniePancake

Contributed by Sophie Andersen

Sophie is a design lover from Australia. She’s interested in fashion and photography. Sophie is also an editor of new lifestyle blog HighStyleLife. Beside fashion Sophie is fan of home design. Follow her daily trendy tips on Facebook.

Saree Styles for Festive Season 2013

The style of saree has evolved over the years. Fashion Trends rise and end with time but saree is a timeless classic in any indian women’s wardrobe. Here are some of the latest saree styles for you to experiment with this festive season, and bring about a fresh perspective to your style.

1. Double Pallu Sarees –

A double pallu has been in existence for long, but probably not as popular and is only seen in bridal trousseaus sometime, but you can turn any single colour saree into a sensation with classic double pallu style. All you have to do is stitch another pallu in a contrast shade to the saree and voila you have converted your saree into a unique saree.

I personally love to try this style when I want to turn a lighter saree into a heavy one for more traditional occasions.

2. Pre Pleated Saree –

Pre-pleated sarees came into existence to reduce the hassle of tying all those pleats and neat pallu. The emergence of pre-pleated sarees has made draping easier and simpler for everyone. These sarees are almost as easy as doning a skirt as they come with pleats stitched at strategic places. Just tuck it at one place and you are ready in a jiffy to sizzle.

Now a days you even get a panelled or well draped stitched dupatta with the skirt which acts like a pallu hanging free from the shoulder, which for me this is like a seamless blend of the contemporary with the traditional past.

3. Half and Half Saree –

Another trend which has been there for many years is a half and half saree you either go for bright contrast this season or remodel your old saree into a true beauty by attaching a different color pallu to the saree. Or go for neon color combinations which are so much in trend this season

4. Dhoti Saree –

Showcased in the Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week Summer/Spring ’13, pop-art inspired designer Nida Mahmood brought to the ramp a lungi/dhoti-style saree with wide slits.

You can drape your saree over leggings or slim-fit denims, instead of a petticoat, and go for tees or spaghetti tops in place of a blouse. For ease of movement chose sheer and lighter fabrics like crepes, georgettes etc and for more festive look you can always go for sequin saree borders.

5. Saree Draped like Gown –

From Paris hilton to Sania Mirza many celebrities have tried their hands at this trend, as it gives one dress a gown like look, with ethnicity of saree. Easy to wear and makes your saree cross functional in both formal and traditional occasions.

Fashion Trend Alert: Bright Lace

We have all loved lace since we were kids, makes me feel all girly and young again. When you think about lace the first thought that springs to your mind is the white colored lace we have all seen in bridal gowns in whites and soft hues.

The trend this season is taking a detour from the traditional and opting for brighter hues. Bright colors are the trend this season be it for the western or traditional attire. Added bonus is you dont need to be all skinny or perfect hourglass shaoe to carry of this trend.

The bright colored laces vs. the pale hues look good on all skin tones and body types, so go ahead and invest in that lovely dress piece this season.

Fashion Trend: Search for the Scarlet Lips

The perfect red lipstick is one of the fashion trend’s that will never date away.We sometimes hate it and sometimes love it almost like crazy. One movie star which comes to my mind when I think of red color lips is either Madonna or Anne Hathway.

Personally I always felt I can’t carry a rouge red color and hence always turned towards more dark brown red or mauves for occasion.But after doing some serious shopping this season for a personal family do, I thought why not give it a try to this elusive make-up essential.

I have tested many red colors before nailing down my own red color, and the ones that finally got on to my shortlist are:

1. NARS Jungle Red – its a bright red tone color with long lasting color. It is a mix of both matt and shine. So if you like a bright red color this is definitely a good choice

2. MAC Ruby Woo -This is a great matt red color lipstick. The color is thick and rich and lasts all day long.

3. MAC Russian Red – Another great matte, classic red lipstick from MAC. I personally felt russian red is more creamy and has a slight sheen to it on the lips

A red color lipstick is a must in every girl’s makeup box.

Style Tip: Wear your Red color lipstick with a matching nail color for that elegant and ultra glam look.

Fashion Trend : Digital Printed Sarees

Light yet Chic

The winters are almost over and the last thing you would want to wear is a heavy, embellished saree during the sweet spring weather. But if traditional is the theme for the party, a Salwar-suit would make you look underdressed while a plain saree in a bold color would be too understated. That’s where digital printed sarees come to the rescue.

They are perfect for spring to summer season

Digital printed sarees are usually made of faux fabric or georgette. Both the fabrics are really light and airy. Not too body hugging and yet, conforming to the natural contours of the body, these sarees look really chic as party wear.

There are a lot of interesting patterns to be had

There are limitations as to what an artiste can print by hand. But when it comes to technology, sky is the limit. There are a whole range of patterns available in digital printed sarees. Floral patterns as well as patterns inspired from nature are the hottest trend right now in digital printed attire. A stand out in this trend is patterns which depict a whole scenery on this nine yard wonder.

However, if you don’t want to look too last season, avoid going for printed sarees that use disjointed colors. Rather, the trend this season is prints which have colors that flow in continuation. For example, a combination of blue and grey.

They are ideal for women who are slightly heavy too

Women who are slightly on the heavier side can also benefit from this light and chic fashion trend. The lightness of the fabric used in digital printed sarees has a slimming effect on your appearance.

Don’t forget to accessorize it well

Like any fashion trend, getting the accessories right is important here too. If you are going for a minimal print, you can jazz up your look further with digital printed handbags. However, if you have an elaborate print on you, keep your accessories to a bare minimum. A solid colored handbag in a complementing color and minimal earrings complete the look in that case.

Black and white: Timeless chic

While the trend of hot neons and bright tangerines may come and go, there is one fashion trend that is forever- the combination of black and white. Simple, elegant, sophisticated, fun, mischievous…there are a whole lot of looks you can achieve with this classic combination which been around for ages.

Black and white is for every season

Unlike pretty pastels and bright neons which are season centric, black and white can be worn regardless of the season or time of the day. For a hot day out in the sun, a white top with a black skirt works fine, while for a night-out, you can always reverse the combination.

Works for every occasion

The evergreen combination works well for every occasion. For a formal dinner with clients, pair a well fitted white shirt with tapering black trousers. Complete the look with a black jacket thrown on top. For a more glamorous look, you can never go wrong with an evening gown in black and white. If it is a little fun and in-your-face look you are looking for, geometric designs in black and white can create the desired optical effect.

When worn right, it can be slimming or add volume

Bright colors may not be for everyone, since they create the illusion of a wider frame. However, the classic combination of black and white can be tinkered around with to create the right illusion. If you have an apple-shaped body, black on top and white at the bottom gives you a symmetrical look. For a pear shaped body, the combination should be reversed.

Almost all accessories go well with the look

You don’t need to pull out your hair in order to accessorize your black and white look. While crystal and gold work best with this look, almost anything looks good with black and white. It depends on the appeal you are looking to create and the occasion you are wearing it on.

A pop of color is so in vogue

And if those reasons are not enough for you to go the classic way, here is another one- the pop of color that is trending these days. Pair your understated ensemble in black and white with a pair of bright heels in orange, burgundy or similar colors. Celebs around the world are going for the understated look with a dash of surprise.

Drop waist Silhouette – The revival of the 20’s

The drop waist trend first appeared in the 1920’s, with the emergence of the flapper dresses that coincided with female liberation. In terms of fashion, they were a respite from the tight fitting corsets. The look was most prominent in Coco Chanel’s creation titled Garconne Look, which literally translates to “boy” in French.

Drop waist dresses are characterized by a line drawn around the hips instead of your natural waist, thus giving you a longer torso. This seemingly shapeless silhouette has made a comeback this season, with Indian as well as international designers taking a liking to it.

Preity Zinta was spotted wearing a black drop waist number at an event recently, and so was Rani Mukherjee, Prachi Desai and quite a few other Indian celebs. They were quite noticeable in the recently concluded Indian fashions weeks as well as those in New York and Paris.

The modern twist

While the frumpy look of this silhouette hasn’t been tampered with, designers have given it a chic modern look, with exaggerated belts and waist bands. Interesting patterns have been noticeable and so has been color blocking, both of which draw attention to the lower half of the body.

Different styles

While the 1920s were about drop waists with hemlines below the knee, there are several modern variations to the look. There are ruffled skirts for that free flowing look, A-line skirts for a more slender look and a pleated look as well. You can also play around with the length of your drop waist dress, going short or long with it. As far as the trend if concerned, it is definitely on the shorter side, with hemlines finishing much before the knees.

Wearing it right

While the drop waist is a hottest trend of the season, it is important to wear it right. Given the “shapeless” look of the trend, you can quickly go wrong with it. This look works perfectly for slender women who have narrow hips, as it adds volume to the lower half of the body. However, that does not mean that the more “hippy” ones cannot wear the drop waist.

If you are slightly heavy at the bottom, stay away from the ruffled bottom half. Instead, go for A line skirts since they give a slender appearance.
For those with long legs and a shorter torso, pairing the drop waist dress with flat boots or ones with moderate heels works well. For those with short legs and a long torso, drop waist should be paired with high heels to balance the long torso. The idea is to create a symmetrical look, since the silhouette creates the illusion of a longer torso.
For an evening out, go for something more glamorous in sequins and embellishments. For a casual day out, drop waists in solid colors and easy fabrics work well.

Neons are the new Black for Spring

Spring is the time when the weather is just starting to get warm while there is still pleasant breeze blowing for most times of the day. Going by international spring summer collections as well as those showcased by Indian designers, neons seem to be the order of the season.

Neon colors as a fashion trend for spring summer have been around for quite some time. And it looks like they are here to stay this season as well. Bright and vibrant, these are energetic colors that go well with the bright mood of spring and summers. There is more than one way to flaunt your neon colors collection.

You could go all out with a color on color scheme in bright neons such as bright oranges or yellows. But make sure the cut of the fabric is simple in this case, else you could deemed shouting from the rooftop. A small tip- try bright tangerine for that diva like look.

You could always pair your neons with neutral colors such as browns and blacks. In fact, a bright orange jacket thrown over a black dress can add that pop of color to your look. If you are not very comfortable sporting eye catching bright tops and skirts, you could add neon colors to your look.

A bright colored belt and bright colored heels work just as well to give you a vibrant look that’s in sync with the season. In fact, bright colored heels are all the craze in Hollywood right now.

Some celebrities worth emulating to get your bright neon look right include Katy Perry, Vanessa Hudgens, Kate Beckinsale and Kim Kardashian.

Chunky Bangles – Instant wardrobe pick me up for this season

Bipasha Basu was seen wearing them recently; as a trend, they were all over the recently concluded Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week 2012 as well as the Lakme Fashion Week 2012. Chunky bangles first burst onto the scene on international runways in 2007. Since then, the trend has just continued, with several Indian celebrities sporting them at various events.

They can add a pop of color

Bright colored heels, which are currently the hottest trend right now, add a definite pop of color to an otherwise understated ensemble. However, not many are comfortable wearing heels in purple, pink or even orange. Chunky bangles in different colors can compensate for that, as they add a definite zing to any outfit.

Wearing them right

There is no one way to wear your chunky bangles right. For an evening out with friends, pair your white tee and blue jeans in a single chunky bangle in bright color on one hand. Pairing it up with a similar colored bag completes the look.

For that little black dress that you have, you can always wear two or three chunky bangles in bright colors such as orange and purple to add a pop of color to your look. For more formal events, jewel encrusted chunky bangles in gold and silver are a better option than going for the solid color look.

Experiment while you stack them up

Don’t forget to experiment with your chunky wrist accessories while you stack them up. You could combine different shapes; or could throw in a chunky bracelet with your bangles to add a little bling to your outfit. However, remember, when pairing your chunky bangles with bracelets, the bracelets should be free to move on your wrist. Bracelets which handcuff you spoil the look.

There are different materials to be had too

Wooden bangles in different colors go well with a casual look; glass bangles work well for a casual as well as formal look; while those in encrusted jewels should ideally be restricted to formal events only. There is so much you can do with this ‘chunky’ accessory.

Spring 2012 Fashion Trend: Colored Jeans are the “IT Jean” of the season

It was sometime last year that the first lady of the US, Michelle Obama, was seen flaunting a pair of colored jeans. But it wasn’t to be a one-off event in the world of fashion. It was quickly followed by Hollywood A-listers such as Cameron Diaz, Victoria Beckham, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and the likes, flaunting jeans in bright reds, baby pinks, bright yellows et al.

If you are a fashionista yourself, colored jeans are the way to go this spring season. Spring is the season of flowers and brightness all around, and a pair of jeans in bright color is the perfect way to complement the season.

While the combination of basic blue denims with a white top is still classic, colored jeans can bring out your playful and fun side.

Wear them right

Jeans are available in almost every color wash. And while the skinny look is in in-thing right now, but you can always try more relaxed looks with colored Khakhis. If you are not convinced about the whole colored jeans trend, you can always start off on a safe page and go for muted pastels.

Colors like browns and olives work well for the conservative dresser. Team up a pair of pastel colored jeans with a bright top and you are good to go for a day out with friends. If you don’t mind experimenting and would love to flaunt your vibrant, playful side, go for a pair of jeans in bright red, sexy orange, deep purple or even in washed pink- something carried off really well by Cameron Diaz.

For the top, you could either go for color blocking or keep it a little toned down with neutral colors for the top. In other words, bright red jeans would work well with a bright blue top as well as one in white or black.

However, make sure you pick the right cut of the top, one which complements your jeans right. If you are wearing a skinny pair, go for something less form fitting on the top and vice versa. As for the accessories, a touch of animal print in shoes and bags works well with this look.

Personal favorite is a pair of neon orange colored jeans teamed with a white cotton top and brown wedges, giving you lots of oomph and grace.