Fashion in the last decade has increased in visibility, and consequently, in accessibility as well. In South Asian countries, the recent influx of imported brands, along with the boom of visual media has bought ‘aesthetics’ to everyone’s doorstep.
Celebrities and paparazzi culture bringing in airport looks and gym looks to the table has significantly influenced young, impressionable minds into believing that every time they step out, their #OOTD is to be on point, always.
The birth of Shein, the huge e-commerce fast fashion brand, along with others such as Pretty Little Thing, Fashion-Nova, Urbanic, etc spoke for the consumers changing tastes, by providing a ‘look’ for possibly every occasion.
Pop culture influences on clothing are more significant than ever before, and people have become akin to brand personalities.
Shopping patterns, therefore, are haphazard and randomized, focusing on the latest trend with little preference given to one’s personal style.
It happens to the best of us- that sensory overload of seeing your closet, brimming with colors, prints, and patterns, none that seem to fit the upcoming occasion.
Giving a definite answer to the ‘I-have-nothing-to-wear’ dilemma, below we have the ultimate guide to dressing up (or down) fashionably and effortlessly.
Tailored Trousers:
While anti-trend pieces usually call for investing in neutral tones such as white, beige, camel, and greys- tailored trousers have more room for experimentation within color palettes. A robin’s egg blue trouser, for example, is a striking piece of ensemble within itself.
It can be paired with a white turtleneck for an upcoming dinner date, a jewel-toned silk shirt for a more formal look, and even with a denim corset for that fashion-savvy Instagram look- getting full marks on versatility.
Oversized totes win the race:
Mini bags, especially with their vibrant palettes provide an instant pop of color to an outfit. While they have been the rage for quite a while, the oversized tote bag is once again finding its popularity back.
Compared to the mini bags that barely fit your house keys, oversized totes in a neutral tone are a perfect fit for any color or occasion. Investing in classic luxury pieces like the Christian Dior Book tote or the Lious Vitton Monogram tote is worthwhile.
The White Shirt:
Nothing screams versatility more than a crisp, wrinkle-free white shirt. This single piece of clothing can be transformed into workwear, partywear, casual wear, vacation wear- and now even beachwear. Style it with leather pants to channel that New York high street vibe, layer a black bodycon dress over it in autumn, or simply wear it with blue denim jeans and sunglasses for that effortless chic. No one ever goes wrong with a white shirt!
Play with the metallics:
Accessories are the most underestimated part of a wardrobe. A pair of silver, large hoops was commonly used to elevate an outfit about 5 years ago and then came the small, golden hoops that became a staple even in Alia Bhatt’s closet. Earlier a fashion faux pass- mixing metallics has become the rage, where silver, gold, and rose gold chains are stacked up altogether!
If you’re feeling experimental- a holographic body bag styled right does wonders for an outfit.
Metallic accessories complete the outfit without taking away too much attention from the ensemble, leaving a perfectly balanced look.
Everything-Denim:
No denim ever goes out of style for too long without coming back. A denim jacket, jeans, trench coat, etc. all are worthy investment pieces that will forever hold a place in your closet.
Long-lasting and often the easiest to style, denim is to clothing what potatoes are to cuisines. Denim corsets and boots are now firming their places in mainstream fashion choices as well.
To elevate your denim game, look into embellished pieces that offer studs, pearls, and even graphic design patchwork on regular denim wear.
The Breezy Kurta:
A special mention for the South Asians- the kurta is a godsend for the days when body image has gone for a toss. The most body-positive and inclusive piece of garment that exists, the kurta does not even need to be styled. Brownie points for a chikankari kurta- the epitome of grace and effortlessness.
Every fashion trend is cyclical and reinvents itself with current fashion preferences- and so it is important to invest in anti-trend, evergreen pieces that will support you through days of no fashion inspiration.
