How to rock the Indo-Western trend

Indian wear is something not everyone feels comfortable in. Despite the amazing stone work, embroidery and obvious  glamour it brings to the party, it can be a bit of a hassle to carry. 

This is true especially in case of younger girls who prefer the comfort of western wear. However, when it comes to festivals and occasions, and your mom wants you to wear something 'traditional', fear not.

Instead of going all out with that heavy lehenga or that saree which you can barely walk in, check out some Indo-Western outfit ideas that will keep both, you and your mom, happy.

1. Try wearing a lightweight maxi skirt and a traditional brocade top to give the effect of a lehenga without compromising on comfort
2. Skip the dupatta altogether if your outfit has enough glam
3. Instead of carrying a dupatta, wear a trendy koti jacket instead
4. Wear skinny ripped jeans with a short kurti and lots of bangles to channel your inner desi-but-not-totally diva
5. Switch the usual salwars and churidars for dhoti pants, palazzos or cigarette pants for a unique ensemble
6. While wearing dhoti pants, wear a well fitted medium length kurti and cute mojadis
7. Add a structured jacket over cigarette pants for a sophisticated look
8. Mix and match pieces from your existing wardrobe to create whole new outfits
9. Look into contemporary saree draping styles like the dhoti saree or pant saree
10. Go with your intuition on what looks good on you and rock it with confidence!

What to wear for Rakshabandhan

Rakshabandhan is here and what better time to flaunt your desi outfits? Dress to impress this Rakhi with a few of my tips…

If you're celebrating at home

For a day time rakhi event at home, wear pastels and light weight outfits. I love the Indo-western combination of breezy solid colored palazzo pants and a short, fitted kurti. Pair the two pieces in contrasting colors and add heavy oxidized bangles and jhumkis to glam it up. Color pairings that look amazing :

1. Red and deep blue
2. Parrot green and magenta
3. Orange and black
4. Gold with anything

Stick to darker colors on the palazzos if you're a little bottom-heavy and vice versa.

For a night time celebration at home, wear an outfit with slightly darker hues with details like stone work or sequins. A maxi skirt with a crop top and dupatta is perfect. Add sparkle with a statement necklace and stacked bangles.

If you're going out

For lunch, the same rules apply : wear summery colors- bright pink, purple, blue and accent with metallics. I love a traditional salwar kameez paired with an indian jacket instead of a dupatta. Keep it chic with dainty earrings and a sling purse.

For evening events, opt for a flowy anarkali or go fusion with dark wash denims, a tank and a jacket with an ethnic print. Add a long chain necklace with a funky pendant and finish the look with sleek heels or ankle boots. For a more relaxed outfit, go with a dress - mid-length or maxi with Indian motifs. I love maxi dresses by Global Desi. Pair these with some earrings and a bracelet and you're outfit is complete!

Have a great Rakshabandhan!

What to wear as a guest to an Indian wedding

Indian weddings are a big affair. Most weddings are bright, colorful and full of fun.

If you are invited as a guest and need tips for what to wear, read on…

The obvious choice : Lehengas

Lehengas are absolutely gorgeous outfits. They consist of a long skirt, a blouse and a dupatta.

There are so many styles to choose from. You can go all out with bold colors like pink, orange, purple with a lot of embellishment and heavy work or you can be demure and delicate with pastel shades like blush, peach, mauve, pale pink with intricate but not heavy work.

You can choose a lehenga according to your body type. There are varied styles of skirts and blouses and you're sure to find one that emphasizes your assets.

It is also important to consider the season. Go with lighter, floral lehengas for summer weddings and opt for heavier ones for winter weddings.

The next best : Anarkalis

Anarkalis were made famous by their namesake from the Mughal era. These ethereal flowy garments are easy to manage, give you room to show off those dance moves and still make you look glamorous.

You can opt for the traditional knee-length ones or for the newer, full length anarkalis that almost look like gowns.

For the traditional girl : Sarees

Sarees are the quintessential wedding garments for Indian weddings. They look good on everyone and the variety is endless, I kid you not. Of course, if this is your first time wearing a saree, I would suggest opting for a lighter fabric which is easy to carry.

To channel your traditional-yet-modern style, you can choose a designer saree with a non-traditional pattern or wear a trendy blouse to channel your inner diva.

For the girl who likes to stand out : Fusion wear

Fusion wear is big right now and gives you the right combination of traditional and western. Dhoti pants paired with embellished jackets, saree gowns, skirts with crop tops bearing Indian motifs are some great ways to don this style.