Make a fashion statement this Dussehra.
While we might miss out on playing Garba on community grounds with hordes of people or visiting Durga pandals, we can celebrate and be part of the festival in our own way. Whether we can celebrate the festival or not, these nine days are a great opportunity to dust off those clothes that have been locked up in your wardrobe for close to two years! Nine days, Nine colours, meaning Nine different looks! Here is how you can get ready with the colour of the day (it’s a thing guys) whether you are off to a puja or just dressing up just for the ’Gram.
DAY 1: FOLLOW THE YELLOW
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Yellow is a bright colour that pairs well with white, but that’s the predictable route. If you want to stand out from the rest, wear your yellow differently. Pairing a yellow with a brown is a fun way to start. Match a yellow asymmetrical kurta with brown pants. To add just the right amount of flare to it, pick out a printed scarf or cravat along with boots to finish off the look.
DAY 2: GORGEOUS GREEN
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Green can be a tricky hue to pull off, especially if you don’t manage to get the right shade. A plain green kurta should work, but we don’t do things that are ordinary around here. Give the kurta and pyjama a skip and wear a printed co-ord shirt and pant-set instead. You can wear the separates as is or tuck the shirt in and add an additional long jacket in the same print. Wear loafers to keep the rest of the look minimal, and you are good to go!
DAY 3: GLORIOUS GREY
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Those who say that grey is dull, haven’t really seen it in its full glory. The versatility of grey is what makes it a menswear favourite. There is one thing we have realised though, the modern Indian man loves to experiment, and for him, we have put together a grey ensemble. It’s simple: Throw the churidar out and add in fun textured pants instead. You could play with the length of the pants if you like. If you think the pants are too casual, pair gathered dhoti pants with a white shirt and a grey linen jacket. Add some chunky sneakers, and you have an Indo-western fun Navratri look to show off.
DAY 4: OPULENT ORANGE
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‘How to not look like a santra’, should be the title actually. We have seen variations of this happy hue around us in the past few years, and not all have been pleasant to look at! Here is a tip on how to not look like a sadhu when dressing in orange. Pick out a plain, simple kurta and match a heavy orange dupatta with it. Finish the look with a belt, some sunglasses and juttis. Ya, the look is OTT, but when it comes to dressing well, on some days, we gotta go the extra mile.
DAY 5: WHIMSICAL WHITE
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How many times have people called you a politician for wearing a white kurta? Too many times to count? Here is how to not look like a throttlebottom (an innocuously inept and futile person in public office)! Pick textured clothing when picking white. It could be embroidery or fabric manipulation that gives the fabric a unique feel, but choosing something textured gives the garment some depth. It is also visually enticing. Wear a textured white co-ord set and some white sandals and see the magic unfurl.
DAY 6: RAVISHING REDS
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Another powerful colour on the list, this hue is a reflection of the goddess herself. Wearing red is a power move and a colour that instantly draws attention. If you feel that the colour is way out of your comfort zone to wear as a block colour, layer it. Start with a plain white or black kurta and add a red colour bandhgala or printed red jacket to it. If that’s too much for you, wear a light red linen shirt with white linen pants. It’s a laid-back look that can be worn for festivities and casual outings too. Wear a pair of good leather loafers for either of the looks to tie it together.
DAY 7: ROYAL BLUE
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The name of the colour itself screams royalty. No, we are not asking you to bury yourself in hordes of sapphires and brocade shawls. What we mean when we say dress like a monarch is, to choose a fabric that has a regal touch to it. Choose a fabric that glistens like organza or even raw silk. You can opt to wear a royal blue organza angrakha with white churidars or like actor Dino Morea, go for a simple blue suit with a royal jacket. Finish the look with black brogues or loafers.
DAY 8: PHENOMENAL PINK
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Pink has been long accepted as a part of a man’s wardrobe. From wedding attire to suit sets, this cheery shade is now found everywhere. For Navratri 2021, let’s add our own little twist to styling pink. Use your pink blazer to highlight the colour and pair it with a full white kurta set. Or you could layer a pink shirt and pants with a long white embroidered overcoat. Wear these with some moccasins, and you’re all set to set fire to the dance floor!
DAY 9: POWERFUL PURPLE
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We end with yet another jewel tone, and it cannot get better than this. Incorporating printed purple kurtas and linen shirts are great, but have you tried a safari suit? This formidable piece of clothing looks ethereal in shades of purple. If that is too extra for you, opt for a bandhgala shirt with pants in the same shade. Wear them with some brown formal shoes and be ready to be the star on the last day of Navratri.
Whether it’s traditional or casual wear you opt for, all you need is the confidence to pull these looks off! Happy Dussehra in advance!
[Image Credit: Etsy]
Shraddha Shetty