If you think clothes with loud animal prints or sequin outfits are a thing of the past, rethink. Trends like sequins and bold animal prints to mesh/ net and high-waist pants are all back in fashion and scorching the runway. If you’d like to sport them, what better place than the party season which has just kickstarted. You just need to get creative with all those long lost trends, reinvent the looks and have a ball!
2018 was filled with fashion shows which brought out yesteryear trends up and running in various ways you can ever think of. London Fashion Week Spring/ Summer Collection 2019 showed an array of clothes based on sequins. Indian origin designer Ashish Gupta dazzled the runway with his beautiful sequin-based garment.
Apart from Ashish, Donatella Versace’s Spring 2018 collection was about the key prints and pieces from the year 1999-95 which involved high-waist jeans, leggings, logo tees, fanny packs and jewelled stiletto boots.
“Retro fashion is back in a big way this season and we want to present the best of retro and also spice them up with some contemporary concepts. For instance, while sequin dresses are just as iconic as they were in the ’70s and ’80s, we are bringing them back by tweaking the necklines and hemlines to reflect modern fashion,” says Shilpee Sharma, Head of Design and StyleHub, Shoppers Stop.
Sheer detailing and mesh have also been everyone’s party favourites. “Lately, we have seen mesh panels and sheer detailing in everything, from party tops to elegant dresses. The high-waist trend too has been enjoying its fair share of the limelight. We have seen celebrities sporting high-waist pants and skirts both on and off the runway. We would suggest luxe high-waist velvet pants or high-rise satin trousers for a night out,” adds Sharma.
SEQUINS
This year, everything shiny and glittery has been quite the talk of the town. People are experimenting with glitter in their hair, on their eyes and also in their outfits.
Pune-based fashion blogger June Biswas says, “Well, as we know, fashion is cyclical so trends often repeat themselves. And when it comes to winter dressing, animal prints and sequins come back pretty much every year,” explains the fashionista.
Sequins were a primary fashion trend back in the ’90s. And this year, they are back with a bang. Sequin tops, pants and skirts are in huge demand. Talking about how it can be paired for the upcoming party season, Biswas says sequin pants can be a game changer.
“Sequin dresses are pretty easy to find but sequin pants are one of a kind. Therefore I feel it’s a must have for fashionistas. I absolutely love sequin pants and it is a part of my wardrobe. I love pairing my sparkly sequin and vivid coloured pants with a solid black corset top and a black cape to beat the winter chill and go for accessories like black pumps and a knuckle clutch. So if anyone wants to experiment with sequin pants, this is the best way to go about it,” expresses Biswas.
City-based fashion stylist and writer Andy Barve feels that sequin dresses can make heads turn and grab all the attention at a party. “Be it cocktail dresses or wrap dresses or even handbags, sequins take home the prize for adding the much needed high shine to any party ensemble. One should opt for a bright sequin slip dress and to take your outfit one step ahead, you can top the look with animal textured leather heels, and trust me, all eyes are going to be on you,” says the stylist.
MESH OR NET
This year is all about killing it with mesh/ net outfits. This is where edgy meets classy all the while paying homage to the great trend of the ’90s. This versatile trend can be worn both casually and formally.
Earlier, mesh tops used to be mostly considered as gym wear, but surprisingly it’s not the case anymore. “Mesh tops have always been considered a staple gym gear, but no longer. Mesh dresses are quite a hit for cocktails or parties now just like it was in the ’90s. Pair a mesh dress with oversized jewellery and strappy sandals and bring in your A-game to the party,” says Barve.
Kode prefers a mesh top over a mesh dress. “A mesh/ net top with a bralette inside and a pair of high-waist denims, open hair, ear studs and a pair of kitten heels will look good for a slightly bold party look or a date look for this season,” says Kode.
That said, mesh is a tricky material. If not styled properly, it can be an absolute failure. “Mesh or net is a big no-no if not styled the right way, it can question a person’s fashion sense. So I suggest that mesh can be incorporated into a gown with some details of sequins or 3D embroidery. Or wear a mesh top with a fancy bralette,” she adds.
HIGH WAIST
People are obsessed with anything high waist this year, be it palazzos, skirts, trousers, leggings or denims. And you can’t blame them because high waist is versatile, youthful and sensual. Women love high-waist bottoms for its ’90s nostalgia look. It adds this extra oomph to your overall look, be it in any pattern. High-waist bottoms accentuate the curves where they are not and keep everything in place.
“High waist is rocking at the moment. It adds the right amount of confidence to the outfit. If you layer the high-waist bottom with a jacket, it looks classic. A high-waist skirt and a top can never go wrong for anyone, whether short, tall, skinny or curvy — this look works for everyone,” says city-based designer Nabilah Shaik.
If you are planning for a party look with high-waist bottoms, Rucha Kode, city-based fashion designer and stylist, has the best tip for you: “High-waist denims with a loose crop top, contemporary earrings, bracelet and a loose pony with a good pair of heels, and you are ready to party.”
CO-ORD SET
Co-ord sets, aka two-piece sets, have been a huge rage this year. Both Bollywood and Hollywood actresses have been spotted wearing co-ords in beautiful colours and patterns.
“In order to get a chic look for the upcoming party season, two-piece sets make the garment more open to mix and match. I personally like them as you can style them up or let the look be subtle. I would recommend colour block options for this festive season and accessories with a lot of bling,” says city-based designer Nafisa Poonawala Hashim.
Biswas shares a similar view on co-ords. She says, “Two-piece sets are great and you can add scarves, belts and jackets to add style. When it comes to loose blouses, you can layer them with a sweater or full sleeved top inside for a stylish winter look.”
Jewellery plays an important role, it can take your outfit from drab to fab. Barve feels jewellery can be a game changer for the outfit, especially for co-ords, statement jewellery is a must. “Statement jewellery and accessories can amp up any look. Eye-catching neckpieces and oversized rings should do the trick. Your simple co-ords can be transformed into a gorgeous look with statement jewellery,” says Barve.
Sharma believes co-ords are for the bravehearts who are ready to experiment with colours and patterns. “For the more experimental divas, two-piece sets and loose blouses offer a plethora of opportunities. When it comes to co-ords, look for eye-catching details like sequins and metallic finishes. You will be surprised to know how the boardroom-inspired pant-suit/ skirt-suit can look party-approved with a few glamorous changes! Pair yours with neutral-toned pumps and a statement clutch to take the look a notch higher,” says Sharma.
ANIMAL PRINTS
Tiger, leopard or zebra prints must be a part of one’s wardrobe. These prints have always made a comeback through different ways, be it dresses, shoes, bags, shirts etc. This time too, they haven’t failed to surprise the fashionistas.
Barve suggests to go wild with these prints for the upcoming party season but at the same time one needs to be careful while using the prints because if overused they can pull your outfit down.
“From jungle cats to slithering scaly snakes, and everything in between, animal-inspired prints are quite a rage this season. Thanks to monochrome tones, zebra or tiger prints don’t seem overbearing anymore. Have a wild moment with a monochrome zebra print skirt with a black silk shirt and pair it with brown pumps and the night will be yours,” says Barve adding, “If you are a maximalist, go over the top with mixing two to three trends but don’t allow it to be an overkill. If your style is minimalism, go subtle with styling your outfit. For instance, a black shirt with a short animal print skirt accessorised with layered gold necklaces should do the trick or a sling bag with an animal print panel on a minimal outfit will look deadly.”
Make-up plays an important role when it comes to animal prints because the print itself is so bold and prominent. “You don’t want to be too bold and over the top but yet you do want to make a fashion statement. So you should know how to balance the look. Like with animal prints or sequins, go with nude make-up with just highlighting your lips and a simple hairdo,” says Kode.
