CHENNAI: There was once a time we had to lock up our expensive Louise Phillipes and Van Huesens, waiting for the merciless heat to die down so we can button up again. Not anymore. Taking a cue from the likes of Sonam Kapoor and Rihanna, we tell you how to move past the traditional formal silhouette and a few interesting pairings to try for the season.
Breaking it down
Learn the art of deconstruction from Anushka Sharma. Spotted in deconstructed shirts through the promotions of Phillauri, the actor shows you how to highlight those chiselled shoulders and clavicle with her outfit choices. We like her Vizyon separates paired with tan sandals. The bright berry lip is a welcome splash of colour. If you’re looking for something more formal, take her Sr Store number, effortlessly pairing this pinstriped ruffled number with a simple pair of formal bottoms. Keeping the makeup minimum is crucial to the success of the latter.
Mix and match
The Highway actor is giving Sonam a run for her money if her outfits are anything to go by. If you have weddings lined up for the summer and want to ditch your usual traditionals, here’s how you can avoid those disapproving looks from the elders. This sequined shirt-embellished skirt combo sported by Alia Bhatt is a great outfit to ape for evening festivities. Go low on the accessories and invest on just a great pair of earrings to make the outfit stand out. Use a sleeveless shirt and printed palazzos (think Payal Khandwala) if you’re not looking for something too conservative. Keep the hair neatly tied, although you might want to avoid buns.
Tricks up the sleeve
Gone are the days when Sonakshi Sinha was our little village belle from the Dabangg franchise. Spotted in a breezy monochrome ensemble during the promotions for her latest flick, Noor, the Lootera actor sported a comfortable tucked-in Shweta Kapur button down with denim from Tommy Hilfiger. The bishop sleeves are a great way to make a simple outfit choice like this feel loud, thereby doing away with the boring formal stamp that usually comes along with a white shirt.
Full bloom
If you keep aside the dirt storm that kicked up during the promotions of Rangoon, one of the things your attention is bound to be drawn to is Kangana Ranaut’s impressive promotion wardrobe. This particular Marc Jacobs piece brings gingham floral knitting and the plain formal shirt together for a fresh look. You can choose to pair this with the culottes and bow tie that the actor went for or go for the conventional formal options. Full marks for subtly sprucing up our board room ensemble options.
Surface tension
Sonam Kapoor is Bollywood’s undisputed style queen and this outfit during one of her promotional sprees bears witness to it. The Neerja actor’s outfit sees three styles — denim shirt, khakhi suit and a plaid shirt-coat effortlessly coming together for a perfect high-street ensemble. We aren’t too big on the oversized sunglasses and would recommend the double-bridged rounded ones instead.
MUST TRY
With prickly heat knocking at our doors, give your back some space to breathe by wearing your shirt backwards. It’s a great way to get this garment to hug your silhouette. Wear your neck accessories backwards too to highlight that spine. Paired easily with formals or even with simple denim, we suggest you keep the shirt tucked to avoid any slips and to keep the look neat. Accessorise big for this and go for plain shirt variants.
Highs and lows
We have a lot more to thank model Chrissy Teigen for than just her sass on Twitter. Bringing the formal shirt back on the uneven hemlines discussion board, we spotted her in an Esteban Cortazar shirt and blue denim shorts. The outfit looks breezy for the hot days. If you choose to go for a laid-back styling as Teigen has, this is an outdoor favourite you won’t be ditching for a long time. As accessories, throw in an oversized bag or a lovely pair of complementary boots for the perfect look.
Loosening up
Rihanna is currently basking in the glory of a hit Met Gala red carpet outfit. But trust the 29-year-old singer-songwriter to ace street style with ease as well. Straying away from the well-fitted belted variants her Hollywood peers are donning, Rihanna likes her shirt dresses oversized with a plunging neckline to show off her tattoos. White sneakers seem to be our favourite footwear option this year. If you’re looking for an airy afternoon outfit here’s the outfit to pick.
LOOK STAPLES
Minimal accessories: Go for statement pieces rather than accessorising every limb
Handbags: Bigger the better. Remember, we are tapping formal roots here
Footwear: Bring out your ankle boots, pumps and sneakers depending on where you wish to go. Ditch flip flops and simple sandals for good this summer.
Makeup: Your eyes and lips are the only ones that need work this season. Keep everything else muted or do away with it altogether.