Fusion wear: Not a passing fad

Start adding Western touches to your traditional outfits and watch your style game soar

KARACHI:

Ladies, let's face it—fusion wear has waltzed its way into our closets, and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. Why? Because it's easy, it's versatile, and let's be honest, it's just plain fun. Who has the time to agonise over whether to go all-out Eastern or completely Western when you can have the best of both worlds? Welcome to the era of fusion wear, where mixing a little Desi with global chic is the name of the game.

With more women making waves in the Pakistani workforce, fusion wear has surged in popularity. Gone are the days when your choices were limited to a stiff shalwar kurta or a full-on Western suit. Now, you can mix and match like a pro. Who knew that pairing a button-down shirt with a saree would become a thing? Spoiler alert: it's THE thing. It's comfortable, it's chic, and it makes you feel like you just might have invented fashion.

Pakistani women have always been sartorial pioneers (yes, even you in the back with the old dupatta-turned-scarf). We've been mastering the art of mix-and-match since forever, but now, it's finally having its moment in the spotlight. Today, fusion wear is the go-to for everything from casual brunches to boardroom meetings. And let's not forget weddings, where if you don't spot at least one guest rocking a pant saree, is it even wedding season? The pant saree is perfect for those of us who love the idea of a saree but can't quite commit to the traditional drape (or just love our trousers too much to give them up).

Fusion wear pros

Saree aficionado Mahira Khan has of course mastered the pant saree and made it her own. Her saree features a vivid patchwork of bold, floral, and geometric patterns, with shades of red, green, blue, and black creating a visually striking and eclectic look. The fabric is light and flows effortlessly, allowing for a modern, easy-to-wear feel while still maintaining the traditional saree's elegance. It's also draped in a way that shows the pants peaking through, tailored and sleek, offering a contemporary twist to the traditional silhouette, adding a practical element that makes the saree more versatile and comfortable for movement.

Sajal Ali chose to show off her talent for fusion wear at the perfect event. The premiere of British romantic comedy, What's Love Got to Do with It?, a celebration of cross culture love. She opted for a modest yet form-flattering long top and skirt combo. The deep blue fit is designed with a graceful silhouette that drapes beautifully, enhancing her figure while maintaining a sense of refinement. What makes this look particularly unique is the addition of a dupatta-like wrap around her arms, merging traditional Eastern elements with contemporary Western fashion.

Amongst fusion wear pros, Ayesha Omar stands tall. She wears a structured, Western-style top with a peplum silhouette, which is adorned with intricate traditional embroidery in shades of gold and silver, creating a luxurious and ornate effect. The top is paired with loose, cream-coloured trousers that add a modern, relaxed touch to the ensemble.

The little touches

The style is all about breaking the rules while keeping it classy. You can pair your mom's vintage jhumkas with a sleek pantsuit or stitch a jumpsuit using the traditional print you bought from the market.

For everyday wear, let's keep it simple. A slouchy kurta paired with your favorite jeans? Yes, please. Or simply a pair of tan leather khussas, maybe some plain glass bangles, and you're set. The idea is to start with a clean base—nothing too over the top—and add in those little touches.

Now, if you're worried about crossing the line into tacky territory, fear not. Fusion wear, when done right, is anything but. Just avoid the urge to throw on every Desi accessory you own at once. Remember, less is more.

As more and more women embrace this trend, fusion wear is finally shaking off its earlier reputation of being boring or, worse, confusing. It's not just a passing fad; it's a revolution in how we think about dressing. Fashion, after all, is a reflection of who we are, and as Pakistani women, we're a mix of traditions, influences, and modern sensibilities. So, why shouldn't our wardrobes reflect that?