Historic dramas like Mera Sultan have has us drooling over their extravagant Ottoman-inspired jewellery like crowns, maatha pattis and necklaces for months. Most recently, the drama brought a coat revolution in the fashion industry and encouraged scores of designers to come up with desi capes that could be worn to weddings and other formal events, complete with embroidery and local prints, etc. But now, this queen-like fashion has taken a turn for the contemporary: the shirts and capes have shrunk in length and are worn over a plain pair of tights. Also, while the queens of the yesteryears might have paired their bedazzled capes with a plain fabric underneath, today’s fashion combines spunky digital prints on both the inside and outside for added measure. And the best part: these capes can we worn anytime, anywhere! Read on to see how you can jump onto the cape wagon as well.
Formal Work Attire
As comfortable as it is to wear shalwar kameez to work, the outfit unfortunately doesn’t always look the most proper and many working women try to pair their kurtas with a chic blazer in a futile attempt to appear more formal. The short shirt with a cape on top can save you from all such troubles. Having a long gown on can transform even the dullest of outfits into a very polished one. Be it a quick office lunch or an important business meeting with the higher-ups, first impressions matter and you are sure to make a good one with this look. Just remember to have these gowns stitched to mid thigh length with a material that is sturdy and structured to give it the right fall.
Wedding Wear
Dont know what to wear this shaadi season? Afraid you’ll have to repeat old dresses? Worry not! This is where the cape and its versatility comes in. Invest in a couple of embroidered capes and wear them interchangeably with different inner shirts to keep the variety alive. Alternatively, you can simply get one heavy, neutral-coloured coat stitched and change the inner shirt for every event you attend, making it seem like a new outfit every time. Some of the options include a short silk pleated shirt in bright pink or a dark, mysterious bottle green or blue, all of which will look fantastic with a white, black or even beige upper cape. This will not only save you time but also a whole lot of money.
Summer Style
This style is truly for everyone, even those who don’t enjoy dressing up. The capes don’t always have to be made with heavy fabric — lawns and chiffons will look just as great as banarsi or velvet. Hence, this trend allows you to avoid the summer fashion faux pas and look your best, even in the scorching heat. Pair your coat with light chicken inner shirts or lawn camisoles and you are good to go. Not only will you look effortlessly chic, you will also stay much cooler in the blazing summer and that too for a cheap price! Once again, make sure your coat is mid-length to keep in line with the latest fashion.
The gown is the best trend to emerge from our fashion industry in recent years. As the lengths of our kurtas inch upwards, we can conclude that nothing looks better than a short, sleeveless kurta in a pale shade, coupled with tights and a flowy, colourful cape on top.
Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, March 2nd, 2014.
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