Trend aisle: 5 fads to follow this wedding season

KARACHI:

The invites are in and although the weather has yet to turn, we’re just a few short weeks away from the much-awaited wedding season. With trends changing across the year and new ones making an appearance, there’s no doubt that wedding apparel too will see revived trends. Cholis have become more daring, lehengas more voluminous, and we see artisans in the fashion industry opting for a wider array of fabrics. As we move away from traditional wedding attire and become more creative in our choice, here’s a guide to the top five trends you can opt for this wedding season.

Shorten that choli



We’ve been seeing the lehenga choli dominate every season so far and we’re happy it’s here to stay. Designers are moving away from the more traditional length, opting for much shorter cholis that are adorned with embellishments and intricate work. As cholis become shorter, lehengas have gone fuller and more voluminous, with designers using diverse fabrics ranging from net to chiffon to chikankari to woven brocades and delicate jamawar.



Go bolder with off-shoulder



Bare those shoulders because this season is all about shrugging off your sleeves. This trend has been spotted around town and as it can be styled in more than one way, it’ll most definitely make an appearance during wedding season. Unlike the crop top, this fad is suitable for most body types.

Look svelte in a sari belt



Drawing inspiration from our Indian neighbours, the sari belt or kamarband is having a major fashion moment in the local fashion industry. Seen across collections during bridal week, this must-have accessory is traditionally used to keep the sari in place but has become a sartorial statement. Although a small accessory, the belt is versatile in its use as it’s not limited to be worn on saris but can also be paired with lehengas, waistcoats and gowns.

Do the dhoti shalwar



The old-school vintage classic, the dhoti shalwar, is making a comeback this wedding season. Although traditionally part of menswear, the dhoti-shalwar has been seen throughout bridal collections recently and makes for an interesting piece when incorporated with a short peplum style kameez.

Toe the line with shorter hemline



Although we’re not new to this fad and many have opted for shorter hemlines in recent times, trend forecasts say hemlines will continue to creep higher up and can be primarily paired with flared palazzos —  bringing back the 70s glamour. Expect shorter hemlines for shirts in a variety of fabrics, such as silk, lace, net and velvet, embellished with intricate hand embroidery and cut work.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2^nd, 2015.

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