Here
And Everywhere
Look
around and fashion is now comfortable chic, track pants, capris, shorts, tops,
short skirts, breeches, polos, hooded tops, bags, shoes et al. The fabrics too,
draw comfort from cotton, linen, canvas, twill, knits, etc. The take-off point
is clearly sports like tennis and golf and even jogging. If fashion
communicates anything, right now, it is saying that the athletic look is in.
Upasna Sarin of Finesse, the place for shoes and bags, says, "Sports means
power, it means youth and being in control. And as long as everybody wants to
feel younger, sporty fashion will continue." And going with the youthful image,
bright colours figure high on the list. Vibrant shades are a rage, especially
in shoes and bags. So, in the stores now are trendy garments that can be worn
from work to party. As Puja Nayyar says, "The accent is on interesting details
like stylised inbuilt seams with highlights in different colours. lso, there's
mixing of fabrics."
The
sporty chic has caught on fast. Pankaj Savita, chief executive officer, Lee
Cooper, says, "We have sporty and casual lines that are easily identifiable by
the combinations and materials. It is a youthful look and everybody can be young
at heart, can't they?"
Check
out Mango for a confirmation. Puja Chhajed of the store concedes that, "For the
first time, we have got more of sporty clothes and they get picked up fast. Our
tracksuits with stripes on the sides and the whole set, with jacket and top, are
real hits. Other than black and white, every colour shade including lilac is
in." Adds Anuj Gupta of BG's, "Our denims with side stripes, are hits. Even when
it comes to accessories, not just the bags or shoes, but jewellery too, has a
casual look." And all it needs for a dressy look is to mix 'n' match - sporty
top with sleek jeans, tracks-inspired pants with a little quirky top or a
tennis-inspired dress with chic shoes and bag, and you are ready to
party!
Kick
Up A Storm
It
is not just what you wear but also what you team it with that matters. Bags and
shoes also go the casual way. From Milan to Mumbai, the bag to cart around is
the all-embracing tote. Victoria Beckham and Julia Roberts have them and so does
every with-it woman. Glamorous yet practical, and best of all, much room for
everything from your make-up to your mobile, the larger sized tote is the answer
to the perpetual female woe of not enough space in her bag. On bags, Atul
Backliwal, who runs the bag store Sumrita, says, "Casual bags in fabric with
embellishments are doing well. Every generation is going in for such bags."
Jelly bags in bright shades, bags with metal rivets, latches and studs and totes
with patches are everywhere.
The
sporty look is blazing hot even in footwear. Sneakers, retro trainers and tangos
are not just for the gym class. Almost every soul has a pair of sneakers. And
they are not the old school footwear.
The
metamorphosis is amazing, beginning with the colours from fiery orange to
vibrant pinks. "Our customers are going for the Chinese-made shoes in pinks,
blues and oranges," says Upasna Sarin. Puja Nayyar seconds that with, "These
days more women are wearing the smarter version of keds even to parties. They
are very trendy, comfortable and you can dance the night away without your shoes
killing you!"
Dress
Code
•
Having the right kind of body and personality is important while dressing up.
•If
you're a person with a sporty lifestyle, these clothes are right for you as they
allow extra stretch while also incorporating fashion elements.
•If
you have a stocky frame, go for a loose T-shirt with tracks-inspired trousers.
•If
you're muscular or skinny, then dress closer to the body. Let your flesh show if
you have great skin.
•Remember,
sporty fashion is not about dressing in sporty stripes.
•If
you have the personality, go with it but if not, don't let fashion rule
you.
•And
don't be shy about wearing a particular style; even if it is not in fashion- it
might look cool on you! Anshu Arora Sen, Fashion Designer
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