April 10, 2017
Dressed for the Destination
Wondering what to pack for your upcoming vacation? So whether you plan to go to Bali or Bora Bora, Goa or Greece, fashion designers have made sure that there’s plenty to take your pick from their resort-ready clothes. Resortwear, which is fast catching up in India, is easy-going apparel for sunny climate. Think about poolside afternoon or about cocktail evening out it’s all about going uber-chic even on a holiday– relaxed kaftans, sarongs to beach-ready swimwear and even easy-breezy dresses. So what are the secrets for acing a vacation look? There’s a look for different occasion – a casual day outing, a beach look and a formal cocktail evening do.
Turn to the experts for some holiday-wear style therapy.
MONISHA JAISING
From holiday separates to cocktail evening dresses, Monisha Jaisingh’s cruise-ready line has lighter fabrics from Italian organza to wool crepe. Up the glam quotient by opting for camisole tops paired with shorts, a kaftan dress or a casual sweatshirt dress. Pair it with pointed toe pumps and an oversized clutch and you are ready to rock the look.
Shop the look: For a hint of retro-glam, she recommends 80’s style blouses paired with jeans for a glamorous evening out in the resort.
NANDITA MAHTANI
Dreamy, flowy and romantic with a strong sense of drama is her idea of resortwear. Her ‘Pretty in Pastels’ cruise line has loads of sexy bikinis, umbrella dresses (classic flattering and voluminous dress), butterfly motif dresses and delicate tunics in sorbet shades to compliment the season. Colour palette ranges from subtle hues like aqua green, baby pink, peach and powder blue along with whites. Comfort is key and so the designer has used lightweight fabrics like organza, cotton and georgette.
Shop the look: Whether you are holidaying in Saint-Tropez in France or in Goa, keep it simple yet stylish in black georgette one-shoulder dress with side slits.
FARAH SANJANA
Yes, florals works right at every spot. Splashed with golden blossoms Farah Sanjana’s resort wear line is all for fashion conscious travellers. Think about printed and layered long skirt teamed with sexy printed peplum (gathered strip of fabric attached at the waist) choli. Her other ensembles include printed pantsuit with bandana top, slit palazzos and micro skirts.
Shop the look: Add a bohemian touch to your wardrobe with unusual embellishments on denims and jackets, micro skirts paired with crinkled floor-length long coats.
NISHKA LULLA
She is known for her easy-to-wear styles for fashion in the sun. Relaxed and trendy, her languid silhouettes consist of checked flared pants, bustier with scalloped shorts, checked midi with bright pink stash, wrap skirt and jumpsuit. Also on the hotlist for those formal evening outs are light cocktail gowns. Colour palette ranges from white, grey and pink.
Shop the look: She recommends mini tunics, cut-out dresses and drop-waist dresses (dress with gathered skirt at the hip) for your fun outing with friends.
SWATI VIJAIVARGIE
Colourful Otami textiles of Mexico are the predominant influence for Vijaivargie’s resort look. The designer has also cleverly used Indian hand-block prints with Mochi (chain-stitch used by cobblers) embroidery on lightweight muls, cotton silks and handwoven khadi. If you are an unconventional globetrotter, there are plenty of options to choose from – gypsy-styled pyjamas, printed asymmetrical tops, jumpsuits, harem pants and maxi with bell-sleeves. The colour palette is vibrant consisting of ivory, pewter, sunshine, yellow, coral, teal, crimson red and tones of indigo.
Shop the look: A touch of whimsy is all you need — billowing capes, printed jumpsuits and flowy skirts.
SONAL VERMA
Her holiday wardrobe is filled with fun separates in cheerful pop colours. The designer has used super fine cotton in cruise stripes in her line of dresses, maxis, flared pants and striped pantsuits. Her signature collection is all about details in the form of coloured tassels and woven studs. Accessorise with envelope clutches and drawstring bags to complete the look.
Shop the look: Play it cool with wide-embroidered pants teamed with a striped jacket.
SHWETA KAPUR
Drawing inspiration from sportswear, Shweta Kapur’s line features sequined bell-bottoms, shorts with frills and appliqué elements, midi-skirts, wrap-around skirts teamed with monochromatic shirts and cropped tops. For destination wedding in some exotic locales, the designer recommends metallic textured saris accessorised with broad belts. A word of caution: Make sure metallic shades flatter your body rather than turning into a metallic foil.
Shop the look: Try rocking a bralette teamed with dhoti pant in monochrome on the beach.
So whip out that suitcase and start packing for your next holiday.
Sushmita Biswas
Sushmita Biswas, is a journalism professional with 15 years of work experience in Indian media houses including The Telegraph and Hindustan Times. Have commendable reporting and editorial skills on varied subjects like films, fashion, health, beauty, lifestyle, culture, travel and entertainment.
She interviews people from various walks of life — actors, directors, chefs, authors, start-up founders, festival organizers, human resource managers and even sportspersons. Her key strengths include well-researched lifestyle and human interest articles.