A guide to build an Indo-western capsule wardrobe

 A guide to build a sustainable Indo-western capsule wardrobe!

If you're most of the times worried about what to wear before heading out and find yourself saying things like “I have nothing to wear!” in a closet full of clothes piled up; also if you envy the effortlessly graceful ethnic outfits that you see the celebrities papped in, then you're at luck because I think I might be on to something here! I'm going to make an effort to make your life a lot more easier with this Indo-western capsule wardrobe that will never have you worried about what to wear again.

Here's a list of things you'll need to put together outfits and also some styling tips & tricks- (Products are linked with pictures, tap the pictures to know more about the particular product)

A basic white kurta: Put a contemporary spell on the white tee/tank you have and switch it out for a crisp white kurta, you can style it with literally anything and everything from ripped jeans, maxi skirts, trousers, palazzos or give yourself a break from pants and wear a flared one as a dress. Style it with your favorite jhumkas or hoops or some silver jewelry and a cute pair of juttis, kolhapuris, or even your beloved comfy sneakers.

A black Kurta: If you don't trust yourself with white like me and worry that you might not go all day without staining it, pull out a trusty black one and give it an edge with some oxidized jewelry and you’re good to go! Wear it as a dress to a party, a meeting at work, or even just a day out with your family.

Black or white, there’s more to them than colors, don’t forget to experiment with different fabrics and textures! Silk, chikankari, pleated, ruched, there's also different necklines and designs, pick what you want and make it fit your own signature style.

Tops & Tunics: I've got you covered when it’s hot, swap your boring graphic tee with a pretty and colorful contemporary top, you can pair these with any shorts/skirts you heart desires. They’re breezy and perfect for a fun summertime sabbatical!

Bottoms: There’s no end to the list when it comes to bottom wear. Skirts, Culottes, Dhoti pants, Palazzos, Salwars, cigarette pants, trousers, and many more varieties that you can style your top wear with. You can always play around with Prints, Embroideries, and fabrics if you are to style them with solid pieces from your closet; you can literally style these with any shirt or graphic tee you have, add a belt to marry them.

 

Dupattas & scarfs: Whether you're feeling a little extra feminine or you just want to spice things up, try a nice Ikat dupatta or a Phulkari one if you want to make a statement, instead of just wearing a different lipstick. There are numerous varieties to pick from Chanderi, Banarsi silk, Gota Patti, Kalamkari & more!

Shoes: Switch your sneakers for perhaps some Mojaris, Juttis or Kolhapuri chappals, they come in beautiful and intricate designs and also in simple solid colors. You can wear them with a basic outfit and also match them with other accessories or your bag.

As far as makeup goes, while you're at it don't hesitate to smoke some kajal in the waterline or from wearing that pink lipstick or even wearing a bindi!

Just to remind you this was just the Indo part of the 'Indo-Western' capsule wardrobe, these are the quintessential pieces you'll need to mix, match and pair with the western clothes you already own. We all have basic western pieces like jeans, sneakers, shorts, skirts, and dresses but we might not own all the ethnic ones mentioned; If we at all were to, we'd probably be way less worried about what to wear!

 

Indian ethnic clothing is extremely versatile in all aspects. You can wear these pieces anywhere, at any time, and in any season! As millennials and GenZs, we generally tend to overlook the endless possibilities of including them in daily life fearing to look like one of the aunties or being called one. The best part about it is that you may not really have to go and shop for them separately, just raid your mom’s wardrobe and you’ll surely find some of the pieces mentioned. It can be fun to experiment and look a little more elegant and graceful without always feeling like you have to go OTT with it.