Nikhil Thampi
The good old Sharara skirts are back on the ramp with a bang this time. Call it edgy or peppy, but the modern twist that designers are imparting on this floor sweeping, flared palazzo is creating quite a buzz on runways. Shararas look like heavily layered skirts.
Last year, many big designers showcased their contemporary versions of this ethnic ensemble with long front open jackets, peplum tops and short blouses. Taking cue from the runway trend, one can contemporize an old Sharara skirt by pairing it with a modern cut blouse; think of westernized silhouette like a cowl neck or peplum cut like the one by Rahul Mishra; or perhaps go for an unconventional printed one like the ones by Yogesh Chaudhary. Sharara skirts can be paired with smart tops, corsets or blouses to make them look modern. Since the silhouette of a Sharara is flared it is always better to have sharp and sleek cuts on the top to balance it. Having v-necklines, cap sleeves, deep necklines at the back are some of the ways…
Krishna Mehta
Compliment your body type:
Be very careful while experimenting with Shararas. If you are skinny and tall, it should definitely be your next pick; however, if you don’t have the perfect body shape, there are ways to make this style your own. If you have an apple-shaped body you can go for an embellished Sharara skirt and a subtle blouse or if you have a petite body frame opt for a monotone one with a short blouse. However, the Sharara looks best on taller girls, but everyone can pull it off by wearing the right length. Girls who are a little shorter, can wear slightly less flared ones at a high waist length.
The quirk factor:
You can play around with your Sharara bottoms by pairing it with a crop top or a bustier. Or if you are looking for a quirky yet traditional look, go for a sheer embellished jacket and ditch the dupatta! Try wearing these large palazzo pants with printed crop top and colorful suspender straps. You can also wear a stylish kurta in contrasting hues for a brighter look. Having a colourful phulkari or digital print top over a nude shaded Sharara can make it eccentric too. You can even use quirky accessories like belts, head gears, bags, and etcetera.
Krishna Mehta
Trendsetting prints and fabrics:
As runways have witnessed, raw silk and crepes are being used extensively for this trend since they flow the best and allow movement of the flared pants. As for pints, unusual prints are de rigueur. The more eccentric the print is, the better it gets, like the Kathakali print by Nikhil Thampi or the pac-man print by Yogesh Chaudhary. Traditional Indian embroideries, bright velvets, silks and nets are doing rounds too. Nonetheless Shararas are best worn in sheer and light fabrics, such as georgettes and silks. You can wear them with a traditional border on the hem or with recurring motifs to look stunning.
Lot of blends in fabrics like cotton silk, georgette satin are taking over the monopoly of nets and georgette. Floral, geometric and block prints are in great vogue too but I still feel abstracts have their own never-dying story.
Krishna Mehta
The colour palette:
Without any second thoughts, gold is definitely one of the trendiest colours of the season along with beiges and whites. Also, traditional colours like ivory, yellows, greens, pinks, reds, orange and blues will be huge this season. However, electric blue, emerald green, pink, tangerine and other neon shades are still going strong along with classic black, white and beige.
Accessories:
The Sharara is a statement in itself, so go for just one bold accessory; keep accessories to a minimum since, over accessorizing is a complete turn-off. Just a tikka and pair of chandelier earrings would complete the look to perfection. Also traditional ornaments like passas and statement neck pieces or a nose ring would blend well with the outfit. Also Shararas look fabulous with juttis.
Satya Paul
Guru speaks:
Fashion designer Masaba Gupta says, “You can pair an ethnic Sharara shirt with an oversized jacket or shirt. Make sure that these have strong shoulders, to contrast the feminine look of the Sharara.”
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