Diwali might be over but the festive vibes is going to stay at least till the year ends. And with the wedding season in the offing, we got in touch with popular couturier, Nivedita Saboo to share her top occasion wear style commandments you can swear by for festivals and beyond.
"Being a couturier for over two decades, people intrinsically ask me about my advice on occasion wear dressing, the top trends they need to keep a pulse on, and more often than not, what is not trending. While I design two new collections every year along with a number of capsule edits, I’ve always been an advocate of season-less pieces. Style, I believe as should everyone else, needs to be a medium for self-expression. It should be a nod towards your individuality, how you’re feeling and to suit your style and vibe," suggests Saboo.
"However, there are a few tips and tricks that I feel every man can imbibe when it comes to festive dressing. From picking easy-breezy silhouettes for that party and a classic etnic look at work, to accessorising a timeless look for a modern update and elevating your basics, consider these hacks my fashion mantras for men to make a statement at any celebratory occasion, she further adds, sharing some ultimate style cues for men, this season.
Dress light
The easiest way to take the load off is by opting for a lightweight fabric. Outfits made with gossamer textiles will allow freedom of movement and literally, let you dance the night away at a celebration. Stretch cotton is a firm favourite at the House of Nivedita. It fuses the breathability of cotton with the springiness of elastane for unmatched comfort. Linens are another obvious choice when you want to keep it cool. They provide a tailored silhouette but in a soft, airy fabric. From luxe co-ord sets for men to travel jackets, we optimize linens to the T in our collections. If a little sheen is what you’re after, satin silks and handwoven silks are great. I strongly suggest you refrain from heavy fabrics that will weigh you down.
Keep it simple
We have all our own version of what entails as simple. As a couturier, simple for me translates to clean cuts and easy silhouettes. Ensembles that are crafted with minimal embellishments but guarantee a structured, sophisticated look. Call it the response to the emerging trend of oversized pieces and anti-fits for a casual look or your vacation wardrobe if you may. That is not to say it is remittance from comfort—think sharply tailored silhouettes with built-in structures like side zips, detachable details, and foldable elements. Go for easy silhouettes such as short kurta sets, co-ord sets and bandis. Our latest bandi edit features an array of styles, from pastel versions to hand-quilted ones.
Less is more
For most part, festive celebrations in India exude vibrancy and grandeur. It’s why we often inch toward ornate occasion wear pieces. But you don’t need OTT embellishments or embroidery to make a stunning outfit. In fact, you need less of it. At the House of Nivedita, we never underestimate the allure (and power) of a minimal outfit. The pandemic, too, has played a part in making this shift happen. A sharply tailored kurta set can become the cornerstone of your wardrobe. When designing, my focus is always on the construction of a menswear garment. Cut & Sew, one of our signature techniques, is a perfect example. It involves carefully cutting textiles into individual panel shapes and seamlessly bringing them together for a textured look. The result is easy-on-the-eyes outfits, but with intricate detailing.
Tone-on-tone is the way to go
In a sea of colour-blocked looks and outfits with metallic accents, tone-on-tone is likely to always stand out. When you go for a monotone look from head-to-head, it promises an elongated, more defined outcome. In fact, we go all the way to even include embroidery of the same colour family when designing our menswear collections, be it the grooms wear in our couture line or the lighter festive wear range. Personally, I love the idea that a tone-on-tone makes for a stand-out look, and retains a certain level of softness.
Play with prints
Speaking of my go-to menswear festive look, a minimal outfit with an eclectic edge sums it up. And what can be more playful than prints. From graphics to geometrics, prints have found themselves melding not just into streetwear but also festive wear for men. Don’t be afraid to experiment with print-on-print ensembles for a young, fresh look. If I were styling a man, a printed kurta layered with a complementing printed bandi would be the way to go. Chevrons, stripes and even marbling motifs are part of the House of Nivedita’s new must-have festive collection.
Embrace monochrome
Whether your personal style is OTT or low-key, black and white is the key palette in every man’s closet—and for good reason. Season after season, monochromes find their way in our collections too. They are classic, they work on everyone and are easy to accessorise. In our all-new Festive Edit 2022, we have dabbled with various versions of greys, pewter, metallic gunmetal and charcoal, along with classic black and white. These have taken the form of kurtas, blazers, co-ord sets, sherwanis, and of course, suits.
Accessorise like a pro
Depending on how you feel, you could wear a highly embellished or a modest outfit, while keeping the accessories to a minimal or go bold. There are no rules really. Although, my top suggestion when accessorising a festive outfit is blending the best of both worlds. Let the nuances of your Indian wear look stand out by picking some modern accessories. This could reflect with your choice of shoes like loafers, leather Pershawari or caligae. Or wear a pocket square or brooch for that perfect finishing touch.
