Image: Tarun Tahiliani
Previously considered a traditional menswear staple, the humble dhoti is no longer so. As scores of women look beyond the done to death churidaar to spice up their desi attires, the dhoti has emerged as a clear (and chic) winner. And it’s not just a claim we’re making, the runways dictate the same as well. Everyone from Tarun Tahiliani, Anju Modi and Anita Dongre to Pankaj & Nidhi and Payal Singhal have been dabbling with this bottom quite generously, giving fashion aficionados plenty to choose from.
L to R: Anita Dongre, Joy Mitra, Shilpa Reddy and Anju Modi
Safe to say that the charms of this old school must-have haven’t been lost on us. Its versatility is what really tips the scales in favor of the dhoti. So we decode the umpteen ways in which you can sport this au courant favorite to score some serious fashion cred.
- Team your dhoti with an embellished cropped jacket for a structured look. You could mix two complementing colors or simply opt for a monotone look for an elongated effect.
Anju Modi
- Another way to go is to wear your dhoti with a knee-length or high-low hemline kurta. Other kurta silhouettes that you can play with are sherwani styles or collared versions.
Payal Singhal
- And if you’re looking for some celebrity validation, just turn to our homegirl Sonam Kapoor! She sure knows how to make the most of the dhoti and its adaptable ways. Take a cue (or many) from her and team yours with a high-low cape, a kurta with sheer panels or wear it in the form of a sari!
- You can even take the dhoti from your desi wardrobe to your western one. Simply pair it with a cool crop top or tucked-in blouse and you’ll be good to dash from a sangeet to a bar in no time at all!
Priyanka Chopra in Pankaj & Nidhi dhoti pants
- Color is no bar either. Black and gold are universal favorites and can be easily mixed and matched with a host of tops. But don’t shy away from hues like oxblood, moss green, ink blue or printed brocade ones either.
Tarun Tahiliani
- With a few tweaks, the dhoti pant can work for every body type. Skinny women can go all out with flared versions while those on the heavier side should opt for slimmer dhotis. They ought to avoid too many frills, else they risk an overwhelming look.
Slim fit dhoti pants by Arpita Mehta
- Since the bottom is voluminous enough, keep your top structured, snug and well-fitted. Too loose and you may drown under the bagginess of the look.
So will you don the dhoti this festive season? Tell us in the comment box below.
Praachi Raniwala for Luxemi
