Sonam K Ahuja to Anushka Sharma: B-Town lasses embrace modest dressing

Covered-up can be as sensual as a generous flash of skin. Modest dressing has been the most defining trend over the last few years with labels like Celine referencing today’s thinking woman, who likes to express her individuality in cocoon-like silhouettes and completes her ensemble with artisanal accessories. Be it Erdem with its high-neck Victorian aristocratic dresses or Vetements crushing the body-con va va voom with its oversized clothing truck — self-effacing simplicity never looked so charming.

Over the last few weeks, Bollywood beauties like Sonam K Ahuja, Kajol and Anushka Sharma have shown us that standing out isn’t necessarily about flashing cleavage or exposing gym-toned legs. 

In Resort 19 line-up, too, designers like Missoni, Preen, Jil Sander and Temperley London sent out head-to-toe covered looks, which celebrated the modest dressing movement. Simple, spare yet striking! Maybe, it’s fashion’s way of reaching out to a specific clientele, who long for a reticent and a rather pared-down approach to style or it’s the designers’ way of portraying today’s strong-minded, independent women, who wear many a hat with effortless elan. 

Edward Lalrempuia, Fashion Director, Harper’s Bazaar sees it as brands’ way of reaching out to the fashion-forward Middle East market. “Modesty was a major trend last season, too. Look at Valentino resort that is derived from the exuberant ’70s yet covered-up,” says Edward. 

REFLECTION OF #METOO

One sees a rising interest for more conservative wear that ties in very much with women’s empowerment. Designer Ridhi Mehra observes, “At this year’s Golden Globes, celebrities in ‘silent support’ of the #MeToo movement, opted for higher necklines, longer sleeves and wider hems. Female empowerment inspires the modern modest fashion trend and in turn, it became the unofficial uniform of women seeking to be taken seriously.”

She adds, “Opt for organza skirts or shararas, flowy tops with statement sleeves (add a playful vibe with the ones with exaggerated tassels/fringes) and jumpsuits. You can also go maximal and glam with metallic tops and high-waisted trousers/bell bottoms.” 

SARTORIAL REVOLUTION 

From models like Winnie Harlow to Ashley Graham, Radhika Nair and Bhumika Arora, fashion is becoming all-embracing. Fashion columnist Asmita Aggarwal says, “You also have a hijab-wearing model Halima Aden, who proudly sports braces too, being openly accepted and has a league of dedicated followers.”

Asmita observes that there’s a quiet revolution of sorts that is taking place. “However, one can attribute this movement’s success to social media and the democracy of thoughts that it has ushered in. It is a certainly welcome change from the predictable blue-eyed, blondes, who had infiltrated our mind space,” she adds.