Alia Bhatt, Kangana Ranaut embrace preppy chic

For her recent appearance, Alia Bhatt opted for a Red Valentino dress, finishing off the look with her hair tied in a half-bun, understated make-up and a pair of minimalist ankle-strap sandals. Kangana Ranaut has long been a preppy chic crusader — be it the airport or red carpet. Not long ago, she had teamed a Balenciaga T-shirt with a midi-length pleated skirt, a pair of booties and round sunnies at the airport. A few weeks ago, she was seen sporting ribbons in her twin braids. Also, the popularity of series like Riverdale and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina have put the focus on school-girl inspired dressing. Think layering, pleats, a Peter Pan collar and a crisp white tee along with a messenger bag and you’ve pretty much nailed the look. We get experts to interpret it in its modern-day iteration. 

A CLASSIC LOOK 

The Ivy League-inspired dressing is a timeless classic and Blair Waldorf’s closet from Gossip Girl comes to mind instantly. Stylist Aastha Sharma compares it to an LBD. “It’s a classic look that always comes back. The way Alia wore it lent it a fresh vibe. Also, it complements the Indian body type and one could make it clean or grunge depending on one’s mood or the occasion,” says Aastha.

A RECURRING INFLUENCE 

Designer Rajat Tangri sees it as something that has always existed. “It’s something you’ll see over and over again. Peter Pan collars are always there and recently — thanks to shows like Riverdale and Sabrina — it’s become a talking point,” says he.   

REFERENCE BLAIR 

With winter approaching, perhaps it’s the best time to embrace it. Designer Nishka Lulla recalls Blair Waldorf as the best inspiration for recreating this look. “She wears a lot of cool pieces — from oversized shirts to tunic dresses with ruffles to bowtie brooches. It’s a  girlie, feminine and youthful style. I’d suggest a cable-knit metallic sweater, a pair of check pants, a blazer and a shirt,” says Nishka.