Holi Sundowner 101

The festival of colours is synonymous with bhaang parties, fun-soaked sundowners and an air of exuberance. While one’s got to protect oneself and their outfit from the riot of colours and water being splashed around, there can’t be an excuse to not look up-to-the-second chic. Since there are way too many hues around, it’s best to embrace the classic whites and comfy organics. Designer Monica Shah of label Jade roots for the basic monochromes for a boisterous Holi sundowner. “I prefer whites and with so many colours around you, it makes one look more stunning and stand out. Otherwise, one tends to merge with other colours. Gulaal and white is a stunning combination,” says Monica. She suggests opting for layering with a Lucknowi jacket over a kurta. “All in all settle for a clean look,” she advises.

A HINT OF BLING 

In Western space, one may pick from designer duo Gauri and Nainika’s resort line, which is a bold canvas of yellow and orange hues. Stylist Eshaa Aminn shares, “Gauri and Nainika have come up with cool halter dresses with fun voluminous sleeves. If Indie is more your style then invest in an easy Arpita Mehta short dress with a hint of bling. Having said that, I’ve always been a fan of a white tee or a kurta. For guys, a linen or a cotton shirt in white works well with a pair of blue denims.” 

EMBRACE PAINTERLY PRINTS 

Dolce & Gabbana and Rochas are two international design houses, which have resurrected hand-painted creations on the style map and Holi is perhaps the best time to embrace clothing which is rich in painterly brush strokes. 

Stylist Isha Bhansali says, “Splashy artisanal prints work well. I’d suggest pick something from designer Urvashi Kaur’s tie-dye collection. Last season ZARA did them too. Or go boho and try and incorporate vibrant accessories. Guys can opt for asymmetrical kurtas from Antar-Agni.”

FEARLESS COLOUR BLOCKING 

Since rainbow stripes are such a hit this season, a multi-coloured striped look works well for a Holi party.  

Designer Aniket Satam suggests, “One can be fearless in terms of colour blocking and layer one’s looks with various contrasting tones. Take a break from all this overdose of hues and team your look with comforting monotones.”