Indus Valley Times

BY SHABIHA NUR KHATOON

Pastel hues are the biggest fashion trends among fashion lovers. They are the perfect choice for creating a lovely outfit of the day. The best part about pastel shades is that they can be mixed and matched with other pastels, as well as with neutral hues.

Ankita Patnaik, a city-based fashionista says, “While talking about latest trends it is impossible to forget pastel colours. Be it edgy or classy, loud or descent, ethnic or western there are easy ways to make these ethereal light hues set as a head-turner. They are totally in for all age groups. We see soft shades, muted hues which are soft and cool. It feels like pastel hues come with that special innocence and gentle nature and these hues imparts a message of extreme sweetness and delicate. Along with the ‘Open to all age groups’ tag it also possesses a tag of ‘Open to all occasions’. Beating off the bright eye-catchy colours in ethnic it has turned over the taste of each one starting parties to weddings.”

She also informs, “The lehengas in red pink or green have been overshadowed by these much appreciated pastel shades of blue, peach n pink. The strongest point being these pastels don’t mind being paired up with neutral colours. A simple Pastel evening gown paired up with accessories can be a wardrobe topper. Jeans paired up with pastel shirts, strapped top or a normal pastel top can work well for the cool goers. Crop tops paired with neutral hues with some self-pastel motifs can work wonders for a trend-setter. Decency with class is what is spoken out of these truly innocent colours. Must say these colours have also grabbed the vision of designers where pastels rule the ramp. Coming on to the weather factor we indeed know that how easy are these colours to carry on summer days.

If you are one of those who are fascinated by black and white then Ankita offers a few tips for you as well. “If you are in love with white, black or navy looks, then pastels are cool enough to be paired along. The best way is to pair them with neutral colour base. You can pair pink garments with white shorts or skirt.You can try pastels to the office, by pairing black blazer with a pastel dress, or shirt. You want to keep things look sweet and chic, then go for colour blocking appearance as well by pairing bright bottoms and pastel colour top. Trying two pastels at the same time can assure you a good fashion sense. This trend can make your summer a whole lot lighter and brighter,” Patnaik signs-off.

Stylists suggest that the pastel hues have played a dominant role in redefining the glamour of Indian traditional haute couture because earlier there was a trend of bright and multiple hues in the outfit.

There is a growing trend where a single colour takes the centrestage to create the entire ensemble right from the lehenga, choli and its dupatta, the entire set is being designed in a single colour.

The pastel colours are known for their vibrancy as well as the comforting effects they have on one’s mind. They are perfect to wear at anytime of the day as well as at indoor and outdoor functions. The colours are neither too reflective nor too loud to be worn once and discarded. They are fresh shades that can be repeated and draped in varied contrasts and combinations! This season, go pastel and let the town go green with jealousy!

(Ms. Shabiha Nur Khatoonis a journalist, content writer and a communication specialist based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha)