Fashion
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Skirting the Issue
By Beverley D'Cruz

A traditional Indian woman’s wardrobe has always included trousers and salwars. It was the most comfortable and easily accessible clothes available. The skirt was often used by a select few. Today however the skirts seem to have made a comeback and in a very big way.

Women are more confident about themselves and are ready to flaunt their legs. It’s no more about being conservative, it’ just about having countless amounts of attitude.

Gone are the days of the pencil skirt or simple a-line which most women used for work and functions. Today’s skirt is sleekly cut straight dawn and worn on the hips.

Most skirts are being jazzed up giving them sexy side slits or even a slit down the front. Simple self colours have been kissed bye bye and prettier flowers and geometric prints are being welcomed. The new norm is that office wear does not have to be boring.

The mini was always a rage to wear to parties and clubs. Many women were discouraged wearing them because they invited snide remarks. However the hemlines instead of gong shorter have actually gone in the direction of gravity.

Today sexy is not associated with the display of more flesh. It is finally being understood that sexiness is an attitude and not a pair of legs.

The trendy way to don a skirt if now knee-length. Youth watching the countless reruns of friends have been inspired by Jennifer Aniston’s, sleek mid-length skirts some even with an Indian motif on them.

The night calls for things more playful and keeping with the theme (and the Latin inspiration) the asymmetrical hems seem to be most popular for dancing the night away. Psychedelic and two toned prints, tassels and frills are a rage for nightwear.

Denim not to be left far behind is also being cut in different styles but still worn long and often frayed or faded. A developing favorite for club wear is now a skirt either long or short worn over a well fitting pair of pants.

The bohemian trend has made the skirt ideal for daily wear and college goers as well. Not only are they cute and feminine they have an attitude about themselves. The long peasant or gypsy skirts are easily available. The layers and lace lend it a romantic soft feel and make it perfect to even wear if going out to dinner or a family gathering. The handkerchief prints and hemline also lend a funky relaxed look to the wearer.

With the Indian wearer now more adventurous the women are experimenting with fabrics and realizing that depending on fashionable wear on coming to Indian shores does not have to keep them waiting to be trendy.

Sarongs from Goa are being transferred into skirts as well as sarees. Many are sketching their own skirt patterns or drawing inspiration from magazines and getting their clothes tailored. Not only are they guaranteed a perfect fit they don’t have to bother of their original creations being duplicated.

Skirts are no more just for the secretaries or occasions, they are now an integral part of women’s wardrobes. Whether long or mid-length they make a woman look sexy yet sophisticated, there is no room for expected crude remarks, just compliments.

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