The evolving wedding scene in India has given rise to bridesmaid culture – essentially inspired by the west – and we’re not complaining! Bridesmaids are key members of the bridal party, and comprise the bride-to-be’s sisters and/or best friends. If you’re all set to step into the shoes this season, then your wardrobe needs to be just as spotlight-ready as the bride’s, given that you’ll be standing right by her side as her trusted confidante throughout the celebrations – and even beyond. Your awe-worthy style will complement your set of duties, so it’s important to get it right.
Thanks to modern times, there is now a separate genre reserved for bridesmaid dressing in the Indian fashion industry. It strikes the right balance between being dressed to the nines and not stealing the bride’s thunder. Quintessential Indian silhouettes such as lehengas, sarees, kurtas, anarkalis, gowns, etc., have been redefined to fit the new-age code. Among the several renditions, easygoing, budget buys are reigning supreme among the women of the wedding party. Here’s a lowdown on the trending styles of 2022 that you ought to add to your on-duty repertoire (apart from the typical party wear lehenga).
Striking Shararas
Old-world charm and global aesthetics are now coming together to cater to the younger generations, and several Indian designers are on board! Designer sharara suit sets may have centuries-old origins but are now reimagined for the current day. Case in point: scintillating necklines, shorter kurtis, bare shoulders and an overall westernised appeal. If you’re opting for this time-trusted silhouette for any of the functions, then be rest assured that it is a failsafe decision!
Sharara trends range from tasselled styles, sequinned stars, print-on-print stunners and of course, the bustier pairing. Versatility also plays a huge role in the fame quotient of shararas now, as an increasing number of desi divas are investing in styles they can wear beyond the revelries. For an extra bling factor, high-shine picks are all you need. Taking the understated route? Turn to lightweight and printed pieces.
Donning a sharara for the wedding will also ensure that you stay easy throughout the day, no matter what task you’re assigned – having fun or dealing with cold feet. This is why designer sharara suit sets remain a top recommendation for bridesmaids.
Anarkali Allure
Timeless, trendsetting and ever-elegant, there is no underestimating the allure of designer anarkalis that surpass seasons and occasions. Just like the sharara, these remain celebrated classics to date. Updating it for the modern era of glitz, glam and Instagram-ready outfits, today's designers are delving into anarkalis with the new-age woman in mind. The resulting renditions feature globally appealing details that accommodate the demands of a big fat Indian wedding, as well as an intimate affair
Add designer anarkalis to your bridesmaid repertoire and watch as the other guests stare at you in awe! Apart from being twirl-ready, Anarkalis offer unparalleled charm and are instant conversation starters. Pair them with heirloom jewels, or, depending upon the palette, stack up oxidised jewellery on your wrist and neck for an indo-bohemian spin on your ethnic suit sets!
Jovial Designer Jumpsuits
As a bridesmaid, your number one priority is to stay easy to check off the task list efficiently, and your wardrobe choices must reflect the same! One-and-done pieces are the easiest way to dress up at a moment’s notice and still look uber-stylish. Among them, designer jumpsuits are the slip-and-go silhouettes you need, considering the slew of bridesmaid duties and wedding frivolities. Over the years, after being reminiscent of the west, they have received an ethnic update and how!
Trust us when we say that you want Indian jumpsuits to be a part of your wedding season closet, for more reasons than one. Alter your jumpsuit choices to your personal style - whether polished or carefree, minimalistic or maximalist. Choose from an array of embroideries, like sequin/mirror work, resham, gota patti, etc. or go for printed styles that leave a lasting impression.
Cultural Co-Ords
Let’s face it; it takes us weeks to plan a top-to-toe look when it comes to wedding dressing, and the pressure to nail it increases tenfold when you’re among the bridesmaid clan! To make things easier, we have just two words – co-ords! All the cool girls know that with co-ords, dressing up doesn’t just become fun but also so much more easier! Besides, wedding prep can get quite tedious if you don’t adopt simpler ways to do things.
Co-ords, whether printed or embroidered, make great wardrobe choices during and beyond the celebrations. After you officially bid goodbye to your role as a bridesmaid, you can treat the components of your co-ords as separates and create some stellar looks in the near future. A cord set dress party wear is also in trend right now, so if we haven’t convinced you enough, we’re sure that the charts will!
Contemporary Dresses
This list would definitely be incomplete without dresses on it! On our must-own list, dresses of all kinds are usually marked in bold. Easy to wear and even easier to flaunt, contemporary dresses are for everyone – and everything! Don’t limit yourself to the occasional weekend party numbers; introduce them to your bridesmaid-style repertoire.
You can easily get your hands on some of the most stunning women’s contemporary dresses both online and offline, from multi-brand platforms or standalone labels. Floor-grazing pieces are usually picked for weddings for that extra dramatic effect, but you can even opt for a midi to introduce an edgy element. Sultry styles like one-shoulder gowns and cutouts are great for single ladies, hoping to stumble across the love of their lives themselves at the celebrations!
Here’s your cue to ace your duties in style, and set eyeballs rolling as the ‘it’ bridesmaid of the clan!
FAQs
What are the two main categories of contemporary dresses?
Ready-to-wear and haute couture! While the latter needs more than just a couple of weeks for the final outcome, a ready-to-wear contemporary indian dress saves you a lot of time, and is pretty affordable too. It is usually recommended to opt for pret when you find the perfect fit, and are strapped for time.
How do you style a tunic in 2023?
It all comes down to the type of tunic you choose! If you happen to find cotton tunics online, then for a bridesmaid-appropriate upgrade, turn to voluminous shararas or lehenga skirts. Longer tunics can be worn as a dress or with dhoti pants.
What is the bridesmaid Colour for 2023?
Warm orange hues are seen doing the rounds on social media lately, so it’s safe to believe that the trend will continue till late 2023. Think apricot, rust orange, amber, etc.
Follow Us