Striking the right balance

So how does one decide what is modest ? Everyone has their own interpretation of modesty - For some it may be covering their arms while for others it could be about how deep their neckline is... The good news is that this season is all about modest fashion, hence the perfect time for one to experiment modesty and fashion.

One can see a lot of oversized clothing, longer hemlines, closed neckline andlayering on the streets, on fashion influencers and all over social media. Let's answer 2 basic questions that crop up in our minds during the whole balancing act.

Can longer hemlines be trendy? How can one style them ?

Knee, Midi and Maxi-length skirts and dresses are a huge rage at the moment as the hemlines have been dipping lower with each passing season. Full length flowy skirts can be styled with crop tops, off shoulder or bardot blouses and loose shirts tucked in for a casual look. For formal look, high-waist midi skirts styled with oversized top or slightly looser shirts tucked in are good.

As far as dresses go, Midi dresses suit most women, but if you have a petite frame, make sure the hemline ends above mid calf. A-line silhouettes are universally flattering and one cannot go wrong with these. Also if you feel there is a lack of structure, cinching the waist with a belt is a good idea. Maxi dresses need to be of the right length - one that just touches the ankle. While flowy ones are good for casual summer outings, column or straight ones are more appropriate for work.

How does one style fitted or shorter clothing which was in trend last season ?

Layering is big this season and thanks to it a lot of our expensive clothes from the last season can be put to good use. A blouse or top with a deeper neckline can be worn with a cute spaghetti or tank top. Same goes for sheer tops, they can be either worn with an inner layer or with a longline shrugs or capes.

Shorter skirts and dresses can be put to good use by wearing them with leggings, tights and stockings. To use all those leggings, treggings and skinny jeans this season, wear a long oversized shirt with some chunky accessories with or without a jacket or shrug. A base skirt with ruffles at the hem in black or off white can be worn as an inner layer for see through dresses or really short dresses to give a trendy layered look. Make sure the colors are complementary and choose accessories with care to match with the whole look.

How can one incorporate Indian wear in modest fashion ?

The best part about Indian fashion is its versatility and women across the country are already trying out various adaptations of this style. Sarees can be styled with solid shirts, regular tops or oversized ones. Done right, the result can be quite fashion forward yet modest and super comfy for a woman on the go.

Indo-Western tunics and kurtis can be worn with jackets, flowy shrugs teamed up with cropped trousers or cotton pants. Dropped crotch pants or harem pants which are popular these days due to comfort, can replace leggings for certain outings. These pant go well with oversized tops, longer shirts, shirt dresses and shorter tunics. While modest fashion is a trend at the moment, to a lot of women its an empowering choice as they get to choose comfort and fun while being ahead in the fashion curve!!