Akshara

My personal style is ever-evolving and constantly changing. Looking back at my old Instagram posts, my wardrobe consisted of fast fashion and trendy pieces. It also included menswear and many impulsive buys (emphasis on impulsive). My personal preferences have grown, and continue to grow, towards appreciating Indian designers more than anything else. Heavily inspired by Indian designers—their expansive textiles, intricate patterns, rich fabrics, and deep-rooted history.

Since getting married, I’ve become a seasoned wedding attendee. I have learned to be more intentional when buying and selecting outfits. The key is multi-use.

1. The Power of the Cotton Suit

The power of a cotton suit is unmatched. It can be dressed up or down, effortlessly balancing casual and elegant. From The Loom, this particular suit was perfect for a beach side, intimate Mehendi. I added an oversized scrunchie (current obsession) and silver jhumkis to add some depth. Initially purchased to wear during Diwali, I was drawn to the pattern, colour and fabric.

2. A Timeless Payal Singhal

Speaking of depth, this ten-year-old Payal Singhal outfit—one of my better impulsive purchases—is an all-time favourite and an all-rounder. The key to keeping it interesting is switching up the hairstyle and having fun with accessories. I surprisingly don’t have any photos, but here’s a video of the outfit. What I love is the unique colour combination and cut of the Kurta. Veering from your traditional long kurta style, makes for an interesting shape yet still flattering. The Dupatta has tiny pearl details with green, perfect to mix and match with different outfits.

3. My Go-To Masaba Lehenga

Another all-rounder on the roster is this Masaba lehenga. It’s comfortable to dance in all night and completely fuss-free. I’ve worn it on multiple occasions, each time with a different hairstyle and accessories to keep it fresh.

4. Kaftan Love – Saaksha & Kinni

The next two outfits are my most recent—and most intentional—purchases. I’ve always admired a kaftan but never felt it would suit me. I was on the lookout for something suitable for a poolside event, easy to pack, and humidity-resistant. Enter the Isla kaftan by Saaksha & Kinni, featuring paisley prints and dori detailing. This unique piece transitions seamlessly from poolside to dinner.

5. The Pièce de Résistance: Anamika x H&M

Now for the pièce de résistance: H&M’s collaboration with Anamika Khanna. I had the date and time marked in my calendar, credit card ready, laptop in position. I managed to score this set—though not initially paired together, the skirt was everything and more. I have been a long time fan of Anamika Khanna. I feel her designs are art in motion, the craftsmanship is impeccable and the silhouettes are unique yet true to the AK ethos. I’ve only worn this set once and I am looking forward to styling the pieces separately.

The deeper I delve into the world of clothing, the more I appreciate craftsmanship and fabric. A huge source of inspiration for me is cinema—films have a way of subtly connecting clothes to a character. When I watch movies, I’m often more eager to observe how outfits are styled than follow the plot. I find myself researching the costume designers or stylists just to see the breakdown of the looks. Taking it a step further and finding the exact same pieces to buy.

The key is to invest in pieces with longevity, versatility—and sometimes, a story. Clothes move with you through life, accompany you on dance floors, and fit every version of you. A few years down the line, they hold a memory.

Until next time,
– A