Hira Mehta on how she rocks the sixties

everyday style, fashion

Whoever said “dress age appropriate” has still not touched the 40+ or perhaps is not just comfortable with themselves. There is a big misconception in our culture that that we are no longer interested in looking stylish if we are over 40. I am 60+ and may not be a part of the corporate world since I have retired or even perhaps just not in tune with fashion, but I am an adventurous spirit. I dress for that face in the mirror. I love going out with friends and this style and casual looks (a kurta thrown over a pant too) makes me feel a younger, confident and happy ME.

Perhaps for me the most chosen outfit for formal events that I attend or host so frequently. Sometimes it may be an occasional Punjabi too. The sari makes me feel dignified, elegant and beautiful (and note, definitely not my age). Besides matching it off with matching coloured jewellery is something that makes me happy. A sari suits everyone, no matter what age and it never can go out of fashion ever! Rest of the time its the casual look with jeans, pants topped off with kurtas and tops.

(Hira Mehta, retired from ICICI Bank with thirty-eight years of service, is an effective administrator. communicator and a freelancer on various projects, with two published books “YOUNG AND SIXTY” and “TWISTED TALES AND MORE…” to her credit. Along with enjoying her passion for writing and blogging (crossleggedwithhira), she hosts events, mentors, organises workshops for women in her locality, contributes towards social service and indulges in her greatest love – Bollywood by making short films, interviewing people, acting in short films and studio hopping. Her motto is  “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, I used everything you gave me’.)

Pant and Top / Kurta photo

Whoever said “dress age appropriate” has still not touched the 40+ or perhaps is not just comfortable with themselves. There is a big misconception in our culture that that we are no longer interested in looking stylish if we are over 40. I am 60+ and may not be a part of the corporate world since I have retired or even perhaps just not in tune with fashion, but I am an adventurous spirit. I dress for that face in the mirror. I love going out with friends and this style and casual looks (a kurta thrown over a pant too) makes me feel a younger, confident and happy ME.

Saree

Perhaps for me the most chosen outfit for formal events that I attend or host so frequently. Sometimes it may be an occasional Punjabi too. The sari makes me feel dignified, elegant and beautiful (and note, definitely not my age). Besides matching it off with matching coloured jewellery is something that makes me happy. A sari suits everyone, no matter what age and it never can go out of fashion ever! Rest of the time its the casual look with jeans, pants topped off with kurtas and tops.

Pant and Top / Kurta photo

Whoever said “dress age appropriate” has still not touched the 40+ or perhaps is not just comfortable with themselves. There is a big misconception in our culture that that we are no longer interested in looking stylish if we are over 40. I am 60+ and may not be a part of the corporate world since I have retired or even perhaps just not in tune with fashion, but I am an adventurous spirit. I dress for that face in the mirror. I love going out with friends and this style and casual looks (a kurta thrown over a pant too) makes me feel a younger, confident and happy ME.

Saree

Perhaps for me the most chosen outfit for formal events that I attend or host so frequently. Sometimes it may be an occasional Punjabi too. The sari makes me feel dignified, elegant and beautiful (and note, definitely not my age). Besides matching it off with matching coloured jewellery is something that makes me happy. A sari suits everyone, no matter what age and it never can go out of fashion ever! Rest of the time its the casual look with jeans, pants topped off with kurtas and tops.

Pant and Top / Kurta photo

Whoever said “dress age appropriate” has still not touched the 40+ or perhaps is not just comfortable with themselves. There is a big misconception in our culture that that we are no longer interested in looking stylish if we are over 40. I am 60+ and may not be a part of the corporate world since I have retired or even perhaps just not in tune with fashion, but I am an adventurous spirit. I dress for that face in the mirror. I love going out with friends and this style and casual looks (a kurta thrown over a pant too) makes me feel a younger, confident and happy ME.

Saree

Perhaps for me the most chosen outfit for formal events that I attend or host so frequently. Sometimes it may be an occasional Punjabi too. The sari makes me feel dignified, elegant and beautiful (and note, definitely not my age). Besides matching it off with matching coloured jewellery is something that makes me happy. A sari suits everyone, no matter what age and it never can go out of fashion ever! Rest of the time its the casual look with jeans, pants topped off with kurtas and tops.

(Also see Jo Chopra Shares Her Favourite Look and Archna Singh Shares Her Fave Looks)

Ruchita Dar Shah shares her love for Kolhapuri chappals

everyday style, fashion

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I may not understand everything about fashion but I do understand colour well . I may not get style but I know comfort . I think I can call myself a comfortably colourful dresser!  Over the years I have figured that comfort for me wins over whatever is trending or not. I like traditional or classic looks over anything else. And in my 40s I have also realised that some amount of ‘ Desi’ in my clothes , footwear or bags works best for me. I feel most comfortable in Indo western, desi chic, fusion or whatever the fashion police might wanna call it . The popular hashtag #NeverNotWearingSomethingDesi has become my mantra too! And among all the desi accessories I own and wear, like neck pieces , tunics and dresses one that has organically emerged is my love for Kolhapuri chappals. They are super comfortable, colourful  ( most of them are super cheap too ) and so damn universal that they can be worn with just about anything . I wear them with dresses, jeans and of course sarees. They have definitely become a staple in my humble shoe closet and completely liberated me from wondering if a particular outfit demands wedges, stilettos or closed shoes.

(Ruchita Dar Shah is the founder of First Moms Club)

Atika Gupta shares her Bohemian style

everyday style, fashion

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Bohemian Fashion
I love to combine gypsy style skirts/ghagras in earthy block prints or bright chintz prints with smart shirt style kurtas, jackets etc. Tribal accessories such as big glass work rings, gypsy earrings & necklace, anklets with shells and bells, and Doc Marten Boots complete this look. I have a tribal dots tattoo on my chin and like to paint more of those on my neck. The idea is to keep it fun, bright and eclectic to keep the girl in my alive!
My most usual way of dressing and also my favourite- combine a simple handloom saree with a contrast, bold and colourful blouse. I play with tartans, floral and Kutch mirror work. Also seen in the photos here is a backless blouse (which is very bohemian and playful) which I wore with a plain lime green linen saree.
All the sarees in these pics are traditional weaves from local weavers of Kerala, Bengal and Rajasthan.
I usually wear antique or arty silver earrings and a big statement ring with this ensemble.
This style brings out the sensual woman in me while asserting my love for the local and everything Indian ️

(Atika Gupta is 47 years young. A Corporate PR Communications professional with a keen eye for innovation  and detail, she has successfully spearheaded launch of luxury boutique hotels, bookstores and an art gallery. Her passion for art and literature has led Atika to effectively curate and strategise events across various international platforms. She is a self-proclaimed workaholic, perfectionist and foodie. When not working, she likes to pursue her interests in singing, dancing, cooking and reading. She’s the proud mother of two sons, 24 and 18 years old.)

Teresa Rehman shares her comfort looks

everyday style, fashion

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I look for quiet and calm amidst chaos. Therefore, comfort rules my dress code.
And my wardrobe consists mostly of sober cotton, handloom and silk kurtas. I end
up wearing black more often especially when I don’t want to think through colour
schemes. My collection of traditional dupattas/stoles from all over India blends
perfectly with my salwar suits. And the latest addition to my collection is an
Assamese handwoven ‘tongali’ (worn by the farmer as a waistcloth). In this
picture, with a plain silver coloured kurta, I have wrapped a stole embellished with
kantha work around my neck. This stole is from Bengal.

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For any kind of meetings and get-togethers, I prefer the Assamese mekhela sador
(mostly the handwoven ones). And for formal gatherings I prefer a paat silk
mekhela sador. Paat silk is probably one of the lightest silks. In this photograph
clicked on the streets of New York, I am wearing a white cotton mekhela sador
with blue and purple flowers. The flower motif is a traditional design called king
khap. The Halloween pumpkins in the backdrop almost seem like an art
installation.

(Teresa Rehman is an award-winning journalist and author based in Assam. She
loves collecting ethnic accessories from different corners of India and the world.)

Pattern and denim- a classic combo

everyday style, fashion, Flat lay

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A quick smart go to day look. A satin blouse with an intense print–here I have houndstooth and polka dots, in black and white. Black pump sling backs. Deep indigo skinny fit. Small sized sunglasses. Good to go for lunch or just a day of work meetings, you could substitute the denim with fitted black ankle cropped trousers if you want to get a wee bit more formal.

Of Paisleys and prints

everyday style, fashion

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I have a soft corner for detailed prints, even though they’re really very tricky to carry off. This dress from Stylista is one from a collection designed by Monica Dogra and is in a comfortable soft crepe, with an intricate paisley print. The front slit that goes right up to well above the knees is paired with two side slits of the same length and I tackle this with a pair of brown or grey leggings within for the sake of modesty. Wore this with a wonderful ethnic neckpiece and a plain white quilted bag, and very high heels. Sorted.

Prerna Sinha or Maa Of All Blogs on her love for Indo-ethnic chic

everyday style, fashion

A style that you are comfortable in, is what I think is fashionable for you or your age. At forty, it’s time to move beyond just adapting the current trends blindly but smartly pick up elements that you can carry and then merge it with your own style. See what suits your body shape and profession and then carry it with elan. Maybe it’s time to even discover and have your own style because that will never fade. For me it’s Indo ethnics. I just love carrying it off. I usually pair it with one statement jewellery, be it a Jhumka or a statement necklace. Here I am wearing a long maroon dress with pockets( pockets are very important for me). I like the fact that it’s stylish and still very comfortable.

(Prerna Sinha who blogs at https://www.maaofallblogs.com/ is among the most popular bloggers in India today).

Namita Gupta shares two of her fave looks

everyday style, fashion

Namita is seen here in a handwoven pink benaras katan kurta from Industhana that can be worn for a formal evening out. It is handcrafted and the golden motifs add to the entire look. It can be paired with palazzos in beige, light brown golden or even hot pink.

Namita is wearing a comfortable and chic, flowy blended jute cowl neck dress in green. This organic asymmetrical dress in jute shows her love for all things nature has bestowed on us and can be worn on any evening out with friends or even a Sunday brunch soirée.

( Namita Gupta has worked with Femina, Mid Day, Deccan Chronicle, TOI, Explocity, Art of Jewellery magazine and other publications for 18 years now. She is currently the regional editor, Karnataka for RITZ magazine- south India’s #1 premiere Uber lifestyle magazine. She also likes to travel and explore various cultures and countries that she chronicles in her writings on @namionthemove both on Instagram and on Facebook page Namionthemove )

Litfesting and ethnic chic

everyday style, fashion

A black kurta and churidar, a lovely Phulkari dupatta in an interesting taupe with a very untypical pattern gifted to me by my fab editor at Amaryllis, Rashmi Menon, pearl and ruby square drop earrings and loads of kajal. Works?

Jo Chopra shares her favourite look

everyday style, fashion


My husband took this picture of me standing on the very top of Jodhpur Fort. We were with our son Anand on our very first proper holiday (all arranged and financed by him) –staying at fancy hotels and being squired around in a plush private car.
If I look a little smug, it is because I guess I was. There is something amazing about seeing your children grow up and do so well that they want to thank their parents by taking them on a deluxe tour of Rajasthan, with no expense spared.
I’m 60 and with the white hair to prove it. I love being old in India where I get respect, admiration and half price on the train. And I chose this outfit to celebrate it all.
The jeans, a gift from my daughter, are Curve Appeal. (Super tight but possible because of the magic of lycra). The t-shirt (also from Cathleen) is a Workshop label. The sweater is a Dehradun special with no label anyone would recognise. The look comes from a combination of the gorgeous Michael Kors sunglasses that my sister gave me, and the knee-high Cole Haan boots you can’t see. The confidence I get from stomping around in them.

(Jo Chopra McGowan is the Executive Director of the Latika Roy Foundation).