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Mariellen Ward of BreatheDreamGo on how she’s rewriting the script

everyday style, fashion
“Initially, as I aged, I felt a lot of insecurity about the signs of age, and not being a youthful woman anymore. This matters to me in several ways, professionally as well as personally. As a travel blogger, there’s a big emphasis on the attractive young women on Instagram who combine travel with modelling. However, I’ve decided at 59 to embrace my age, find a style that suits me, and feel confident no matter what. Who says that “older” women can’t be attractive? We need to rewrite the script!
 
I don’t spend a lot of money on clothes, usually go for the mid-range stores like Fabindia and Cottons Jaipur and Anokhi. I bought the Banarasi sari at a shop in Varanasi and talked sales person down from Rs 10,000 to Rs 5,000 rupees. I was travelling (as a journalist) aboard the Maharajas’ Express train, so I knew the store was touristy and over-charging. Still, consider this a great bargaining success.”
 

MW Khajuraho

Khajuraho: White cotton kurta and cream cotton trousers from Fabindia 

MW Lucknow 2
Lucknow: Teal and green silk-cotton blend kurta and chiffon palazzos from Cottons Jaipur, Special Collection
MW Wedding
 
Wedding: Black and silver silk Banarasi sari
 
MW Chittoor Kottaram sq 1

Chittoor: Gold silk kurta from Fabindia with cotton turquoise skirt from the market

 
(Mariellen Ward is a digital storyteller who publishes the award-winning travel site Breathedreamgo.com, based on her extensive travels in India. She has a BA in Journalism, has been published in leading media outlets around the world, and lives up in the clouds in Rishikesh, India.)
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What I wore today: That 70s show

everyday style, fashion

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(Photograph: Nikita Deshpande)

Oversized tinted aviators, hair that decided to part itself down the middle like it was suddenly channelising its inner Moses, a Ritu Kumar floral cotton kurti in mint green (a gift from my sis in law), Marks and Spencer jeggings, and my ubiquitous Kolhapuri chappals in cream and gold bought from Mahabaleshwar which I’ve been using forever and more. The pop of pink in the border I tried to echo with a pop of a similar shade in the lipstick, Lakme 9 to 5, Pink Ambition, which is looking strangely deeper here. Nice?

Deepali Naair on her love for antique silver jewellery

everyday style, fashion

deepalinair

How did I start collecting antique silver jewellery?
Back in 80s and 90s, I used to be a kathak performer, very often on stage. Big and bold jewellery was a key accessory to the Kathak costumes. Because the glass bangles would break and I would get hurt during performances, my mother bought me silver jewellery which would not get stolen during costume changes and would also not break. The jewellery in those days was not finished in antique look but was the shiny silver glaring look ideal for the stage. Then came circa post MBA of the sales stint which took me travelling to villages in Orissa and also Tier 2 cities in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Once again the silver jewellery came to the rescue of the young Marwari bride who cannot be not wearing jewellery. This time it was worn with work clothes and not costumes and finished in antique style (polish). The silver jewellery from Rajasthan was a rage in Mumbai and the pieces were unique. Thus started a life-long habit of acquiring pieces which are unique. The collection is now my pride as it also reflects timeless taste and my sense of design. The best compliment I have received is from a young friend who requested that I include her in my will to inherit at least one of my pieces!

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(Deepali Naair is Director, Marketing, India and South Asia, IBM)

Madhumita Sinha shares her saree love

everyday style, fashion

 

“I can’t really call myself a fashionista but have always loved to look fashionable in every attire without being too obsessed about the idea. I have always been known as a pant/jeans/t shirt/top kind of woman since my teenage for both casual and work look mainly because I loved the comfort wear both at home and work. Even though I always admired women in sarees for me personally it was nothing less than a nightmare and then getting married to an Army officer and wearing sarees for every other formal parties became my biggest worry  I spent hours perfecting my drape and eventually lost interest in attending such parties.

With time things changed as I crossed mid forties having more time to myself with kids grown up and husband busy in his own world. I started enjoying the experience of draping the six yards to my pleasure and in the bargain collected sarees from different states, weave, material and work from all over the country wherever my husband got posted from Valleys to deserts to mountains. Having touched my golden era, the 50’s, recently I realised that I am absolutely crazy about draping a saree for any occasion matching them with beads, pearls, semi-precious and precious jewellery along with silver, gold and diamond. I do wear my long gowns and anarkalis for certain stage performances or semi formal occasions too but sarees are my all time favourite which I feel surely adds the feminine charm and grace at my age.”

(Madhumita Sinha is an HR professional and a corporate trainer by profession , a published author of a book of poems ‘Heartbeats ‘ 72 random beats , a performing poet by passion and contributes regularly to international and national literary journals. She is part of four anthologies published by different publishers so far. She is also an avid Toastmaster.)

Rajeshwari Jain shares her favourite looks

everyday style, fashion

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Rajeshwari wears a creamish ivory cotton silk saree from Pallam Silks with a blood red and blue border accessorized with Kemp temple jewellery, sporting the traditional South Indian look and finished with a mogra gajraa hair accessory for her bun.

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A pastel yellow chiffon shirt with minimal accessories defining her Corporate look.

 

(Rajeshwari Ashish Jain runs an organisation that empowers women.)

Janaki Nagaraj speaks about the comfort in shifting to trousers

everyday style, fashion
For the most part of my adulthood I wore churidar/salwar kameez. I grew up in a modest middle class South Indian family where affordability and comfort decided our fashion.
But now I am most comfortable in denims or trousers on most of the days. I am not a “brand” person. It’s the confidence with which you carry off an outfit that really makes you look good.
And being a fitness enthusiast, gym wear is what you find the most in my wardrobe. I am yet not comfortable in working out with just a pair of tights and a sports bra, but I do hope to one day. It is super liberating.
(Janaki Nagaraj is a homemaker with two grown up kids, 3 cats and a husband. She has been a blogger, writes poetry and short stories. She is also a marathon runner and a powerlifter having recently won the silver medal in Maharashtra State powerlifting competition for the M1 (master’s 1) category.)

Josephine Goveas and her saree swag

everyday style, fashion

Janice Goveas, Josephine’s daughter writes about her mom’s style:

“My mum attracts some lovely sarees. And she has a penchant for matching it up with some perfect blouses. This is mum in coffee shop in South Mumbai looking very elegant in her Kolkata cotton silk saree. Again note the no makeup look and hair tied in a bun and only her interesting saree blouse as accessory.

As a teacher her cotton sarees were her hallmark and all her students identify with the impeccable way she drapes her saree. This is my mum in her Kolkata cotton saree which has thread ‘butis’. One thing to note is my mum will never wear make up but ties her salt and pepper bun in her signature style to look understated by yet oh so chic. “

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.)