I’m Finally Covering Up At Weddings, And These Jackets Are The Reason Why! (Happy, Mom?)

This year’s Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2018 showcase was a Pandora’s box of first trend sightings for us. From tube tops as cholis to the provocative cleavage making a comeback, it’s been real. Besides these, designers are also increasingly fusing contemporary western elements with Indian wear. Looks like there was more where shirts and wide-legged pants came from because jackets are the new western add-ons to traditionally Indian ensembles. I’m talking sarees, kurtis, lehengas et al.

Thanks to jackets, style games are potentially being upgraded everywhere, but there’s more to them than just that. Longline sheer numbers, tuxedos and duster coat silhouettes are all great for layering in winter and summer alike. Plus, pockets! The spottings have been multiple and pleasantly surprising, but of course, there are a bunch that impressed, more than others. So, here are 10 jackets designers paired with Indian wear to work as inspiration for the upcoming weddings.

1. East Or Vest

The reason behind Malaika Arora’s smile at the Di Belle’s Lakme Fashion Week show = this formal waistcoat style jacket over a dupatta + pants combination. A great way to take an otherwise simple outfit to the next level, isn’t it?

2. Dust It Off

Duster jackets are a hot favourite when it comes to styling western look. Shloka Sudhakar cleverly picked up on the trend and used it to style an embroidered lehenga choli outfit at Lakme Fashion Week. An easy but unique way to club your western wear and Indian wear together, this look is worth trying out.

3. Lapel Love

This look by Kuzu Sikkim, presented as part of the North East Mojo collection at LFW Summer Resort 18, was one of my favourites from the whole lot. The Indian ensemble featured a tuxedo style jacket with deconstructed lapels layered over another jacket and a kurti-pants pairing.

4. Copper Crop

This picture from Punit Balana’s LFW Summer Resort show is doing the rounds and the striking Diana Penty is not the only reason. The sequinned and cropped blazer, worn over a choli-lehenga combo, was the real showstopper for me.

5. Keeping Up With The Kimono

SVA Couture’s presentation at LFW was a brilliant one in general, with oriental prints, and atypical garment pairings. Which reminds me, how inspired is the use of a bathrobe/kimono style printed jacket as Indian wear? Also, totally wearing a sheer shirt under my next crop top and skirt outfit.

6. Sheer Winner

Shilpa Shetty made for a breathtaking showstopper at Jayanti Reddy’s LFW showcase. Even though the frilly border on the dupatta and the intricate embroidery on the lehenga were impressive, the half-embroidered, half sheer baby-doll jacket stole the show.

7. Tuxedo 2.0

This Gen Next designer made his Lakme Fashion Week debut this year, and it was worth attending. Mostly for his excellent use of the colour white, but also because he recreated the double-breasted tuxedo by making two sophisticated slashes down the centre. Worn as a kurta over matching pants, the jacket added an edge to the all-white look.

8. Zip It

What’s a girl gotta do to score an Anamika Khanna outfit over here? I mean, look at it – it’s the most exquisite thing ever. Slashed, unruly skirt contrasted with the most sophisticated, fully embroidered zip-up jacket (don’t miss the shoulder pads). Amen!

9. Bohemian Delight

Embellished embroidery and tassels. That’s the stuff! Ridhi Mehra just won my heart, by clubbing this bohemian shrug with a baby pink Indian outfit. If you want to take your look from quiet to quirky, this number is for you.

10. Blazer Blues

If you ever want to mix up your Indian wardrobe, trust me, wear a blazer with a saree. Not just any, this one by Urvashi Kaur. What I love about it: the relaxed shoulders, the abstract print and the sheer arms. Also, it’ll go just as well with your Western wear. What more do you really need?