Fashion is and has always been a subjective concept where literally a million opinions are passed over the minutest details such as lip colour, choice of shoes, necklines and hemlines. In the recent case, it was about young Janhvi Kapoor’s short shorts. A comment by Katrina Kaif about Janhvi’s “very, very short shorts” in the gym, saw the latter’s cousin Sonam Kapoor apparently fly to her defence, quipping, “She also wears regular clothes and rocks it.”
Ananya Pandey |
“I think it’s not about long and short, it’s about your choice. You can wear anything you like. If someone comments on your dressing, respect that but take a stand and also, present your viewpoint,” believes designer Gazal Mishra. “While every individual has a right to expression, this freedom also gets misused to slander and often embarrasses the person on the receiving side of the bargain,” points out designer Prerana Nagpal.
When one dresses to head to the gym, various factors affect their choice of dress code such as the type of workout, their comfort and may be even their mood. “However if our choice gets tainted with ‘What will others think’ that is when we stop dressing for ourselves,” asserts Prerana.
Deepika Padukone |
In one’s hands
Stereotypical thinking still ruffles feathers even as some are trying to break barriers through fashion. But is it really working? “Breaking barriers means bringing in some change,” explains designer Hema Kaul. One can bring awareness to fashion buyers about the carbon footprint that comes along with the clothing business. Similarly, the decision of what is to be worn and what not to be is in our hands to show the world, she adds.
“Ideally, the one who is wearing the outfit should decide what he or she wants to wear and whether it is acceptable. But of course, you should also wear the right outfit at the right place,” feels designer Kanchan Sabharwal. “The easiest way is to not follow stereotypes and be yourself in every aspect of life. Besides, one can wear short lengths to any place they want so long as they are not breaking any religious norms and setting a good example for the people they influence,” states Prerana.
Janhvi Kapoor |
Dressing short
Places and occasions might restrict one with their outfits, but there is no one rigid rule on where to wear what. Choosing a length one is comfortable in while moving around is very important “A skater dress is playful and you can wear it during the daytime, a short flared skirt, which shows off your long legs. Fitted denim short skirt can also be worn for a casual day out,” suggests Hema.
Janhvi Kapoor |
“Avoid wearing crop tops with short skirts that might make the look tacky,” adds Hema. Whenever in doubt, wear hot pants because one can never go wrong with it and apart from that, it will never go out of fashion. LBD (Little black dress) should be everyone’s summer staple just for making the evening a little more fun. “For formal gatherings, pencil skirts are the best option one can go for,” says Gazal.
“An off shoulder top with shorts or miniskirts are ideal for the hot and humid season,” adds Kanchan. Wearing a jacket with your short dress can add sophistication to the ensemble. Never risk exposing by having an added slit in short dresses. Also, don’t go overboard with your footwear, as it is always nice to keep it classy and chic.
Kareena Kapoor Khan |
Celeb inspiration
Bollywood icons are the trendsetters who give the glamorous world a new closet with the change in every season. Here are a few names that give serious goals for rocking short lengths beautifully. From the younger lot, Janhvi Kapoor, Tara Sutaria and Ananya Panday pull off the looks very smartly and with the ‘don’t-care-attitude’. Alia Bhatt just makes everything look so easy and pretty at the same time and nobody does it like her.
“Kareena Kapoor Khan and Twinkle Khanna are always true to their fashion sensibilities and carry the ‘Mom’ title with utmost grace and confidence,” points out Prerana. Kriti Sanon and Rakul Preet are other stars to take inspiration from.
Kriti Sanon |
The bottom-line
With short clothes, comfort is of paramount importance. “No one else pays nearly as much attention to your perceived imperfections as you do — that is the mantra I repeat to myself when I’m feeling self-conscious about something. It’s more important that you wear shorts that fit properly and are appropriate for the occasion. Beyond that, it doesn’t really matter what your legs look like,” concludes Gazal.
