Shanaya Kapoor to Vidya Balan: Celebrities are bringing waistcoats back
Born in the 17th century as a buttoned, sleeveless jacket tucked neatly under coats, the waistcoat has evolved. Today, it has shed its courtroom stiffness and found itself strutting confidently into Indian wedding wardrobes.
What was once a symbol of discipline and hierarchy has now become gender fluid and has evolved from courtrooms to bridal wear. Wondering what we are talking about? Here is a breakdown.
How designers are changing the waistcoat game
Designers are reimagining the humble waistcoat. They are embellishing it with delicate embroidery, mirror work, and even bead detailing. Forget boring waistcoats, the modern ones are no longer restricted to crisp tailoring or pinstripes.
Designers are increasingly opting for waistcoats as they flatter the torso, add shape and bring a modern, androgynous touch to their creations. Brides are also accepting waistcoats as their go-to pieces for their functionality – they don’t just look great, they allow for movement for dances and performances. Waistcoats are also sustainable, as they can be worn with trousers for the office and formal meetings, making them a smart investment.
Even celebrities love it!
Wondering how to style the waistcoat for bridal and casual wear. Well, Bollywood has some smart cues.
Shanaya Kapoor, known for her fashionable avatars has hopped on the waistcoat trend. While her sartorial game generally turns heads, her red waistcoat look bowled us over, specifically. For the screening of the film ‘Ganpath’, Kapoor was spotted in a siren red waistcoat set from the Australian label, Lioness.
Image credit: IG/shanayakapoor02
Shilpa Shetty, who loves to experiment with her looks, was also spotted wearing a waistcoat-lehenga set from the house of Puneet Balana.
Image courtesy: IG/theshilpashetty
The same lehenga was also worn by Madhuri Dixit. Priced at Rs. 95,000, the attire was styled differently by the actor who skipped earrings and instead opted for a delicate neckpiece to highlight her look.
Image credit: IG/madhuridixitnene
Designers love the waistcoat trend
On the designer side, names like Punit Balana and Mrunalini Rao are tailoring waistcoats specifically for bridal wear. With intricate threadwork, they’re turning what was once considered formalwear into statement bridal wear.
Why you should opt for a waistcoat at the next shaadi
Waistcoats offer what a lehenga blouse does not. The waistcoat’s structure against billowing lehenga skirts, provides coverage without compromising glamour. More importantly, it carries an androgynous appeal, making it gender neutral.
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Would you wear a waistcoat to a wedding?
Still, the question lingers: should you wear a waistcoat to a wedding? Traditionalists may insist on the timeless choli or blouse. However, if you’re leaning towards an unconventional look for the next shaadi, try the waist coat trend. We’ve curated a list of waistcoats across price ranges that can up your desi style game.
Punit Balana waistcoat lehenga set, Rs. 57,500
Mirraw lehenga with waistcoat, Rs. 1,61,800 https://www.mirraw.com/designers/charu-and-vasundhara/designs/checks-and-paislet-lehenga-with-waiscoat?country_code=IN&srsltid=AfmBOopHotUJ9OQR4E_2P-j34dTSFo0j5Z-xvxCWSOdmoDeR_5j6rwOn4DE
Studio Bagechaa at Nykaa Fashion, Rs. 29,900 https://www.nykaafashion.com/studio-bagechaa-gurnoor-pale-blue-lehenga-with-gilet-set-of-2/p/19585697?adsource=shopping_india&skuId=19585393&srsltid=AfmBOoqjpS7ujSmqx-wbHTo-ohk-xJrLg3b3v1W5I29NR3lPI0avr9W9KBE
Gulab Lehenga at Label Anushree, Rs. 34,000
https://labelanushree.com/elements/classic-waistcoat-with-marodi-work-detail/
