When: 24 March, 2016
With less than two weeks to go for one of the most awaited festivals in India, the mood for the festival of colors, Holi, has started building up. Kids in various neighborhoods have already started looking for victims on the streets for their color filled balloons!
Along with all the usual supplies, it’s time to narrow down your options on what to wear this Holi so you can look stylish and also be comfortable! Here is a list of recommendations and suggestions that might help make your decision a lot easier.
Dress Appropriately – White is the color that’s usually associated with Holi, as the colors are enhanced and showcased better on a white background. Two things to keep in mind while deciding what to wear are: one – it should be comfortable and should dry easily; two – make you look stylish and chic even when soaked and colored!
Note : Always wear something that you won’t regret even if it gets spoiled!
Ladies, if you’re planning to opt for a white wardrobe, firstly make sure its not something that will get transparent easily! While a white kurta or top is a classic choice, why not tweak it a little with a splash of color by carrying a colorful dupatta or a stole!
If white is not your color this season, Indian pastels are a major trend! Shades of yellow, peach, pink and emerald are colors you can focus on too, as they are the focus palettes for Spring/Summer!
Rajput women in Rajasthan wear a red & white saree, called a phaagania, on holi. In fact, it is the only time they actually include the color 'white' into their wardrobes. For the rest of their married lives, its a big nooo!!
Menswear - It’s a whole lot simpler for men (of course!), all they need is a white kurta and jeans and they’re all set! But, why not make a little effort this season and why not opt for a dhoti instead of jeans, which you anyways end up wearing on a daily basis. Look and feel more traditional with a white dhoti and a turban! You will surly turn heads around.
Jewellery/Accessories – It’s best to avoid anything that is precious to you and might slip off or get lost in the Holi madness! But it doesn’t mean you can’t add a piece or two to your ethnic look! The trick is to keep it simple and minimalistic. You can probably wear a pair of jhumkas with your sari, suit or kurta or even put on a bindi for the classic ethnic touch!
Make-up – So what if it’s Holi and you’re going to get wet and colored! That has nothing to do with your make-up regime! You’ve still got to look fab when you step out of your home and head to the biggest party in town! Just remember the two magic words - ! Unless you want this to turn into a Halloween party, with your eyeliner or mascara running down your cheeks! Use natural make-up and avoid anything that might run.
Footwear – From my personal experience flip-flops have worked out to be the best option. They are light, soak water and have a good grip, so your chances of slipping in your intoxicated state are a whole lot lesser! Avoid shoes, as they tend to get damp making you more perceptible to catch a cold or even kolhapuri chappals- leather and all!
Skin – Cover your skin with olive or coconut oil. Use a waterproof sunscreen (SPF 30 and above). Cover your lips with a thick coat of Vaseline or lip balm. Protect your nails from permanent color by using a funky nail paint. If you have long nails, you can use it on the underside of the nails as well.
Hair – One should apply castor or olive oil to his/her hair before going to play Holi. The layer of olive/castor oil will save your hair from toxic effects of colors and makes it easier to wash off. If you have long hair make sure you tie it in a bun or plait, for minimal damage!
MUST HAVES!!
To conclude, some super essential Holi must-haves are:
Sunglasses – A necessity, if you want to avoid irritation or allergic reaction in your eyes!
Waterproof Phone Case – Your phone might be water resistant, but it is not water proof! So go and find your phone a plastic case at your nearest mobile accessory store or use a Zip-lock. You sure are to get dunked into a pool of water by your friends.
Have a happy holi!
