Bhubaneswar:The time when many of us will fast all morning and stand in pandal queues all night to worship Maa Durga is approaching. In the busy schedule, looking great is no small business. The festive fever has gripped the city as markets are witnessing a heavy rush with women and girls being busy in their last-minute shopping.
Popular shopping destinations like Pantaloons, Esplanade, Market Building and many small and big roadside stalls are flooded with women buying varieties of dresses like narrow-cut jeans, jeggings, butterfly cut tops, spaghetti strap gowns, printed short dresses, silk saris, stylish tops and maxis among others. Shopkeepers state that the demand for Western dresses has gone up this season. Girls are also seen buying traditional dresses like Anarkali suits, kurti and Churdidar and Patiala.
To know what’s the ‘in’ thing this festive season, Orissa POST interacted with many girls and women. Here is what they say and feel about the latest trends.
Neha Agarwal, a resident of Nayapalli and an employee, said, “Fashion for me is what’s new in the market. So, this year, I will wear Palazzo suits as it is comfortable and elegant at the same time and during the time of puja I will try a suit with intricate chikankari work or a silk kurta. Pair these with embellished juttis and you have the latest trend in fashion.”
Pushpam Priyadarshini, an engineering student, said, “I am looking forward to shop latest items for the upcoming Durga Puja. I am traditional in my choices which are reflected in my shopping list. I will purchase a Kalamkari Anarkali with a heavy black yoke adorned with couched flowers. It is a dress which gives you an elegant look.”
Nevertheless, the last word on what to wear this festive season is from a fashion designer Rahul Srivastav, who said, “Whether slim, or heavy, Bengali women always rock in the sari. I suggest younger people to go for sari. Cotton or chiffon sari suits the younger generation very well. Sleeveless and backless blouses are in trend these days which one can wear with designer saris or even with a traditional sari.”
Besides dresses, women and girls are also seen trying out new hair styles and different hair colours. Jewellery with semi-precious stones, scarves, leather bags and clutches are also in demand.