Desi Fusion Wear –Wear the Best of the Both Worlds!

The fashion trends in Pakistan have been, for quite a long time, spearheaded by the traditional Shalwar Kameez, a statement which defines and introduces us in the whole world. Of late, however, we keep making funky and modern twists to stay in the fashion game but also have our options open when it comes to daily work wear or home wear. A trend that has taken the front seat, particularly in the last few years, is blending our traditional wear with those of other parts of the world, mainly the  West. The ‘fusion wear’ is certainly the best term to describe this kind of attire, based on the best of the East and the West by intermixing their fashion techniques and trends together.

Historically speaking, it all started with a simple pairing of a kurti and jeans instead of the traditional shalwar, a style that prevails to this day. Striking a balance between the old and the new, the fusion wear has now evolved into adopting more western styles and cuts and blending them together into what we have traditionally worn for ages. Usually sticking to prints and patterns, more suited to our culture and the Pakistani taste, and then fusing them with Western-style cuts or incorporating pieces of Western wardrobes as a whole,  is resulting in quite a creative diversification in our fashion statements.

The fusion fashion, a whole new world by itself, can be exemplified by sarees paired with crop tops to sarees, which are paired with straight trousers.  From shalwars to plazzos and kameez to tunics or dresses, fusion fashion is nothing short and examples and has taken the fashion scene by storm with a perfect balance of comfort, convenience and utility, while seamlessly transitioning from day to night wear, no matter where your plans take you.

Here are some style guide examples, which are beyond the run-of-the-mill pairing of shalwar and T-shirt and bring in the current fad to help you hope on the fusion bandwagon.

Back to Basics

Looking effortlessly cool and still being über- -comfortable as you go about your day can surprisingly go hand in hand and Hania Amir has definitely been following that cheat code. This basic yet stylish and comfortable pairing of an oversized kurta, gym tights and a low top converse is one you can never go wrong with. It’s perfect for the summer heat and also for the days when you just want to lounge around indoors or in the open air.

Pattern on pattern perfection

Going for the pattern on pattern look is not for the faint of heart. However, Sonya Hussyn has done it in a style what not many people can do.  Yet, Sonya makes it look so effortless and graceful. With a Western twist on the kurta and a straight trouser, she drapes a matching dupatta to still keep that Pakistani flair to the outfit. Bold makeup and heels just carry this outfit to the very end.

Accessories that steal the show

A simple outfit as a base happens to be the perfect canvas to play around with your accessories. The pairing of traditional jewellery and a vest along with simple balloon-style jeans and a long-sleeved shirt is how Aisha Azhar chooses to glamorously go about her day. The antique oxidised silver necklace and combat boots are not a pairing you usually see but one we can get more.

A modern twist on the traditional saree

Saree is one of the traditional outfits that offers us great leeway to  play with different styles,  patterns and wearable. The traditional saree has been paired with the likes of trousers crop tops, belts and even blazers on top, and Mahira Khan has been at the forefront of saree evolution with a mix and match of patterns, colours and add-ons. This also helped the saree emerge as more of a casual outfit than being a centuries-old attire  worn on  merely formal occasions.

In hopes of nicer weather

If you  are short of ideas of how to pair two different outfits together to create a new one, just throw a jacket on top of your favourite matching separates in your closet. Areeba Habib looks classy as ever in a plain black shalwar kameez and matching loafers with a denim jacket on top. You could easily swap out the denim jacket with a bomber jacket or a more airy shrug to go batter with ongoing heat. Throw on some gold hoops and a bag and you have the perfect outfit for work or hanging out with your pals or simply running to the grocery store.

It’s your time to start 

Whether you decide to make a statement or choose to be more laid back, these outfit inspirations are open for you to experiment as you desire. Go as you please but in doing so, just remember to have fun with all the new possibilities that already exist in your closet. -Ends