Chiconomical

Holiday and saree isn't a combination I would have thought I'd consider before last year. While saree is extremely underrated in mainstream dressing, holidays for some reason instantly translate to bikinis and flowy dresses. Nobody seems to be reaching for a saree on holiday and this post is created just to help you rock the saree on a holiday! Read on and pick your favourites.

In case you missed it, this is almost like part 2 of the post that went up two days ago. Make sure to check it out, it has 6 amazing looks using the maxi skirt used in this post!

1. Half Saree


The easiest drape that can literally be worn on a trek, a party and pretty much any holiday-ey activity you can think of is the half saree. All you need to do is pleat it all the way to the end at the front and drape the pallu the way you normally would. It's super easy and gives you a unique but functional outfit. While I'm wearing a maxi skirt, you can just as easily wear this with a pair of denims or pants or even shorts. Really, go experiment and I promise you'll not be disappointed.

2. Cosy Drape



A half saree with a slightly different twist. For this, all that I've done is really just lengthen the pallu and drape it around your neck. It's simple but still gives a fresh new twist to an everyday outfit. This also works well if you want to add an extra layer on top like a coat but not ruin how your saree looks. Personally, I love wearing it this way when I don't want the pallu to be snagged while I walk.

3. Saree Skirt



Finally, a simple style but you literally get a new skirt from it. All you do is pleat the saree around your waist as you go around tucking it. It takes only a couple of minutes and is a lovely way to breathe some new life into a saree you didn't think you'd like wearing. Simple, sustainable and super easy to do!



I hope these three looks have given you some styling inspiration. If you need a bit more visual help, you should for sure check out my Instagram video that shows you how I create all these saree styles. If you do decide to try any of these looks out, please don't forget to tag me because you deserve to be featured and that's exactly what we'll do! Let's share our takes on styling and inspire others shall we!!

Outfit Details:
Saree: Rs. 1313, Suta (buy here)

Maxi anything will make you look sexy! Yes, I firmly believe in this and you can't make me change my mind! The best thing about maxi skirts is that they give you the chance to be sexy minus the need to shave your legs. And let's face it, not all of us can afford those fancy laser treatments and shaving is just annoying on most days. Add to that a weekend getaway or a trip to some fancy country for a week and you've got limited luggage and lots of outfit needs! Now if you've got a maxi skirt lying around in your closet and you're saying to yourself, I can't possibly wear this more than one time on my trip... girl.. I've got you covered. This post has some of the easiest ways to wear a maxi dress that will work for girls of almost ALL body types. These looks can be created using pretty much any a-line maxi skirt you own and I've tried to keep them super easy so that you don't need to have a lot of specific pieces to create something similar. Read on to find out 5 simple ways to style a black Maxi Skirt for a holiday! You can pretty much only carry this skirt and no other bottoms and wear it all weekend and STILL have a look to spare if you count two looks a day! ;)

1. Paperbag Maxi Skirt

Have you got a maxi skirt that's just a little bit too big for you? This is a trick I use to actually swap skirts with friends or just keep myself from throwing away that impulse buy at the mall that I knew was one size too big for me but I bought it anyway! Add a belt on top of the skirt. Next, slowly fold and pull the skirt edge higher so that it's a little above the upper edge of the belt. That's it folks. (If you have a few questions you might want to go take a look at my video on Instagram!) This works best when you have a top that's tucked in since it helps offset the slightly slouchy look of a paperbag waist. Add a pair of cute strappy sandals or boots and you've got a cool look that works best for weekends and even holiday sight-seeing!

2. Wrap Up Tight



I know there are times when you go to a place and the mornings are super cold but then suddenly the sun sets and you're chilly and essentially are freezing to death. Now you could go wear a fancy coat but where's the fun in that right? A simple blanket scarf is actually a beautiful piece to bring along on holidays because the possibilities to style it are near endless (we've got three right here in this post!). Plus it keeps you warm too... so there's that! For this look, all you do is wrap the scarf as a off-shoulder wrap top. The trick is to add a little pin at the bottom front and you've got a fun layer on your morning outfit that makes you look quite different!!

3. Halter Neck Scarf



Possibly my FAVOURITE way to wear a blanket scarf. My mom always tells me to ensure the cold winds don't get to my chest and this was my answer to her suggestions. I love wearing a blanket scarf this way and think it keeps me warm, gives me a chance to tuck my hands under it if I'm too cold (which is always if you're wondering) and gives you a new top, kind of. If you're a long time reader, you must have seen this hack multiple times and you'll keep seeing it in the future too. Some styles are just that good that you'll rewear them with a passion!!

4. Denim Layers



Right. Something that you might already know but I still had to add it to the list because it's a great option. The first look can just be upstyled or layered by adding a simple denim jacket. For my look, I've added a denim shirt instead of a jacket since that is not as thick as my denim jacket but still super warm. This is an option worth looking into when you don't want to carry too many jackets but still want to look warm. A denim shirt is a great piece that will not only help you stay warm, it will also give you a chance to create an extra outfit.

5. Denim Shirt Hack



This is a hack that's super easy to do and can actually be done with any shirt. All I did was wear my denim shirt like any normal shirt and then tucked in the collar to create a v-neck denim. This opens up the neck and gives you a completely different style without having to cut off any pieces of your shirt. It's subtle but the difference is absolutely amazing! A v-neck makes your neck look longer and is generally flattering on all body shapes!

6. Neckerchief

Full disclosure. This dress isn't mine. A red dress is a closet staple and I got mine from my mother who got it as a gift from my father when they got married. My mother has worn this dress on her honeymoon and it's easily more than 20 years old. However, it's such a beautiful piece I couldn't resist giving it a new life. Yes, I'm not the same body shape as my mother (who makes it look fabulous btw), but why let a little large size stop you right? I've always wanted to wear it and this post is all about my love for it. If you've got a hand me down (I love those actually!) or just an oversized dress you don't fit into anymore thanks to all the workouts you're doing (if this is true, then you go girl! And send me your workout too please!) or if you just bought something oversized because it was the last piece and you couldn't live without it, this post is for you!

Here are some of my favourite ways to breathe new life into a piece that you absolutely can't live without but doesn't look right at times. While I might not have the same dress to recommend for obvious reasons, I do have some recommendations in the post so keep reading! (Some of these are affiliate links and I might get a commission if you use them. However, you are free to not use them too. You can DM me on my social media and I'll be more than happy to share the normal links with you)

1. A Throwback Silhouette

If you're a longtime reader you're probably saying enough of this belt already and let me tell you...that will never happen my lovely! The easiest, most classic hack to wearing an oversized dress is to belt it. Since this belt has a drop waist on me (it hits mom right at her waist but I'm a lot skinnier overall so yea), I added this belt that you've seen several times before and then pulled at the top bit so that it hangs like a tucked in oversized top. I actually really like the detailing on the sleeves of this dress and think it has a very unique style. Anyway, that helps hide the elastic at the lower than my normal waist, waistline of the dress and still makes it look chic. Yes, belts are awesome. You're welcome!

2. Weekend Casual

My second favourite thing to do with dresses is to wear them layered under a skirt. For this look, I choose a denim pencil skirt since I felt it needed something structured to balance out the bulk of the dress. The denim skirt adds a more casual vibe is a great investment so you'd do well to buy one if you do find the perfect one for yourself. I like this one from Ajio quite a bit because it's just a great wash. If you want one with buttons down the front like mine, this one's pretty good too albeit a little shorter.

3. Red on Red



Right. Am I mental? Probably. Do I care? Not when it looks this granny sexy! So a hack I've used several times to layer a shawl over an outfit without it looking to shabby is to add a shawl and then flare it to make it almost look like those trench coats with cutout pieces of fabric at the back and add a belt to define your waist. It works wonders and instantly creates a new silhouette for the top. Try it, you might just discover a whole new avenue thanks to it! No links for this, essentially use any shawl you own, no need to buy new things for this look!

4. White Animal Polka Cuteness


Okay. This is probably my FAVOURITE look of all of them. This 'jacket' is actually a wrap dress, again in two sizes too big for me but for being super cheap on sale, I couldn't resist. It's never been worn as a dress because I feel it's a little see through but either way, it makes a great second layer. Next I added a printed scarf. While mine is animal print and since it cost an atrocious amount I'm making the most of it by adding it to every other thing I own. Wearing a scarf in my hair is probably one of those things I'll be obsessed with for a long time now. You can wear whichever one you own and my scarf isn't available online anymore. But this is very similar if you'd like to have something similar. (Psst...I'll buy you a coffee if you gift it to me! (nudge nudge wink wink))

5. Kitschy Casual

Quote tshirts. Can't live without them honestly! This one is from the H&M men's section that my coursin was very kind to purchase for me. It was on sale, it's the closest I'll ever come to endorsing Pepsi frankly.. seeing as I don't drink it but it does make for a very cool tshirt no? Anyway, this is oversized aswell for me but all I did is knot it at the side and then proceeded to fold the sleeves of the dress to keep them from showing. You can add a pin there if you feel your dress sleeve might roll down but mine had a sort of tighter bit at the bottom so they stayed put. Anyway, overall, it's like the dress is now a skirt with a t-shirt. Very casual, very cool and super wearable!


Well, those are my five favourite ways to reusing an old dress that hasn't been worn in several years. I urge you to find new ways to rewear things you already own before you go out and make that new purchase. It's so important to keep in mind that you can make the most of what you already own instead of just buying new things everytime a person recommends it to you. These posts are just an effort to make you be more mindful in your choices and if you think they're useful, please don't forget to share them with your friends. It doesn't cost you anything but it makes a huge difference in terms of helping me make more such posts! However, if you are in search of an affordable red dress you can check out this one, or this one, or this one with it's lovely sleeves! There's also couple of lovely valentine's day dresses under 1000 here, here and this maxi dress here.

PS: If you're a more visual person and prefer a video over a written text, I'd encourage you to follow me on my Instagram. I have a quick 1 minute video on how to create all these looks on my feed that you might like!

One Maxi Dress, 7 Ways to Wear it!

Story time! The maxi dress featured here has been unworn in my cupboard for over six months. You're probably wondering why (or not, that's perfectly awrite too but I'm gonna tell you anyway). I saw this maxi dress on a Vajor Sunday weekly sale (those are awesome btw, you might want to keep any eye out for them) and I was in love. This print spoke to my bohemian soul and I wanted it but couldn't afford to buy it. Turns out someone I know was listening to my public rant on how I loved it and bought it for me.



Cut to the delivery and I was surprised but excited! Now turns out, my sister was home the day I tried it on and she told me it was way too big for me. She said that it was too big for me (eventhough it was an XS) and looked like something for pregnant women. Bottom line, it just doesn't look good. I'd liked to say it didn't affect me but it did. It essentially colored my opinion at a certain level and it meant the dress stayed in my closet, with tags on for a long time.



I don't know why I picked it up but two months ago, I did. I wore it to a lunch date with my family and guess what, two absolute strangers complimented my dress. Safe to say I was shocked just a little bit but also shook. (like those beauty youtubers say) The lesson is this, never let the world decide your choices in fashion or otherwise. You can hear them and consider them, but listen to what your heart says. Well, turns how I've not only managed to prove my sister wrong but this is possibly one of the most versatile dresses I've ever worn!

1. Belt it Out


Hands down, my favourite way of making anything look good. A belt is such a versatile part of your wardrobe it makes event the most shabbiest things look good. All you need to do with clothes that are slightly too big for you is to add a belt. The trick is to add it at the smallest part of your waist to give an illusion of that perfect figure. Bonus, this look hides ALL the food babies you might create and still makes you look fabulous!

Outfit Details: 
Floral Maxi Dress: Rs. 990, Vajor
Belt: Rs. 799, Label Life
Heels: Rs. 1200, Koovs
Bag: Rs. 599, Part of a Sugarbox

2. Layer it Up



This second look is one you've seen before. It featured in my post about 10 looks for Valentine's day (check it out guys, it's a good post too!) and I've already worn this atleast twice. Repeating looks? Why of course I do that! Anybody who understands the value of money repeats their looks! Be proud of being an outfit repeater! Anyway, I just added an oversized jumper and then tucked it in at the front. No fuss, practical winter outfit. You can add some warm leggings below the dress and boots if you're worried about feeling cold down under!

Outfit Details: 
Floral Maxi Dress: Rs. 990, Vajor
Pink Oversized Jumper: Rs. 899, Glamorous UK from Koovs
Necklace: Rs. 200, Streetstore in Goa
Heels: Rs. 1200, Koovs

3. Jacket It



So this is something can recreate with whatever jacket you own. A leather jacket, a coat, a bomber, anything really. I added a denim shirt because personally, those are more my style but a jacket works just as well. The idea is to add something that you already own as a layer to ensure you're warm but chic. Good options to invest in would be a cropped jacket or a normal denim jacket if you ask me.

Outfit Details: 
Floral Maxi Dress: Rs. 990, Vajor
4. Shirt Up

Yet another look you can easily create with things you probably already own. I'm using the same denim shirt as the previous look but you can use any shirt you have. (I find a denim shirt to be one of those things you can use in many many ways). All I did is button it all the way up and knotted it instead of the belt. Since the dress is slightly big for me, it's important to create curves to keep from looking too boxy (Girl, even if you don't think you have curves, you do! You just need to find what works for you!).

Outfit Details: 
Floral Maxi Dress: Rs. 990, Vajor



5. Skirt up Top



Super simple I know. But you can always add a little something as a layer to a maxi dress. This ruffle maxi skirt with a similar shade of pink to the print on the dress is super fun in my opinion. Honestly, you just need to make sure it's longer or atleast the same length as the dress. An a-line skirt usually works best if you want to do some layering

Outfit Details: 





6. Drape it Right


Outfit Details: 




Floral Maxi Dress: Rs. 990, Vajor

7. And.. Tuck it again!


Yet another drape, but this one is more polished than the first one. The first one is something like a beach shack look while this one is more fancy night out. In this case, instead of tucking the front and the back, you fold the sides before the tuck. You can see it on the video but the result has no draping on the sides and creates a more a-line silhouette. It's simple and with a pair of heels and some bold red lip, you'll be ready for that evening party without having to pack an extra fancy outfit!

Outfit Details: 




Floral Maxi Dress: Rs. 990, Vajor

I hope you enjoyed these looks. Maxi dresses are absolutely perfect for holidays but sometimes it's a little hard to style them in more than one way and I hear you. That's the reason why this guide has fewer additional pieces as I wanted to create something that can be portable but functional. The idea is to give you some inspiration for creating looks with minimal pieces.

Don't forget to see the video on my Instagram where I share how I created all these looks. It's less than a minute but I hope you get some value from it. If you do please share it with your friends and comment with your favourite looks.

Do you like sequins? I personally think sequins are so very underrated and deserve a moment in the spotlight. I know what you're thinking, can I spend so much money on sequins that I can't realistically wear everyday? Well, if you only adjust your perspective a little bit and try and push your boundaries, I think you'll be able to get more bang for your buck using the outfit tricks I'm sharing below. Yes, it might not be a piece for you but if you do own something flashy or shiny, the style tips I'm sharing below would work just as well. Read on to see my slight struggle and eventual triumph with sequins.



Right. So full disclosure, I was extremely vary of sequins till around 2 years ago. However, I went to an annual charity sale that I support, saw these trousers and thought to myself, ' It's for charity... might aswell try something completely left of my comfort zone and if it doesn't work, atleast I know my money isn't going to a big corporate machine but helping kids learn'. So that's exactly the thought that made me buy these pants. Cut to this year when I realised I wasn't wearing them because I was scared. I had of course done loads of research into how to wear these but somehow didn't do it (taunts self with chants of 'Chicken!!'). Anyway, that's exactly why I decided to create this post because if all else fails, you guys will be my inspiration to create new outfits!

1. The Casual Chica



This is honestly the easiest way to dress anything down. Just add a tshirt and anything fancy will suddenly look a lot more toned down. I bought this tshirt off the streets and while it's a little oversized it just adds to the slouchiness of the overall look. The pants are well fitted which means you end up with an outfit which is a mix of casual but chic. Of course, sequins are more of an evening wear piece but with this look, they make for a great daywear outfit too! Of course, confidence is essentially a major part of feeling that you can pull this look off so don't skimp out on that!!

2. Classy Office Party





I know parties will usually make you envision pretty dresses and heels but why not turn that idea around? If you've got a pair of bright printed or sequinned pants, pairing them with a simple black top/jumper/turtleneck (essentially whatever you own) is just the ticket! I idea is to keep the colours in the same shade range. A solid coloured top in black can help balance the bright bottoms and help create a more put together look. It's the easiest thing in the world honestly. Just pick everything in a single shade and then add a single statment piece. For me it's these trousers but you could also just wear all black and add a simple statement necklace or jacket. Idea is to let one piece be the hero piece and shine through!

3. Mad Party Girl



Okay. Cards on the table, I know a lot of you will probably love this look and a lot will run away till the blinding lights off my look fade away. I understand that completely! However, I wanted to give you lot an option that is a little out of the 'norm' when it comes to wearing statement pieces because I think fashion is a lot about making your personal statement irrespective of the rules. All those rules about not pairing sequins with sequins? Throw them out of the window and wear whatever the hell you want girl! Honestly, there's something so refreshing about wearing a head to toe statement look that you'll feel empowered just because you're in that outfit. Clothes have the power to give us confidence and this look does exactly that. I paired my sequinned jumper with the sequin pants and the result is mad, it's out there and it's (in my head atleast) absolutely stunning! Go ahead, break those rules and you might be surprised at the end result!

I hope these looks give you some insight into how you can style your very own statement trousers. I know a lot of these outfits are not for everyone but I really think it's sometimes just about stepping out of what you enjoy and atleast trying something new when it comes to your personal style. You might hate it, you might love it but you'll definitely learn from it!

PS: I'm doing a little style series on my Instagram so make sure you're following me there so that you can get even more style inspo!!