For decades, the Pakistani fashion for women has been dominated by baggy shalwars, loosely fitted kameez and a dupatta to tie together the entire look.
These clothes could be considered exclusively Pakistani because they were produced, designed, and sold in Pakistan and they featured ethnic prints, designs, and embroidery.
However, as the years have passed and the world has morphed into a global village and as a consequence, Pakistani fashion has evolved greatly. The impact of other cultures on Pakistani clothing is quite visible. As of the current day, Pakistani clothing brands sell their clothes internationally to foreign clients and expatriates.
Owing to the fact that the number of clothing brands have increased exponentially over the past 15 or so years, customers have lots of options to play around with whilst shopping for clothes.
For some, being exposed to innumerable options can be considerably daunting. For this reason, below is a compiled list of what to look out for while purchasing and styling clothes.
THE DOS
1. Experiment with hemlines
Do not hesitate in experimenting with the lengths of hemlines. Pair a short length kurta with a voluminous shalwar. Similarly, wear flared frocks with fitted trousers to pull off a timeless look.
While experimenting with hemlines might take you out of your comfort zone, it is bound to spice up your looks along with adding versatility to your wardrobe. So, take the plunge and do not shy away from trying out new styles.
2. Mix it up
Mix and match pieces of eastern and western clothing to achieve a modern and trendy look. For instance, wear jeans with embroidered kurtas instead of wearing a shalwar or trousers.
Likewise, you can conveniently tinker around while pairing printed tops with solid colored bottoms. For example, try wearing a dark blue printed top with black bottoms. Or wear a light blue kurta with crisp, white trousers. The options are endless.
3. Keep it classy
To appear classy in any outfit, you must carry yourself with confidence, surety, and elegance. To do so, take good care of your personal hygiene. Make sure your clothes are clean and well-ironed.
To feel comfortable in your clothes, make certain that they are stitched according to your build and stature. Additionally, always opt for clothes that make you feel comfortable and choose clothes with solid colors and minimal print as opposed to choosing clothes that feature bold colors and patterns.
4. Play around with accessories
When it comes to picking accessories for your outfit, the options are endless. On festive occasions such as holidays and weddings, wear traditional jewellery with your elaborate outfit.
On an everyday basis, when going to school or work, keep it basic with neat and simple jewellery such as stud earrings or a pendant necklace. During winter, wear beautifully crafted shawls with your outfits, which keep you warm along with elevating your look.
Top 5 Pakistani Fashion Trends to Follow in 2021
THE DON’TS
1. Refrain from over-dressing
It is true what they say, we have got to dress to impress. However, we should also be aware of where we ought to draw the line. Wearing silk clothes with heavy embroidery and heels to shopping malls and parks is a big no-no.
The key lies in dressing in accordance to the nature of the occasion. Whilst out in the public or going to work, go for outfits which make you feel comfortable and confident. Ditch the elaborate clothes and only wear them to celebratory occasions.
2. Do not arrive under-dressed
Do not go to a formal event such as a dinner party or meeting wearing the clothes you would normally wear at home, such as a plain, unstructured shalwar kameez. Instead, put in a little more effort. Wear crisply ironed clothes and accessorize with sophisticated jewellery.
As a simple rule of thumb, divide your clothes into two broad categories: the ones you wear outside in public and the ons you wear at home in a less formal setting. This will ensure that you are always dressed in accordance with the nature of the event/occasion.
We hope these tips help in navigating around the complex world of Pakistani fashion, while dressing in a manner which appeals to your personal style.
Since the country’s inception over 70 years ago, Pakistani fashion for women has evolved immensely and come a long way.
Nowadays, the trends do not singularly revolve around baggy salwars and loose fitted kameez. Instead, Pakistani fashion for women has embraced a range of different styles, from A-line frocks, peplum shirts, and high-low hemlines to tulip pants, churidar pajamas, gharara pants, patiala salwars, and cigarette pants.
Thus Pakistani fashion for women has been able to cater to women with different personal styles, age groups, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Given that there is so much variety of clothes available, it can be difficult for consumers to pick out their clothes whilst also honing their personal style. So, to appear classy, elegant, women should abide by certain dos and don’ts.
For example, experimenting with hemline lengths is always a good way to add versatility to one’s wardrobe. Similarly, wearing baggy kurtas with pants instead of salwars can amp up one’s appearance. The right accessories can work wonders as well.
For example, delicate earring paired with a minimally printed 3 piece suit can make anyone look sophisticated and refined. Similarly, the key to looking refined is that you should always pick dresses which are suitable for a particular occasion.
For instance, wear solid and dark-colored dresses to formal places like offices and universities and wear shiny, silky, and embroidered clothes to weddings and parties. There you have it; the key rules you should keep in mind while shopping for clothes as a modern Pakistani woman.
Thus Pakistani fashion for women has been able to cater to women with different personal styles, age groups, and socio-economic backgrounds.
This saw brands like Sapphire, Élan, Sania Maskatiya, Agha Noor, J., Khaadi, Generation, leading the way into the new era.
The 2010s also saw the amalgamation of fashion with television and cinema once again, and many of Pakistan’s new-age superstars started sashaying down the runway in couture ensembles that were specially made with them in mind.
The 2020 – The Way Ahead
The 2020s as a decade have started by being one of the most troubling times for the country. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the growth of the fashion industry, and it has left the designers questioning many old ways and their future survival.
The era, however, has just started, and the trends would definitely keep going through their evolution as the years go ahead. One thing remains for sure however, the 2020s will bring in yet another new revolution into the market with the age of digital rising to new heights, along with the post-COVID-19 world putting new SOPs in place.
Have anything to add to the story? Tell us in the comment section below.
Given that there is so much variety of clothes available, it can be difficult for consumers to pick out their clothes whilst also honing their personal style. So, to appear classy, elegant, women should abide by certain dos and don’ts.
