Style file: Sidharth Malhotra talks about women fashion

Q.2 You donned the hat of a stylist,wasn’t that a first for you?

Although the outfits were not put together by me,my job was to help these girls pick the right outfit and then give them my opinion on the look. Playing a stylist was fun,because every guy likes helping his girlfriend or female friends when they ask questions like,“What colour looks good on me?” or “Help me choose one of these outfits.” To top it all,I had 21 girls for company while shopping.

Q.3 What is that one outfit that you think looks best on a girl?

I think jeans and a V – neck tee is pretty laid back and relaxed,just the way I like it. Also,it’s a very subjective opinion because one should always pick clothes according to their body type and the occasion. Sometimes,even a simple kurta with jeans can look good on a girl. Just avoid trying to ape someone else’s style.

Q.4 If you had to pick between a saree and a cocktail gown as a gift for your girl,what would you choose?

I think a saree would be really interesting. I’ll ditch the typical print and colors and will go to a slightly more cool designer who makes funky sarees,because blingy wedding sarees are a complete turn off. Most girls my age will have formal gowns or flowy dresses,but not everyone owns a saree.

Q.5 Ethnic or casual,what’s your pick?

Casual is so much easier and relaxed. A pair of jeans with a crisp white shirt and you are ready to go. I don’t understand the whole thing about so much effort in dressing up. Brands and added accessories are very secondary. If you go the casual way,you don’t have to think much,as long as you are comfortable.

Q.6 If there is a funky outfit that is very trendy but is not very comfortable,would you still opt for it?

If you are not comfortable in what you are wearing,it shows on your demeanor. Then what’s the use of sporting a trend like that? It will keep distracting you. Consider your comfort before the garment that you choose.

Q.7 A woman’s fashion trend that you think should make a comeback?

Most of the trends are being revived,be it floral dresses or polka dotted shirts. Outfits sported by Parveen Babi,Zeenat Aman or even Sharmila Tagore are all coming back as part of retro or vintage classic style. I think we should come up with new trends,instead of going back in time.

Q.8 With trends changing across the globe,what is your take on women’s fashion in India?

From a girl’s point of view,it’s fantastic because they have a lot of options to choose from. You see new trends on the runway every season and there is no set norm that you have to wear something particular,as you can pick anything from a skirt to shorts. Online shopping is also making things easier,as you can buy anything that you like at one click. But if you look at it as a guy,it’s not that great because you have to accompany your girl (laughs).

Q.9 Do you think people’s fashion sense is changing with the arrival of international brands?

When I was growing up,there were just limited brands in the country and most of us would end up picking up similar styles,cuts and prints. You could guess from where a person shops and I think that is the biggest downer. With several brands opening a chain of stores in the country today,you have a variety of clothes to choose from. In the case of some brands,each piece is different from the other. People are adapting international fashion trends more than ever before.

Q.10 What is your personal style statement?

I like to keep it casual. My style is very understated and you will see me in jeans T-shirt,cardigans among others. I don’t like jarring colours or prints. Also,clothes with brand names printed in bold are a big no for me.

priya.adivarekar@expressindia.com