Playful palazzos

What happens when fashion combines style and comfort? You can’t ask for anything better. Thinking of one? Well, palazzos have this two-in-one advantage. And with summer here, this piece of garment has to be a part of your wardrobe. Palazzos were spotted the first time when famous designer Coco Chanel sported one at a beach, almost a century ago, and since then it has become one of the most desirable fashion trends. 
  
Loose, flouncy, usually made with light and breathable fabric, and easy to style these wide-legged pants make a perfect summer outfit. With varying lengths, widths, prints and patterns, palazzos have it all going for them. No matter what your favourite top is — kurta, tank top, off-shoulder or even a shirt —  there is nothing that will not complement a pair of palazzos. 

The best fabric
This multi-purpose pants give you the freedom to move freely and you can style them with anything that you love. “The options in designs and patterns that are available in the market can often get overwhelming, but once you know the right fabric (based on your preference, comfort level and body type), it is easier to select a pair. Palazzos are available in different fabrics such as cotton, crepe, georgette, chikankari, and even soft and fluid denims. If you are someone who is conscious of your figure, you can opt for palazzos in fabrics like georgette and crepe that are flowy and loose. In case you are leaner, cotton palazzos with a flare look best. However, never be too conscious about selecting them because they look good on all body types,” says Pune-based designer Shreya Khanna. 

Cut, flare and length 
There are many types of palazzos, depending on the cut, flare and length — straight cut, flared ones, layered, trouser-style, culottes (in-between flared and knee-length palazzos), palazzo tie-ups or palazzo skirts, pleated palazzos, and palazzo suits (a set of palazzo and kurta).
 
Suggesting us how to choose the right pair, Delhi-based stylist Deepika Kakkar says, “In case printed palazzos lure you, it is always safe to go for floral prints because they look good and are easy to style too. If you want to flaunt a pair with stripes, always go for vertical ones. No matter what your height is, it should never stop you from sporting palazzos this summer. But if you are still wondering if palazzos are suitable for your body type, just be careful when choosing the waist cut. If you are in the best shape, you can always wear high-waist palazzos and pair them with a crop top. Those not blessed with flashboard abs, can choose low-waist palazzos and team them up with kurtas.”

Recently, Malaika Arora was spotted wearing a checkered crop top with matching high-waisted pant palazzos baring her midriff, giving us enough inspiration to embrace coordinated sets in palazzo styles. This can be your perfect vacation outfit too and also ideal for those lazy brunches.
  
Palazzos have been there for quite sometime now, overtaking leggings, however, if you haven’t made a place for these comfy and chic pair of bottoms, now is the time. “Those who are going to wear palazzos for the first time, should begin with straight cuts as they go well with both short and long kurtas. You can start with plain colours and team them up with your desired top. They look good with absolutely anything — t-shirt, bralette, shirt — and can be easily accessorised to add a fun element to your look,” suggests Kakkar. 

Casual and formal
Khanna says that palazzos needn’t be limited to only casuals or Indian wear. “The stylish lowers can be extremely casual or moderately formal. If you pair a striped palazzos with a lacy or crochet top, they give  a laidback look, perfect for hanging out with your girl gang. To create a work wear look, you can team up a pair of flared palazzos with a long button-down shirt. You can also go for coordinated sets for an office look,” says Khanna. 
 
Kakkar is of the opinion that one can jazz up their simple and plain palazzos by wearing a flimsy, flowing top that can add more drama to the look. 

Talking about footwear, Khanna feels that one must wear what one is comfortable in. She says, “Block heels, Kolkapuri chappals, and even ballerina shoes complement palazzos. For a more contemporary look, you can wear sneakers with them.”