Comfort on their minds

“Who are you wearing?” is what celebrities are often asked when they step out in public. While in most cases, the answer is a high-priced designer’s name, many celebrities these days are not shying away from wearing comfortable and cheaper clothes.

Priyanka Chopra was the talk of the town recently when she wore a Rs 5,990 Zara dress to meet Queen Rania of Jordan. Gigi Hadid, too, let go of designer wear and sported a simple $29.99 H&M plaid pants in Paris last week. While Beyoncé stepped out wearing a $165 dress to Rihanna’s Diamond Ball last month and looked stunning, Emily Ratajkowski’s $11 skirt made headlines too. The likes of Alia Bhatt, Jennifer Lopez, Stella Maxwell, Kendall Jenner, Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Blake Lively and Vanessa Hudgens, among many others have also worn affordable clothing in public more than once.

“Yes, there is an ongoing trend where actors, sportspersons and other celebrities have been following the current vibe and flavour which is comfort fashion. We have seen sneakers being used on a Chanel runway. Many women are giving heels a break and are going for flats and shoes. Even if we look at the current runway, fashion is no longer about fitted clothing or cleavages; it’s all about wearable and sustainable fashion. Samantha Ruth Prabhu is a great example of someone who wears comfortable fashion,” says celebrity stylist Indrakshi Ria Pattanaik, and adds, “To say that the trend of comfortable fashion is picking up is true.”

Beyonce turned heads with this $165 dress.

A famous fashion blogger from the city, Meenakshi Pamnani, says that it’s no longer about brands but about how you carry yourself. “Priyanka Chopra looked stunning despite wearing a simple dress. It’s all about how you feel in what you wear. Comfort, confidence and having your own personal style are important. It’s okay to break fashion rules these days and go for a comfortable choice of clothing. Gone are the days when it was about fitted dresses and denims; loose-fitted, flared skirts and palazzos in colours such as deep reds, burgundy and browns are in fashion now,” she adds. According to experts, it has also become okay for celebs to repeat clothes. Even Alia Bhatt, JLo and Kangana Ranaut have repeated their clothes in recent times. “You can repeat an outfit by pairing it smartly and nobody will notice,” says Meenakshi.

Celebrity designer Nachiket Barve echoes that comfort and style go hand in hand. “The trend is to look natural these days. Do not wear tight-fitted clothes and go easy on your make-up and hair too. It’s all about keeping it simple. Celebrities did wear comfortable clothes in the past too, however you can spot them doing so more often now,” shares Nachiket.

Gigi Hadid also chose to wear inexpensive clothing in recent times.

And if you love celebrities and dressing like them, celebrity stylist Ami Patel adds, “Celebrities create their own personal style and that’s why they stand out. It’s about being yourself and wearing things that you are comfor- table in.”

Affordable style

Priyanka Chopra - Rs 5,990 Zara dress
Gigi Hadid - $29.99 H&M plaid pants
Emily Ratajkowski - $11 skirt
Beyoncé - $165 dress
Emma Stone - $78 denim jacket
Kylie Jenner - $50 dress
Kendall Jenner - $28 overall
Selena Gomez - $70 coat