Style trends to watch out for in Bollywood films of 2016

Bollywood movies in 2015 gave us some unique and dramatic style cues and, this year, we are keeping our eyes peeled for on-screen looks to tick the top trend boxes

Fashion and cinema can be the best of friends, and the amount of iconic style moments that films have produced over the years bear testimony to it. Remember Audrey Hepburn’s LBD? Or Marilyn Monroe’s billowing white dress?

Closer home, we have Zeenat Aman donning those huge sunnies and flared pants which remain firmly in vogue and Sadhana's fringe cut and well-fitting kurtis; Sharmila Tagore’s ultra-glam look in 'An Evening in Paris' was a force to reckon with. Then, there are Sushmita Sen’s sarees in 'Main Hoon Na', which confidently spelled elegance, and Ranbir Kapoor’s leather jackets in 'Rockstar' that became all the rage.

Long story short, the styling of a movie is an indispensable entity in the process of filmmaking and one can see the acuity and precision with which each character is fleshed out today in terms of designing and look.

If last year was an important year for the fashion industry with various layers of styling being played around with, 2016 already looks promising enough. Some ace designers pick their favourite looks that graced the big screen last year, and we tell you what to expect this year.

Kunal Rawal


I loved the styling in 'Dil Dhadkne Do'. Each character was fleshed out beautifully and went in tandem with the film’s story. With Anil Kapoor, the salt and pepper hair and moustache, the colours and accessories all spelt confidence but in a very nonchalant way. I also thought what they did for the styling of 'PK', picking out each of Aamir’s looks from the location he was shooting in, was a very smart idea, and it worked well in bringing in some amount of authenticity to his character.

Rocky S


Glamour is essentially about confidence and owning the look, which is why my pick would definitely be 'Bajirao Mastani'. The hysterics, the drama, the ultra-ornate look, all magnified and mounted with a brilliant background that was a slice out of the 17th and 18th century history during the regime of the Peshwas and Maratha warriors. Priyanka Chopra was as regal as it gets in her silk navvari, half-moon bindi, nose ring and the constant use of the word ‘challa’ just added to her character.

Anuj Madan


My favourite look is Deepika Padukone from 'Piku'. The look was minimal, casual and effortless; she did justice to the entire look and managed to create a style statement. She wore earthy and organic fabric throughout the movie in her kurtis, cotton shirts and sarees and her flawless styling managed to portray a strong, independent and compassionate woman. Without being too experimental, this is easily one of her better looks.

Swapnil Shinde

My favourite looks from last year were from 'Bombay Velvet', especially Anushka Sharma’s character Rosy; it was all about the era, and dramatic costumes she wore are iconic and will remain a vital point for the fashion industry for years to come. In specific, I loved the ivory gown which was made for Anushka; it was an elaborate gown with intricate pearl embroidery all over the bustier, the ombré of pearls then disintegrated into ostrich feathers on the mermaid cut skirt area.

Neeta Lulla

If I go specifically for characterisation, it is Kangana’s look from 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns'. The looks of both characters give a very distinctive differentiation to the characters and very effectively at that. She perfectly embodies the part of an uptown girl and a Haryanvi girl thanks to the styling. Amongst the men, Ranveer Singh’s look from 'Bajirao Mastani' for its intricacy of detail and kind of textures was a winner. The accessories were very effective too.

Ridhi Arora

Kajol made a comeback with 'Dilwale' and looked ravishing as ever. She sported jumpsuits, gowns, sarees and made her style statement as versatile as her acting. The colours and patterns of the fabric was a plus point.

Purvi Doshi


Aditi Rao Hydari gave ethnicity a new avatar in 'Wazir'. The fabric and embroidery on her dresses were remarkable and the anarkalis she wore enhanced her charm. This trend is definitely going to get big in 2016.

Rick Roy

As a designer, I realise how difficult it is to make a statement through a simple look so my pick from last year would definitely be Kareena Kapoor in 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan'. What I loved was that the look was very simple and relatable but also very well put together. The mix and match of colour and prints was lovely, and the understated silver jewellery was a winner. I also think the make-up and hair was beautifully done; Kareena has never looked so fresh.

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