Aditi Rao Hydari wore a gharara set with antique zardozi embroidery on its neckline

Aditi Rao Hydari is among a rare breed that pulls off a bohemian look without making it appear camp or costume-y. This has a lot to do with her carefree style, often an extension of her free-spirited personality. That, combined with her Hyderabadi heritage makes her the perfect candidate to turn toward as inspiration to nail an off-kilter look, especially for the upcoming festive and wedding season that is just around the corner. Her latest appearance in a sage green gharara is exactly that.

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Rao Hydari wore a silk tissue gharara set from New Delhi-based designer Preeti Kler who specialises in edgy Indian separates. These metallic ghararas—her signature—features her work with heritage embroidery techniques that elevate these otherwise simple silhouettes to couture. Velvet floral appliques on the neckline and sleeves are hand-embroidered with antique zardozi, further embellished with real onyx stones. The patina effect on the zardozi gives the look a lived-in, vintage appeal that adds to its grandeur. The gharara pants dials up the drama in the look, while also keeping it youthful and frothy. The silhouette—not to be confused with a sharara—has become Kler’s signature design style. The hem of the gharara also featured velvet appliqués, shaped akin to minaret tops, finished with pom-pom detailing.

Rao Hydari’s makeup and hair complemented the look’s bohemian undertone. Her hair was styled in choppy waves that looked edgier compared to the usual blowout. For makeup, the actor focused on creating a subtle, smokey eye and went with blushed cheeks.

“An outfit like this will do all the heavy lifting for you. I recommend styling this with chunky silver jewellery or chokers embellished with multi-coloured crystals and gemstones. A look like this will also need some elevation. A pair of Kolhapuri heels from Aprajita Toor or metallic pumps or stilettos from Jimmy Choo or Christian Louboutin will bring the look together. I also recommend a metal minaudière as an accessory with this look,” says Ashwini Arun Kumar, Vogue India fashion features editor.

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