Be chic yet comfortable: How to wear fashion every day
Comfort couture is an elevated approach to dressing that seamlessly blends luxurious aesthetics with functional ease. 'Unlike athleisure, which prioritises sporty elements, or high-street fashion, which follows fast-moving trends, comfort couture is all about timeless sophistication with an emphasis on quality fabrics, tailored fits and versatile designs,' explains Sheth.It's not as casual as athleisure, not as mass-market as high-street fashion either, and not as rigid as traditional prt collections. Instead, it focuses on wearable luxury. Think sculptural silhouettes with drape-friendly construction, corset dresses with stretch panels, or body-contouring co-ord sets that move with the body.'Comfort couture isn't restricted to one particular age group as it's a shift in fashion sensibilities that caters to modern lifestyles,' adds Sheth. It's a growing preference among working women professionals, entrepreneurs and creative people, who want effortless yet sophisticated fashion, and want to move seamlessly from meetings to social gatherings while feeling both comfortable and confident.What's interesting is that comfort couture has been largely embraced by both millennials and Gen Z, for different reasons though. Millennials gravitate towards timeless versatility, investing in pieces that blend elegance with practicality. They prefer fashion that stands the test of time while offering adaptability for different occasions.On the other hand, Gen Z seeks innovation and fluidity, favouring fashion that moves with them and adapts to their evolving identities. Their preference leans towards dynamic, expressive styles that cater to their fast-paced, digital-first lifestyles.'Both groups share a common appreciation for comfort-first dressing, whether through athleisure, wardrobe shifts or the influence of the digital nomad culture. This evolving landscape showcases a strong drift between these two generations, with comfort couture fitting into their distinct yet overlapping fashion preferences,' says Sheth.advertisementTo master comfort couture, the key lies in balancing luxury with ease. That means investing in high-quality fabrics is essential; breathable materials such as soft cashmere, structured yet stretchy knits, and sustainable cotton blends not only feel great on the skin but also ensure lasting comfort. And tailored fits play a crucial role in achieving a refined look, with fluid tailoring and over-sized blazers being ideal choices for creating effortless yet polished ensembles.'Avoiding overly baggy or unstructured pieces is important as they may not flatter all body types and can disrupt the process of building a versatile wardrobe,' adds Sheth.Synthetic heavy fabrics, particularly polyester blends, therefore, should be skipped in favour of breathable, natural alternatives. Accessories should be kept minimal to maintain a refined aesthetic, and loud prints or overwhelming patterns should be avoided to preserve the essence of comfort couture—sophistication in simplicity.Subscribe to India Today Magazine- EndsTrending Reel
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Time of India
16 hours ago
- Time of India
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Representative image/iStock This Gen Z writer and wellness enthusiast tried matcha for the same reason most people do: the supremely aesthetic visuals flooding social media — vibrant green powder, satisfying bamboo whisks, pretty glassware, and those tempting, slow, hypnotic swirls of matcha and milk. Add to that the influencers selling the 'wellness girlie' dream, sipping matcha and swearing it's the elixir of life. It was all too convincing. But the verdict? It tasted grassy, almost like black tea, and she'll never have it again. Still, many embrace it for the lifestyle and Instagram appeal, overlooking the taste. Matcha's obsession has grown so intense that there's now a global shortage, with producers struggling to meet demand. Why the craze Matcha isn't just a beverage; it has become a lifestyle symbol, largely shaped by social media. It's about how the drink fits into the broader vibe you're trying to project. Esha Ibrampurkar, a creative director and matcha enthusiast who recently hosted a matcha workshop, tells us, 'Many force themselves into trying matcha because of social media. Aesthetics play a crucial role in driving its popularity. Take, for instance, how people consume it. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo On most days, I drink my matcha in the traditional usucha style, made with warm water. If I post a photo of that, many might not find it aesthetic, but a beautiful matcha latte might perform far better as it looks more 'Instagrammable'. Matcha aligns with the current narrative of slow living… that's the kind of package being sold — It's about appearing calm, having a certain aesthetic and needing matcha to complete that image… But how much you buy into it is entirely your prerogative Esha Ibrampurkar, creative director & matcha enthusiast Sayan Bandyopadhyay, a clinical psychologist, adds, 'People today seek validation. Seeing others gain it for following wellness trends like matcha — largely promoted by celebrities — makes them aspire to do the same.' Aesthetics and health choices trump taste Kritika (23) recently tried out the Japanese tea influenced by social media. 'Since the tea is both healthy and aesthetic, I was like, 'Why not? I can also post it on social media.' I didn't like it… It tasted like liquid grass.' Nevertheless, Kritika is willing to drink it again because she says it is healthier than coffee. Many who don't like the taste either blame the faulty process of making the tea or the pairings, but, in any case, attempt to like it. Unique things sell faster in digital spaces. The colour of matcha has a strong visual appeal and recall value. Brands and creators have thus included matcha into their ad campaigns as well as content, tempting people to try it out and also become a part of the community Bhagyashree Dakhane, food and product stylist Ridam Mishra (21) tried her first cuppa after she saw her favourite influencer adding matcha to her morning routine. 'Honestly, I didn't like it at first, but I liked it better when I tried it with milk. Gradually, I acquired a taste for it. Now, I have it regularly… and often when my matcha looks cute, I post it online.' To elevate the taste, cafes and matcha drinkers are experimenting with different pairings — mango pulp, strawberries, coconut water, etc. , further raising it's aesthetic appeal. Rebecca Daisy Valles (26), a student from Munich, has been relishing matcha since she was 10. She tells us, 'When working at a cafe, I noticed people ordering interesting matcha combinations.. I also got to try a few and figure out my personal flavour.' While she doesn't post much on social media, her phone's gallery is full of aesthetic matcha drinks. 'It's the perfect blend of wellness and visual appeal. I capture the drink for myself, to archive the calm ritual. .. They're visual keepsakes just for me.' How healthy is it? Matcha is a healthier alternative to coffee. Gauri Anand, a clinical dietitian, says, 'It offers a steady energy boost. It is rich in antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress and support heart health. It also enhances focus, memory, and alertness, improves circulation, aids detoxification and strengthens immunity. Limit its intake to 1-2 cups daily. Excess can cause insomnia, irritability or digestive issues. ' Even if we don't like matcha, we convince ourselves that it's worth drinking to seek praise. We try to adapt to the taste because looking and feeling healthy is now the norm Sayan Bandyopadhyay, clinical psychologist
India Today
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Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Monsoon sparks mood-driven dating among Gen Z
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