Written by SUMAIYA SHUAIBDEEN of COSMOPOLITAN MAGAZINE SRI LANKA for THE DESIGN COLLECTIVE
There isn’t a formal definition of what cosy-chic means, but from what I have gathered, it’s a dressed-up version of what you wear at home. Unlike other trends, it didn’t start overnight, instead it took years for us to start taking comfort seriously, so cosy-chic is here to stay. On that note, here are the deets on how it evolved and tips to amp up your look while getting ready to look and feel comfy.
If you travel back in time to the 1800s and look around, you’re sure to find a massive costume-like outfit, otherwise called Dickens Costume with full skirts, long sleeves, fitted bodices, bonnets, hoop skirts, big leather boots and to top off it all, a shawl too. These might have looked pretty, but practically speaking, they were uncomfortable, and these women wore it for a lifetime.
Then by the sixties, the youth subcultures questioned the leadership of Paris couture as the fashion authority. People dressed in clothes that blurred differences in gender and sexuality while embracing bold silhouettes and new fabrics. To imagine what the clothes looked like, picture the infamous Twiggy dress with a shapeless shift, high-neck button up, funky tights, flats, and low heels. This look was what was reigning the wardrobes of women during this period. Fashion started to give out nonchalant vibes that pushed everyone into a leisure-wear zone.
Now, let’s talk about the 20th century and the glamour that entered the 2000s. Here came the glitzy crop tops, vibrant tracksuits, low-rise flared jeans, cargo pants, daisy dukes, jean skirts, with platform sandals, Ugg boots, and sneakers — basically everything cute, funky, and effortless. People drew inspiration from flicks like Gossip Girl and Legally Blonde and style icons like Kate Moss and Britney Spears. Overall, comfort improved, but still, people were putting that extra effort to look polished when they stepped out of the houses.
Currently, right in the middle of a pandemic, things have slightly changed, as you would imagine. Some of us haven’t been wearing a bra that often, every day feels like a day to wear linen clothes, oversized blazers have gained a triumph over trimmed ensembles on various occasions. The new-age style icons like Rihanna with pants and a dress and Zendaya in a utilitarian suit saw this relentless love for comfort and putting effortless-ness above everything coming our way, did you?
WAYS TO AMP UP COSY-CHIC
1. Accessorize right. Even if an oversized knit sweater screams comfort, a pair of dazzled up shoes can take you to a glammed up event. Found a vintage saree lying around at home? Spruce it up with a bougie belt.
For a classy ensemble, pair the front open top by The Three by TPV with the culottes from Nika by Rukshani and complete the look with the earring from Dhora.
If your sense of style is quite daring, combine SEDA’s blue set with Sangeeta Boochra’s ethnic earrings and Svelte’s white gold ring
2. Pick your fabrics. This is one of the first few things people notice when they see you. Think glossy satins, rich shades, linen, and anything that gives luxe look and feel.
Amilani Perera’s oversized bright blouse is a godsend to those who are not feeling the gowns to glam up! The naturally tied Kaftan by the Indian brand, Medium, has a lot to offer in terms of craftsmanship and convenience to move around.
3. Resort to layering, when you want to appear cosy but you don’t want to look boring.
Wear your satin camis with The Three by TPV lace dress for a boho appeal. Throw a cardigan on a skirt and blouse duo; let’s say the ethereal RUMPUNCH skirt with spaghetti top layered with a long and sleeveless IKKIVI cardigan. We bet you will be a cosy looking bombshell!