I'm coming out of my style-hibernation and it is bright out here

A long overdue experiment with my style featuring homegrown fashion brands

When 2026 began, I, too, like many other people on this planet, created a vision board on Pinterest. The images I saved reflected my goals: lifting heavier in the gym, making time for meditation, reading at least 50 books, getting my driver’s license and experimenting with my personal style.

So far, I’m on track with most of these. I go to the gym more regularly and lift nearly double the weight, eat a good amount of protein, have managed to get a learner’s permit and have read 12 books so far. The only goal that I hadn’t made any progress with was my style.

As a teen, my style was heavily inspired by the 2017 soft grunge-Tumblr era i.e. some combination of black, blue and grey, plaid shirts and skinny jeans. When I entered the workforce, I just swapped out the dark palette for neutrals but kept the formula. And later when I began freelancing and working from home, the formula eased further into primarily cotton loungewear sets from Westside. This year, when I resumed office life, I continued prioritising comfort with my favourite band-tee-oversized-shirt-and-jeans combo. It’s almost like a uniform for me.

The universe—and by universe, I of course mean, my algorithm—had different plans for me. Back in January, when I was fresh off making my New Year’s resolutions and quite motivated to update my style while supporting homegrown brands, I had briefly done some research. Since then, I’ve kept getting ads for indie Indian fashion labels.

I wasn’t willing to sit with the thought of dragging yet another unfinished goal into a new year. So I finally decided it was time for that long-overdue style refresh. The final nudge I needed came from Tweak’s editor, Mamta Mody, who was brainstorming fresh ways to shine a spotlight on homegrown labels through a first-hand account. In spirit of a challenge and my goal, I volunteered as a tribute. Two birds, one very stylish stone. 

My week-long fashion experiment using homegrown indie fashion brands

Monday: David Bowie-meets-Lagaan

I bought a sheer shirt on a whim almost a year ago, whose most daunting feature is its shoulder ruffles. I felt I could channel David Bowie and Freddie Mercury and did come close to wearing it several times, but always changed my mind in the end because I thought it made my shoulders look too big.

Finally its day came last Monday, when I got this checkered cotton Dressfolk saree from their Kaleidoscope collection. Before then, I had never thought about wearing a saree unless it was absolutely necessary; the last time I wore one was for a cousin’s engagement party three years ago. Still this combination just made sense in my head. Then I started to get ready that morning and instead of David Bowie, I felt I looked more like a colonial villain from Lagaan.

It was too late to change though, so I ran out the door in it. And as it goes so often, I surprised myself with how much I ended up enjoying the outfit. Compared to the exclusively sequin or embroidered sarees I’d worn for dressy occasions before, this cotton saree was light and easy to move in, especially given Mumbai’s heat. For the first time, I could understand my mother’s love for sarees.

The saree did unravel a bit at mid-day when I got up for lunch. Fortunately, my coworkers helped me through this mild wardrobe malfunction. However, I don’t think I see myself making a habit out of this, but it’s good to know that comfortable sarees are an option. I’ve come to realise that they’re easier to style than coming up with interesting colour schemes for an outfit.

Tuesday: Santa Claus-meets-the-Seventies

I have red in my wardrobe, but not the fiery shade of this top from Label Jenn. It’s giving Santa Claus but also Miranda Priestly-circa-2026. It’s the shade of red everything is drenched in when you venture out on Valentine’s Day. And I kind of love it now.

I’m also a sucker for big, dramatic, Morticia-Addams sleeves for how they feel elevated as well as lowkey goth. I paired the top with these voluminous black pants and added a fitting tank top to make sure my actual proportions wouldn’t get lost in there. Typically, I wouldn’t have paired two garments that look so dramatic. I stick to clothes that don’t grab a lot of attention, simply because I never thought it was for me.

The result was very 70s, and the only thing I was missing were some curtain bangs. Overall, I felt like I was playing a character who goes with the flow, is free-spirited and takes more risks—someone I’d actually like to turn into a reality.

As great as I think the look came out, I have to admit it wasn’t the most practical for work. The sleeves kept getting in my way while eating, washing hands, typing, and felt more fussy than fun. But when I met my friends later for a rare weekday coffee, it felt like Friday had come a bit early that week.

Wednesday: WFH-meets-Y2K

My one day a week working from home is without a doubt my favourite work day. I get to remain in my pyjamas and only spiritually show up to work. It’s the least exhausting day fashion-wise. However, I wasn’t going to use this as an excuse to take a cheat day from the experiment.

I’ve always been envious of people who can make athleisure look effortless and cool. I’ve been seeing the trend of early aughties athleisure being layered with bright tank tops and was inspired to try something similar.

So I ditched my frumpy joggers and donned a white skort and mint-green tank from Aer Active. For a pop of colour, I had a pink sports bra peek through. Instantly, I understood the power of dopamine dressing. The colour blocks along with the pristine white kept me sprightly and alert even though I was only in my own living room.

The entire outfit was also incredibly comfortable—the soft, stretchy nylon-elastane-blend fabric was very fine without being sheer. However, it’s worth noting that XL is the last size the brand carries; I’m between sizes L-XL, and I ordered most of the items in XL.

This day was a hands-down win for me. Not only did I live out my Y2K athleisure dreams, but when I wrapped work to go to the gym, I didn’t need to change out of pyjamas as I usually do. I just put on my sneakers and left.

Thursday: Easy-breezy-meets-emo-kid

This was the day I almost broke my streak. I was running late to work and did not have any motivation to put together a creative outfit, so I settled for a compromise.

I paired my trusty AC/DC tee that I had thrifted online five years ago with a butter-yellow skirt from Summer Away. Then something glittery caught my eye—it was my concert-uniform fishnet sleeves embellished with rhinestones. And I thought, sure, why not? In the end, I think I looked like a 90s teen heroine—think Kat Stratford from 10 Things I Hate About You meets Preity Zinta from Dil Chahta Hai.

The skirt fit like a dream, although it was a bit long for my 5’4” frame. I wore a size L but here once more, the biggest size available is XL. I thought about throwing on chunky slippers to really go all in on the 90s theme, but in the end settled on black Chelsea boots.

It was a perfect summer outfit with a bit of edge, and a 100% a repeat-every-week outfit. I felt comfortable and cute the entire day.

Friday: Strawberry-Shortcake-meets-shorts

The story of this outfit is that it’s a loan from a friend.

When I told her about the style experiment I was planning to conduct at work, she wanted me to try this top from The Souled Store, and I had two words when I saw it – Strawberry Shortcake!

Very uncharacteristically, I paired it with blue shorts, which is a piece of clothing I would not otherwise venture outside of home unless I’m on vacation. Shorts feel fussy when you have big thighs—the hem rides up and I have to keep re-adjusting. But for the sake of the experiment, I kept them and styled them with the cutest pair of ballet flats from Fizzy Goblet.

This one ended up being a mixed bag. I felt very comfortable at the office, but not so much on my way there. While travelling on public transport, I felt a bit awkward and uneasy. I doubt I’d wear shorts outside again, it’s just something I’m personally not comfortable with. The top, on the other hand, I loved, and I’m conflicted about whether I should return it to my best friend (jk, I already know I won’t).

Style makeover or style edit?

While I don’t think I’ll suddenly be comfortable with wearing items way out of my daily rotation, like a snug tank top, a saree or shorts, I think this exercise did shake me out of my style rut. I feel like the one big change in my wardrobe is the introduction of more varied silhouettes, from bell sleeves, to skorts and maxi skirts. It’s made the most noticeable difference.

I find I’m suddenly wearing lots of colour too, often all at once. Earlier it would have unsettled me, but now it makes me feel raring to go. I also have a newfound love of skirts and have been thinking about styling them with feminine tops instead of the usual oversized band tees. And now I think, how did I miss the boat on ballet flats? They’re so versatile and convenient.

If you’re looking to shake up your style without creating a big dent in your bank account, it’s easiest to start in your own closet — find new ways to wear lesser-worn garments, or borrow from a friend who dresses nothing like you. I was quite intimidated by the idea of committing to clothes that would feel uncomfortable or fussy, but it turned out that was just all in my head. I ended up having a genuinely good time with it.

Another unexpected result of my experiment was bonding with my colleagues. This was my big main-character week at work and I was touched by the way the Tweak team hyped me up. Especially our social media manager, Ketki Hulamajage, who would carve out time from her busy schedule to take all these amazing pictures of me.

My goal was to step out of my style comfort zone and try pieces I’ve always been curious about. I think it’s safe to say I more than achieved it.