Posts in category: Life Style

Let’s get this straight — the Indian salwar kameez suit is no longer just your mom’s go-to or that “safe” traditional option you wear when you can’t think of anything else. It’s back, it’s bold, and it’s turning heads in the most stylish ways possible. From airport chic to sangeet-ready glam, the salwar kameez has become the definition of effortless ethnic elegance. The best part? You can style it in dozens of ways to match your mood, event, and personal style.

But despite its popularity, a lot of us are still stuck styling it the same old way — kameez, salwar, dupatta, done. Let’s change that. If you’re ready to level up your Indian salwar fashion game and wear your culture with a whole lot of flair, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re going to a wedding, a casual lunch, or just a good old day of dressing up because why not, here’s your ultimate guide to owning every look with a salwar kameez — featuring some serious inspo from Nihal Fashions, your one-stop shop for iconic ethnic wear.

Why the Indian Salwar Kameez Suit Never Goes Out of Style

There’s a reason this outfit has stuck around across generations and continues to evolve with every fashion cycle. The Indian salwar kameez suit is one of the most flexible, elegant, and expressive outfits you can own. It works across seasons, body types, and occasions. Want something simple for the office? Pick a straight-fit suit with a crisp cotton dupatta. Need drama for a sangeet? Go for a heavy embroidered anarkali-style kameez with palazzos. Want to keep it edgy? Pair your short kameez with dhoti pants and ditch the dupatta altogether. The possibilities are endless — and that’s exactly why Indian salwar fashion is thriving louder than ever.

What makes it so timeless is its ability to be both rooted and refreshing. With modern fabrics, silhouettes, and cuts now in play, you can experiment without losing the cultural soul of the outfit.

Let’s Talk Bottoms – Because They Change Everything

Styling your salwar kameez starts with understanding that the “salwar” part is a flexible concept. Your bottom wear defines the entire vibe of your look. A traditional pleated salwar gives you that old-school charm, perfect for those who love the classics. If you prefer clean lines and a bit of structure, pair your kameez with straight pants or churidars — especially if the kameez is long and tailored.

Palazzos are your best friend when you want to bring movement and modern energy to your Indian salwar kameez suit. They look great with mid-length and even short kameez styles. And of course, if you’re ready to dial up the drama, nothing beats shararas or flared pants. They bring high impact without screaming for attention. Every switch in bottom-wear creates a fresh new look — it’s the quiet flex of Indian salwar fashion.

Dupatta or Not? That’s Your Call

Now let’s get to the most debated element of the look — the dupatta. It can be the star or completely optional, depending on your style. Traditionalists love a heavily embroidered dupatta to match the kameez, which works beautifully for weddings and formal events. But modern fashionistas are playing it differently — a contrasting dupatta, belted at the waist, or even draped like a scarf for that Indo-western finish.

And yes, skipping the dupatta entirely is now very much a part of the Indian salwar fashion narrative. Pair your outfit with bold earrings and sleek hair, and you’re golden. So whether you’re keeping it old-school or doing a contemporary remix, the dupatta is your fashion playground. At Nihal Fashions, you’ll find dupattas that aren’t just accessories — they’re statement-makers in their own right.

The Accessories That Actually Matter

Here’s the thing — you don’t need to drown in jewellery to look dressed up. The right accessories amplify your outfit without stealing the show. For heavier suits, go minimal with sleek jhumkas or a single statement ring. If your outfit is more subtle, bring on the bold — oversized chandbalis, stacked bangles, or a layered choker. Hair accessories like bejeweled pins or a maang tikka can also bring an extra element of charm to your Indian salwar kameez suit.

This is where many go wrong: they pile on too much and end up overwhelming the outfit. The trick is to balance — if your suit is loud, go light on accessories. If the suit is simple, go big or go home. It’s this mix-and-match energy that defines today’s Indian salwar fashion aesthetic.

Here Are 5 Salwar Kameez Styling Rules That Always Work:

1. Always iron your kameez for a crisp, flattering silhouette. Wrinkles kill the look.
2. Experiment with footwear — juttis, kolhapuris, even chic mules can elevate your look.
3. Don’t shy away from prints, especially floral or geometric — they’re big in modern Indian salwar fashion.
4. Ditch the matching game. Contrast bottoms or dupattas are in.
5. Carry a clutch or mini-bag to keep the outfit feeling fresh and elevated.

These rules may seem simple, but they add polish to your outfit and prevent the dreaded “just another suit” vibe.

Modern vs. Traditional: Choosing the Right Style for the Right Moment

The beauty of the Indian salwar kameez suit is that it adapts — you just have to know when to go big and when to keep it grounded. For office wear, opt for muted tones, cottons, and straight-fit silhouettes. They’re breathable, functional, and still beautifully ethnic. For casual day-outs, experiment with asymmetrical hems or short kurtis paired with denims for a playful Indo-Western mash-up.

When it comes to weddings or festive events, go bold — sequins, zardozi work, dramatic flares, and all the good stuff. You can even layer your kameez with a shrug, cape, or long jacket for that fusion queen energy. The evolving face of Indian salwar fashion means there are no limits — only creative choices.

Let’s Talk Colors and Fabrics

Choosing the right color and fabric changes the tone of your entire outfit. Brights like royal blue, mustard yellow, and fuchsia are festive staples. Pastels are huge right now — think powder pinks, lilacs, and mint greens. Earthy tones like rust, olive, and sand are great for everyday wear or elegant evening vibes.

As for fabrics, breathable cottons rule summer, while georgette and silk blends are perfect for occasions. Velvet is a total winter winner — glam and luxe. Nihal Fashions offers a wide variety, from breezy everyday suits to ultra-luxe wedding pieces, making it easy to build a wardrobe that hits every style note in the Indian salwar fashion songbook.

Fusion is the Future

If you’re the kind who likes pushing boundaries, then fusing your salwar kameez with western elements is your next adventure. Pair a short kameez with high-waisted jeans or a long jacket with cigarette pants. Add a belt, a blazer, or even sneakers if the mood strikes. This kind of playful experimentation is what keeps the Indian salwar kameez suit exciting and relevant for the modern woman.

And fusion doesn’t mean losing the traditional essence — it just means presenting it in a way that’s uniquely yours. This bold expression is where Indian salwar fashion truly shines.

Final Thoughts: Your Suit, Your Story

At the end of the day, the salwar kameez isn’t just a piece of clothing. It’s an identity, a memory, a vibe. It tells a story of who you are, where you’re going, and how you want the world to see you. Whether you go full glam or easy-breezy, the key is to wear it with confidence.

Thanks to platforms like Nihal Fashions, discovering new trends in Indian salwar fashion has never been easier. So don’t settle for boring — explore cuts, fabrics, colors, and styles that speak to you. The Indian salwar kameez suit is endlessly adaptable, eternally elegant, and totally yours to make magic with.

Now go ahead, twirl, slay, and repeat.

Fresh off debuting her brand-new single ‘Manchild’ live at Primavera Sound 2025, Sabrina Carpenter hit fans with another major news alert: Her seventh studio album, officially titled Man’s Best Friend, will be released on August 29, 2025, not even a year after the release of her Grammy-winning album Short n’ Sweet.

While some simply rejoiced at the prospect of new Sabrina Carpenter music so soon after such a significant project, many others took to social media to comment on the album’s title and accompanying visuals, starting a debate around hypersexualisation, misogyny and the male gaze.

Below, we break down the discourse and drama so you get the full picture.

When and how did Sabrina Carpenter announce Man’s Best Friend?

Sabrina Carpenter first announced her new album, Man’s Best Friend, on June 11, 2025. The star simultaneously revealed that the project would include ‘Manchild’ as its lead single and unveiled the cover art for the project. In the album art, which you can see below, Carpenter appears on her knees before a suited figure, which many have assumed to be a man given the title, who grabs her hair. The back cover of the album appears to be a photo of a dog wearing a collar with the album’s title in a heart-shaped pendant.

Courtesy of Sabrina Carpenter/Lede Company

To coincide with the announcement, Carpenter also appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone, shot by David LaChapelle, wearing nothing but white stockings.

“If I really wanted to, I could have stretched out Short n’ Sweet much, much longer,” Carpenter said in her cover interview. “But I’m at that point in my life where I’m like, ‘Wait a second, there’s no rules.’ If I’m inspired to write and make something new, I would rather do that. Why would I wait three years just for the sake of waiting three years? It’s all about what feels right. I’m learning to listen to that a lot more, instead of what is perceived as the right or wrong move.”

What’s the controversy around Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend?

Though Carpenter has gained a reputation for sexually charged and explicit innuendos, the cover art for Man’s Best Friend has gained the star a fair share of criticism and a number of detractors who claim the image is degrading and even misogynistic.

It started with a rosacea flare that refused to go quietly. The kind that made even gentle skincare feel harsh. A friend mentioned thermal water, but I wasn’t convinced. I broke up with retinoids. Took a sabbatical from vitamin C. Even my favourite sunscreen stopped playing nice.

That’s when my dermatologist handed me a can. “Spray this. Nothing else,” she said. Somewhere between the second and third spritz, I understood why French women swear by this stuff. Most products ask for patience, for trust. This one didn’t. It didn’t need me to believe. It just worked.

The cult of the can

In France, thermal water isn’t just a mist. It’s a ritual. The kind of thing grandmothers pass down to granddaughters. You’ll find it in every pharmacy, fridge, and handbag—used post-wax, post-workout and maybe even post-breakup. It isn’t trend-driven or algorithm-approved. It’s survived decades of changing skincare dogma.

According to Dr Prachi Bodkhe, dermatologist at Envi Aesthetics, “Thermal water has anti-inflammatory properties due to minerals like calcium, magnesium, and selenium absorbed geothermally from rock beds. It’s especially beneficial when the skin is inflamed or the barrier is compromised—after lasers, peels, microneedling or in conditions like rosacea and eczema.”

What makes it different from micellar water or trending hypochlorous sprays? “Micellar water is more cleansing and hypochlorous sprays have antibacterial action. Thermal water mists are about calming and strengthening.”

The skin barrier’s friend

This becomes especially important when your skin is compromised. “After lasers, peels or microneedling, the top layer of skin is fresh and extremely sensitive,” explains Dr Bodkhe. “Using thermal water in these cases accelerates healing, reduces inflammation and prevents infection.” It’s also beneficial during flare-ups of eczema, rosacea or contact dermatitis—any moment when your skin feels hot, flushed and on the edge.

Dr Madhuri Agarwal, founder of Yavana Skin & Hair Clinic, adds, “There is research to show the effectiveness of thermal water in reducing skin sensitivity and irritation. Many of the French brands have a history of skin therapy in conditions such as eczema, rosacea and post-procedure skin.”

In fact, some thermal waters are classified as medicinal in France, backed by studies from their source towns. “Each has its own unique composition,” she notes, “and those properties have been carefully preserved and standardised in many products.”

The culture and history

Once upon a time, the idea of paying good money for a can of French water sounded absurd. Especially the kind sourced from sleepy European spa towns with names like Avène, La Roche-Posay or Vichy. But in France, the reverence for thermal springs runs deeper than skincare. Since Roman times, people have travelled to ‘cure towns’ like Vichy and Avène for therapeutic soaks, often prescribed by doctors for everything from arthritis to burns. These aren’t just rustic wellness retreats; they’re medical establishments, supported by national healthcare.

Although long hair tends to receive most of the praise and attention among the masses, short haircuts are here to stay in 2025—more expressive, experimental and editorial than ever. From gamine cuts and mullets to the coveted indie bob, here’s a roundup of short haircuts to screenshot for your next salon visit.

#1 Layered bob

Ultra-flattering for women over 50, the layered bob is the perfect way to modernise your chevelure. With its clever mishmash of layered lengths, it sculpts the face by softening the chin and embellishing the forehead with its tapered fringe. The result: an unstructured short cut that’s definitely on trend.

#2 Boyish or gamine cut

Androgynous, the boyish cut redefines the codes of femininity to enhance its aura tenfold in 2025. This hairstyle frees the nape of the neck and accentuates the eyes with its signature tapered mini fringe. Already adopted by Emma Stone at the start of the year, with her 60’s Pixie Cut version, the gamine cut is set to become a major trend in 2025.

Sometimes you win, and sometimes you learn. Aries, whatever is crumbling in your life currently, is not so much about what is going wrong, but more about what you thought you wanted in life versus what is currently taking shape. And trust me, good things are conspiring, it is just that they are not what you had set your mind on in your past. The Universe has its way to deliver justice, and this is good karma being served to you. It’s a beautiful day, the sun is shining, the stars are gleaming, and you are filled with warmth in your soul and hope in your heart. Gemini, you are in your element where whatever you create happens almost effortlessly. This is your time to give birth to your dreams, to jump off that cliff (trust me, the parachute will open); to take on that new adventure. There is a lot happening in your life and your mind, yes, Cancer, and you may be all lined up and organised with your schedule, but remember, downtime is essential too. Your dreams will manifest irrespective, the question is will you be welcoming them, burnt out, or will you really want to enjoy holding them in your hands? Getting stuck in the same loops? Scorpio, you may be feeling like a lot is slipping out of your hands; however, is it really? Or is it that things are simply masked differently than you imagined? Truthbombs may be dropped out of nowhere, and you may have this feeling wanting to hold on tighter than ever before, especially your material possessions. But here is the thing, tell me, where do you really feel like you wish to go in life, Scorps? As you enter a new part of your life, Pisces, you may be feeling torn between your heart and your sense of responsibility. A mother wound in the form of a constant script that runs in your head subconsciously, making you doubt or feel guilty about things, may be surfacing, and your angels are here to remind you that you are more powerful than that.

Read on for what the stars have in store for you and make sure you check out your sun, moon and rising signs for the complete picture.

Sometimes you win, and sometimes you learn. Aries, whatever is crumbling in your life currently, is not so much about what is going wrong, but more about what you thought you wanted in life versus what is currently taking shape. And trust me, good things are conspiring, it is just that they are not what you had set your mind on in your past. The Universe has its way to deliver justice, and this is good karma being served to you. Whether it is love, a better job or anything else that you feel currently unequipped for, your angels remind you that if you weren’t ready for this leap, it would have never happened. So, as unsure as you feel, take one tiny step at a time in the direction your heart is leading you in.

Raj burst onto the scene with The Debut: Dream Academy, Netflix’s 2023 documentary chronicling the group’s rise and debut EP, Soft Is Strong. Alongside bandmates Manon Bannerman, Sophia Megan, Megan Skiendiel, Jeong Yoon-chae and Daniela Avanzini, she became part of a group that wouldn’t just go on to break records; it would break moulds. A multicultural pop group rooted in individuality—Lara Raj is Indian, Bannerman was born to Swiss Italian and Ghanian parents, Megan is from the Philippines, Skiendiel is Chinese Singaporean, Yoon-chae was born in Korea and Avanzini is Venezuelan Cuban—Katseye stands out not by erasing differences but by spotlighting them. “I wear my culture proudly. It’s never muted,” Lara beams, her bindi, nose ring and winged eyeliner adding up to small but potent declarations of her identity.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s cream-coloured set mirrored the Abu Dhabi landscape around her. Surrounded by sand dunes and Middle Eastern architecture, the actor was at ease in a midi dress, layered with a matching overlay from SAND by Shirin. The unbroken, fluid silhouette of the ‘Sandton’ set creates an exceptional balance between comfort and style. The loose fit makes for a casual, relaxed vibe, with the crinkled stripes on the lightweight cotton fabric adding texture without any bulk.

The cap-sleeved dress featured a high neckline and a subtle slit at the back. The floor-length cape-like overlay fell loosely around her shoulders, adding a grounded touch to the minimalist look. The actor accessorised with a pair of small, yet chunky gold hoops and classic black Ray-Ban Clubmaster sunglasses. Her hair was left open, falling down her back in natural waves.

The long, breezy look with its wide sleeves was reminiscent of a kaftan–the Middle Eastern robe-like garment that has made its way onto mainstream fashion moodboards. In humid summers, the light material and comfortable silhouette have become a promising alternative to regular picks.

Keep scrolling to see the kaftan styled on Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karisma Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor.

The best thing to do, according to every expert we spoke with, is to speak up about any concerns before resentment or apathy builds. But according to Theresa Herring, LMFT, a couples therapist at Centered Connections in Chicago, “We live in a society that is so focused on instant gratification, where an affair can present as a quick fix for problems in a person’s life or relationship.” This is often what may lead people to (intentionally or not) fall for someone who compliments them, say, listens closely, or makes them feel seen in a way their SO hasn’t.

4. They’re avoiding vulnerability by blowing things up

For some folks who’ve been hurt in the past (or maybe never had a close, emotionally safe relationship before), letting someone really see you—flaws and all—can seem risky, even terrifying. That level of closeness, according to Herring, can stir up a lot of fear and anxiety. (What if I get hurt again? What if they leave me once they really know me?)

If you want a deep, intimate connection, you have to be willing to work through that discomfort (ideally with some honest, open communication with your SO, maybe even with the help of a couples counsellor). Others, however, may subconsciously try to protect themselves by self-sabotaging or pulling away. “They might think, I’m scared to feel too close. I’m scared of what this might mean,” Herring says. And for some, cheating becomes a way to create that distance—like, ‘if I mess this up before it gets too real, then I won’t get hurt.’ So affairs aren’t always about desiring someone else: It can be about running away from the vulnerability that real intimacy demands.

5. They’re looking for an easy way out of the relationship

Another common reason why people cheat, according to Brunner and Herring, is wanting an out from the relationship. When someone’s unhappy but too scared, guilty or conflict-averse to explicitly break things off, infidelity can feel like a built-in eject button. Basically, a way to force the relationship to end without ever having to say the words “I don’t want to be with you anymore.”

For obvious reasons, none of this excuses cheating—it’s a pretty immature (and hurtful) exit strategy. Because if a relationship isn’t working, the most decent thing you can do is have an honest conversation rather than leaving your SO with the emotional fallout.

Can a relationship survive cheating?

Short answer: Yes—and luckily, “once a cheater, always a cheater” isn’t some universal truth (more on that here).

That said, your chances of successfully moving forward as a couple depend on a few important factors beyond the why, every expert we spoke to agrees. What matters just as much as the reason behind the affair is whether it’s truly over, whether the person who cheated has taken accountability and shown a willingness to rebuild trust, and whether both partners are genuinely committed to doing the hard work—which eventually includes forgiveness.

In many cases, understanding the why behind a betrayal can be an important part of that equation too. “While for some people, cheating is cheating, for others, certain layers can make the betrayal more or less challenging to overcome,” Dr. Le Goy says. It’s not a justification, exactly, but it can be a helpful first step in figuring out whether there’s potential to stay together.

This article first appeared on self.com

Also read:

8 signs of emotional cheating that will open your eyes to the truth

17 subtle signs of cheating to watch out for

Does being cheated on justify bashing your partner on social media?

In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become almost a permanent fixture in our lives, leading to elevated cortisol levels. Finding simple ways to lower cortisol is essential for managing the constant pressures we face. While there are numerous ways to mitigate stress, such as meditation, walking in nature, breathwork, movement, therapy, and journaling, it’s important to focus on quick and easy methods that can lower cortisol levels effectively. Simple daily habits, like engaging in short conversations or practising mindfulness, can have a significant impact.

This is precisely what Dan Buettner, an expert in longevity (and the well-known blue zones where longer life expectancy has been proven), discussed during his appearance on the High Net Purpose podcast. He suggests that the simple habits we can easily stick to are often the ones that actually work.

A tiny de-stressing habit

Buettner points out that one of the best ways to de-stress and, in turn, lower cortisol is to engage in conversations with others, even something as simple as chatting with a neighbour. He refers to these interactions as “stress relievers” or, more simply, “de-stressors.” “Having conversations with other human beings is wonderful. Chance encounters can be incredibly helpful. The role of our environment and the people we interact with is crucial,” he says. This reminds me of a viral video that suggests that the nervous systems of the five people we spend the most time with regulate (or deregulate) our own.

Indeed, these ideas align with advice often given by psychologists focused on workplace stress: if you’re feeling stressed at work, taking a break to have a casual chat with a colleague can help lower your stress levels. You don’t need to dive into deep conversations; sometimes, it’s enough to engage in light, everyday talks where eye contact and social interaction are the main focus. These interactions take us out of the mental loops that often lead to cortisol spikes.

Social relationships as life insurance

Throughout his speeches, Buettner emphasises that one of the key secrets to the longevity of people in the blue zones he’s studied is their strong social and family connections. This support network not only has a proven influence on long-term longevity but also helps to lower stress in the immediate term (think of how good you feel after a comforting chat with a friend or your mother when you’re stressed).

You are different, we get it, but then what, Taurus? Do you choose to hide behind closed doors, mask your potential, or keep telling yourself false stories that you cannot do something you have not done before? When you feel heightened emotions, it simply means one of these things, you have either been hiding away for too long, you’ve been playing it small for too long, you’ve been swimming against the current for too long or simply your nervous system has taken everyone else’s “you, cant, do, anything, well’ perception of you as your own for too long. But the solution for all remains the same: break out of this. Give yourself a pep talk, start afresh, and remember that some of the biggest personalities in the world were ‘late bloomers’, so you aren’t late, you are just discovering something you haven’t yet tried.

Cosmic tip: Instead of worrying about your neighbour’s aunt’s sister’s views on your life, focus on what your goals and perspectives are.

Go easy on yourself to be able to listen to your inner voice. Go easy on your schedule to truly sink into your current life. Go easy and relax your body to come back to your present moment, releasing all unconsciously held tensions. Gemini, you may realise that a lot of the ways in which you function are not even consciously chosen by you; they just happen on autopilot. And for this, a good starting point is coming from simple awareness, focusing on your task at hand, so drink that coffee with all your senses, write that poetry with all your passion, think of money as your friend and look for ways in which it helps you live well. You are safe, and the cosmos wants you to remember that, okay?

Cosmic tip: You are ready to heal, and for this, you must be willing to go easy on life.

Are you trying your best to micromanage every single thing in life yet again? Cancer, Stop! Yes, the full moon can get you feeling all sorts of wonky, but hey, sometimes we ask for something ironic to our conscious manifestations at such a subconscious level that we don’t even realise it. For example, wanting a life of ease and comfort but still telling yourself deep down that you must do it all on your own is your unending paradox right there. Learn from repeating patterns and choose to consciously break them. All your hard work is opening new doors for you, but for you to be able to step in, you must be willing to stop micromanaging it all.