Posts in category: Life Style

Sunscreen isn’t only for heat waves and beach days. Reliable sunscreens for winter can protect your skin from the crisp air. UV rays stay steady all year long, which is why SPF deserves a spot in your daily routine, no matter the season.

It’s an essential step to keep your skin barrier protected when cold air and indoor heating start pulling moisture from your skin. It also keeps pigmentation, dark spots and fine lines settling in during the cooler months. Think of it as a small investment with a big payoff.

And because winter can make your skin feel drier and more reactive, choosing the right formula becomes even more important. Good sunscreens for winter should feel comfortable, sit smoothly under makeup and never make you look chalky or greasy. The ones we’ve rounded up check all these boxes. They’re hydrating, easy to wear and dependable; the kind of SPF you’ll reach for without thinking twice, even on the coldest mornings.

A cult-favourite, moisturising SPF that absorbs instantly and leaves no white cast. It feels soothing on the skin, which makes it great for winter dryness or irritation. The finish is natural and comfortable, so you don’t feel like you’re wearing anything.

Light, fresh and boosted with antioxidants. It hydrates just enough without feeling sticky. The texture blends in quickly and leaves your skin looking awake and healthy. Great if you want a sunscreen that has multiple benefits.

Fragrance-free, gentle and designed for sensitive skin. It doesn’t sting or irritate and sits comfortably even if your skin is usually reactive. The finish is clean and breathable.

A more nourishing option with antioxidants that support your skin through winter dryness. The texture is creamy but not greasy, making it perfect for mature or dry skin types. It keeps your skin nourished and protected throughout the day.

A silky formula that feels nice the moment it goes on. It blends in easily, evens out texture a bit and creates a smooth base if you wear makeup. It offers steady protection without the oily shine some SPFs leave behind. Great for anyone who likes a refined, skin-like finish.

Hydrating, soft and perfect for winter when your skin needs a little extra comfort. It adds moisture without feeling heavy, and has a boost of vitamin C. The finish is smooth and fresh, so it works well with both, makeup and bare skin.

A convenient stick that allows you to re-apply as often as you need to. It absorbs quickly, doesn’t feel greasy and sits well under makeup. If you like formulas that don’t overwhelm your skin, this one keeps things simple and effective.

This one’s great if you spend a lot of time outdoors or commute in the sun. The texture is light, so it doesn’t leave any tacky feeling behind. It holds up well through humidity, sweat or long days and gives your skin an even look. A solid pick if you want something dependable and versatile.

A dermatologist-approved option with long-lasting protection and an airy, light feel. The high protection formula is especially helpful on long days or when the sun feels harsh.

This creamy, rich formula leaves a sheer tint behind that evens out complexion while providing high protection. It’s extremely nourishing and rejuvenating, perfect for that dewy glow.

I spent two years trying not to look too closely at myself. I wasn’t living on classically inflammatory foods. On paper, my lifestyle looked balanced. I walked my 10k steps. I didn’t binge on weekends. Yet almost overnight during the lockdown, my body felt unfamiliar. My gut was unsettled. My usually predictable skin developed angry patches, flare-ups and a general sort of puffiness that made everything feel slightly swollen.

I thought the culprit had to be something dramatic. A night of cocktails. A food slip-up. Something obvious. Instead, every practitioner I spoke to circled back to the same boring phrase: low-grade inflammation. It took time, scans, blood tests and uncomfortable honesty to realise that what was happening to me was a more intense version of what many people live with without realising it.

You think you’re doing everything right, yet your body reacts as if you’re living on takeout. Dietitian Vinoshini Rengaraj, nutrition expert at Bodycraft Clinic, sees this pattern often. “What I notice first in clients isn’t dramatic symptoms. It’s the things they ignore,” she says. “Feeling unusually tired by afternoon, mild puffiness around the eyes, random sugar cravings, slower digestion or skin dullness.”

When I finally sat down with my nutritionist, she didn’t ask about cheat meals. She asked about normal days. We broke it down: the rushed breakfast that was a banana and a protein bar, the 4pm Americano, the late-night handfuls of peanuts because “I haven’t eaten properly all day”.

What experts wish you’d focus on instead

The two biggest shifts my nutritionist suggested sounded almost too simple. Rengaraj frames them as daily habits rather than rules.

Stay properly hydrated

Inflammation builds when things stagnate: circulation, digestion and lymph. Drinking water throughout the day sounds basic, but it supports your body’s own anti-inflammatory pathways in the background.

Add, before you subtract

“Add at least one naturally antioxidant-rich food to your meals every day,” says Rengaraj. “Colourful vegetables and fruits, herbs, spices, nuts and seeds all provide compounds that buffer inflammation.”

My own plan also involved stabilising blood sugar. Pairing carbs with protein and fat made a measurable difference: fruit with nuts instead of fruit alone, toast with an egg instead of a swipe of jam and avoiding the all-day drip of liquid sugar through juices and smoothies.

Sometimes it isn’t obvious ‘junk’ that causes trouble. It’s the foods you rely on without question. “Even nutrient-dense foods can trigger inflammatory responses depending on your gut health, genetic tendencies, stress levels or hormone balance,” says Rengaraj. Dairy for one person, particular grains or nuts for another, even specific fruits for someone with a sensitive gut. It’s less about labelling foods as bad and more about accepting that your body has preferences.

Switching to a Mediterranean-style eating pattern helped me. A 2014 study shows that this pattern, rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, olive oil and fish, can reduce inflammatory markers, like CRP (C-reactive protein: an “inflammation smoke alarm” made by your liver) and IL-6 (interleukin-6: a messenger chemical used by your immune system) over time.

Indo-Western fusion has become a go-to choice this season, with celebrities pairing corsets with lehengas and jackets with dhoti pants. Karisma Kapoor’s latest appearance on Indian Idol offered her own interpretation of the trend in a Manish Malhotra ensemble.

Styled by Esha Amin, the actor chose a dusty mauve sari with a satin finish. Its long pallu, hemmed with sparkly fringe, trailed behind her, adding a playful edge to the soft drape. The twist lay in its pairing: instead of a traditional blouse, Kapoor wore a blazer in the same shade, embellished with geometric sequin work. Its clean structure offered a sharp counterpoint to the sari’s fluid movement, all while keeping the set cohesive within a single-tone palette.

Her accessories remained minimal: small rhinestone earrings embedded with gemstones from Minerali and layered silver rings from Curio Cottage, adding a subtle glimmer without clashing with the sequins. Transparent pointed stilettos embellished with rhinestones completed the look.

The makeup was kept within the same mauve-toned palette: a brush of sparkly mauve eyeshadow, thick eyelashes and a dark mauve lip. The hair was pulled away from the face in a sleek half-up, half-down style with a soft side part.

From Vogue‘s Fashion Desk:

“Roll the sleeves up and add a chunky watch to give the look a touch of insouciance. Tie the hair up into a messy low bun, open up the jacket and swap the pumps for a pair of strappy high-heeled sandals. Now the code switches from evening party to city sleek,” says Vogue India fashion associate Manglien Gangte.

Also read:

Karisma Kapoor’s mirrorwork moment, Aneet Padda in metallic sequins, and Kalki Koechlin’s mehendi-lime sari stood out in this week’s best fashion looks

Let Karisma Kapoor’s blazer and dhoti set show you how to wear black but still look cool

Madhuri Dixit Nene’s ivory Gazal Gupta drape skirt + blazer set took 450 hours to finish

At the end of the Second World War, when the Nazis invaded the Soviet Union, a young girl bravely fought the intruders and died in the process. Her name was Volga, and she soon became a symbol of resistance. Inspired by her courage, PV Subba Rao, a sarpanch in the Edlapadu village of Andhra Pradesh, named his eldest daughter Volga.

When she died in an accident at the age of 16, his youngest daughter, Popuri Lalitha Kumari, adopted Volga as her pen name. “It was a tribute to my sister and also suited my views, as I was a member of the Students’ Federation of India,” says the author. “Right from the beginning, the personal was political for me.”

Over five decades, Volga has written fiction, poetry, translations, film scripts, essays and co-founded the Asmita Resource Centre for Women. More than any single work, her legacy lies in foregrounding feminist consciousness in Telugu writing, long before the term found mainstream currency.

As a teenager, Volga wrote romantic poems about nature, but two events changed her trajectory: her sister’s death and the Visakhapatnam Steel agitation of 1966, where students protested Indira Gandhi’s reversal of a promised steel plant. The innocence of her early poems soon gave way to the turbulence of the Naxalbari years, pulling her toward social issues. “Those were the early days of capitalism and structural exploitation of the marginalised,” Volga says. “These issues changed the way I wrote.”

Volga with her partner Kutumba Rao.

She soon joined the Revolutionary Writers’ Association, which boasts an alumni of major literary figures like her partner Kutumba Rao, Raavi Sastry, Vaddeboyina Srinivas, Rivera and Kaseem, though she left it in the mid-’70s. Afterwards, she turned towards a different line of inquiry: one that placed women at the centre. This shift crystallised in her fiction. Sahaja (1985) explored four women reviewing their lives after marriage, while Svecha (1987) juxtaposed ‘gruhinitvam’ (wifehood and motherhood) against citizenship. “Both novels explore the limits society imposes on women. Unless they have agency over marriage and childbirth, women cannot take control over their lives,” Volga says.

Svecha, translated and reprinted to this day, marked a seismic shift in Telugu literature as women began recognising patriarchy in intimate ways. Its protagonist, Aruna—whose loving marriage is tested when she steps out to work for a human rights group—embodied the tension between private domesticity and public citizenship. While criticised as an attempt to weaken the institution of marriage, the book struck a chord with middle-class women who identified a voice born out of their collective trauma.

Fashion in 2025 is no longer confined to borders. It is a global exchange of creativity, craftsmanship, cultural expression, and sustainability. Among all the international influences, Indian clothing has emerged as one of the most powerful forces shaping global fashion trends this year. From runways in New York, Paris, and Milan to everyday streetwear in London, Dubai, and Singapore, Indian silhouettes, fabrics, and embellishments are enjoying a massive spotlight.

What makes this rise even more remarkable is the shift in consumer mindset. Today’s fashion lovers want clothing that tells a story—something rooted in heritage, handmade artistry, and textile richness. Indian garments deliver exactly that. Whether it’s the elegance of a saree, the comfort of a kurta set, or the regal charm of sherwanis and lehengas, Indian wear resonates with a global audience seeking individuality and authenticity. As we step into 2025, Indian Clothes isn’t just participating globally—it’s leading it.

A Global Shift Toward Cultural Fashion

In recent years, there has been a conscious shift toward fashion pieces that have cultural significance. People are actively seeking apparel that feels meaningful and rooted in tradition. Indian clothing—with its vibrant history, diverse crafts, and timeless silhouettes—fits perfectly into this global demand.

Designers across Europe and North America are incorporating Indian elements like mirror work, zardozi embroidery, bandhani patterns, and block prints into their collections. These handcrafted details offer a refreshing alternative to mass-produced, factory-made fast fashion.

Sustainability First: India’s Handcrafted Textiles Shine

2025 marks a pivotal moment for sustainable fashion. As the world rejects synthetic fabrics and fast-fashion culture, Indian textiles have become the top choice for eco-conscious buyers.

Key reasons for the popularity of Indian Mens Clothing include:

• Natural fabrics like cotton, silk, khadi, and linen
• Handloom weaving, which promotes slow fashion
• Environmentally friendly vegetable dyes
• Long-lasting craftsmanship

Indian artisans have mastered sustainable production for centuries, and now global luxury brands are collaborating with them to create ethical, high-end clothing.

Celebrities and Hollywood Are Fueling the Trend

From Beyoncé to Zendaya, global celebrities have played a major role in the rise of Indian fashion. In 2025, movies, music videos, and red carpets have showcased Indian outfits like:

• Embroidered lehengas
• Sarees with contemporary drapes
• Indo-Western fusion gowns
• Men’s bandhgalas and sherwanis

These global appearances have made Indian clothing instantly aspirational and stylish. When a major celebrity chooses a designer lehenga for a premiere or awards show, millions take notice.

Versatility: Indian Clothing Fits Every Occasion

One of the biggest reasons Indian Clothes are trending globally is their versatility. Whether someone is attending a wedding, a festival, a work event, or even a casual outing, Indian clothing offers an endless variety of options.

• Sarees work for formal galas or festive evenings
• Kurtas fit casual wear, office wear, and travel wardrobes
• Lehengas and anarkalis make perfect event or party outfits
• Sherwanis and bandhgalas bring sophistication to men’s fashion

This adaptability makes Indian fashion appealing to a global audience that wants clothing suitable for multiple lifestyles and cultures.

Indian Designers Are Dominating Global Runways

Indian designers have made history on the world stage in 2025. From Paris Couture Week to Milan Fashion Week, Indian brands are redefining luxury with:

• Intricate embroidery
• Modern draping techniques
• Fusion silhouettes
• Rich textiles and artisanal craftsmanship

Their collections prove that Indian clothing can be both rooted in heritage and perfectly aligned with modern fashion sensibilities. This blend of old and new is exactly what international buyers are looking for.

Fusion Fashion Has Gone Mainstream

Fusion fashion—mixing Indian silhouettes with Western styles—has exploded in popularity. In 2025, some global trends include:

• Saree gowns
• Indo-Western jackets
• Kurta-style dresses
• Palazzo pants with structured tops
• Ethnic prints used in streetwear

This merging of cultures appeals to international youth who want bold, statement-making styles. It also helps Indian clothing fit effortlessly into global wardrobes.

Comfort Meets Elegance: The Perfect Combination

The post-pandemic era prioritised comfort, and Indian Outfits delivers it effortlessly. Natural fabrics, breathable weaves, and relaxed silhouettes make Indian wear comfortable across different climates and cultures.

While Western fashion often sacrifices comfort for structure, Indian outfits strike a perfect balance—offering elegance without compromising on ease of movement.

The Global Desi Diaspora Is Influencing Fashion Choices

The expanding Indian diaspora has increased the visibility of Indian fashion worldwide. Countries like Canada, the US, Australia, the UK, and the UAE have thriving communities that showcase Indian clothing during festivals, weddings, and cultural events. This has led non-Indians to adopt and appreciate the beauty of traditional and fusion Indian wear.

Digital Shopping Makes Indian Fashion Accessible Worldwide

With global e-commerce, Indian clothing is now easily available across continents. International shoppers can browse collections, choose sizes, and have premium ethnic wear delivered to their doorstep.

High-quality photography, size guides, and AR try-on tools have made online ethnic fashion shopping more seamless than ever.

Indian Menswear Is Undergoing a Revolution

It’s not just women’s clothing—Indian menswear is also dominating global trends in 2025. The demand for asymmetric kurtas, embroidered sherwanis, Nehru jackets, and Indo-Western tuxedos has surged. These outfits offer sophistication, personality, and cultural richness that many Western suits lack.

End Notes

Indian Clothes are winning global fashion trends in 2025 because they represent a beautiful combination of craftsmanship, heritage, sustainability, and modern design. As the world embraces cultural diversity and meaningful fashion, Indian outfits stand out as the perfect blend of elegance and identity.

If you’re inspired to explore the finest Indian ethnic wear—from sarees and lehengas to sherwanis, kurtas, and Indo-Western outfits—check out the exclusive collections available at Nihal Fashions. Our premium designs, authentic craftsmanship, and worldwide shipping make us a top destination for anyone who wants to embrace Indian fashion in its most stylish form.

When it comes to winter wardrobes, it goes without saying that leather jackets are a perennial favourite once the chill sets in. But we firmly believe that a leather trouser deserve equal billing. Warmer than denim, as sleek as tailoring and capable of making even a simple knit or T-shirt look intentional, they offer one of the easiest routes to an instantly elevated cold-weather outfit.

Some of the most stylish celebrities are in agreement. Dua Lipa has styled hers with a minimalist tank and strappy heels, while Gigi Hadid has slipped into many styles, including a low-rise pair worn with a white corset top, and a more wearable balloon-leg style teamed with a white T-shirt, beanie and leather bomber. Not to mention Bella Hadid who has practically made leather trousers the cornerstone of her rodeo-ready rebrand.

Pierre Suu

Aeon

Designers are equally invested. At Chloé, Chemena Kamali’s kick-flare styles in deep burgundy, chocolate and smoky grey were paired with fuzzy jackets and lace camisoles. Zimmermann showed voluminous khaki balloon legs, and Max Mara added warmth with camel tones, while rich pinot noir shades appeared at Ferragamo, MSGM and SS Daley.

If you’re considering investing in a pair, remember: fit is everything. There are plenty of silhouettes to choose from, including baggy, high-rise, skinny and flared. Our advice? Try several pairs from different brands and style them with your favourite shoes and accessories to get a sense of whether they work for you.

Launchmetrics.com/spotlight

Stefania Danese

As for styling, pair high-shine leather with something soft and tactile, say a chunky roll neck, a brushed wool coat or a slouchy cashmere cardigan. For daytime, trainers and a crisp cotton shirt will do, by night, switch to strappy heels or pointed boots and add a lace cami for the full Chloé-effect. Or take a cue from Gigi’s everyday formula and throw on a matching leather bomber, a simple white T-shirt and ballet flats.

Here are six simple outfit formulas to help you get the most wear out of your leather trousers this winter.

Contrast is key

Play with texture and opt for sumptuous silk and plush faux-fur to counteract the polish of a classic pair of kick-flare leather trousers à la Chloé.

Massimo Dutti – Long 100% Silk Camisole Top

M&S – Faux Fur Aviator Coat

Harvey Nichols – Tafira leather trousers

Free People – Ultra dreamy chain belt

CHLOÉ – Paddington embellished leather tote

Arket – Leather riding boots

High shine

Matte leather is a popular choice, but coated leather comes a close second. Patent trouser styles look best when they’re a slouchy fit or barrel-leg, especially when in a glossy cherry red hue.

Arket – Chunky cashmere-wool jumper

Soeur – Coligny double-breasted wool coat

M&S – Leather look textured barrel leg trousers

Burberry – Check cashmere scarf

Marco Panconesi – Huggie earrings

Miista – Bibi courts

Leather-on-leather

Why wear one leather item when you can wear two or three? Like double denim, leather-on-leather is powerful when done right. Match tones and textures to achieve a polished look.

M&S – X 16Arlington leather jacket

Veronica Beard – Mylie ruched knitted turtleneck tank

M&S – X 16Arlington leather trousers

Numbering – Sterling silver earrings

H&M – Rectangular crossbody bag

Harvey Nichols – 75 leather ankle boots

Keep it casual

Consider the leather trouser a key part of your everyday uniform. Keep it simple with a T-shirt and trainers, then slip into kitten heels to carry you into the evening.

Conner Ives – “Protect The Dolls” T-Shirt

RE/DONE – Cropped padded plush-trimmed shell bomber jacket

Mango – Faux-leather trousers with elastic waist

Arket – Wool-cotton zip cardigan

Miu Miu – Suede beau bag

Dries Van Noten – Nylon sneakers

Be bold

Venture away from classic black leather and add a splash of bold colour, like bright red – the colour of the season – into your wardrobe. Wear matching pieces for maximum impact.

KHAITE – Oxblood leather sue jacket

The Underdays – The tank

Harvey Nichols – Callum straight-leg leather trousers

Sessun – Shimoteka high-neck cardigan

Wales Bonner – Leather bowling bag

Dune – Leather ballet flats

Prep it up

Cos – Striped long-sleeved polo shirt

& other stories – Cropped bomber jacket

Reiss – Leather slim-leg trousers

Cos – Marais mini bowling bag

Astrid & Miyu – Bold large hoops

Harvey Nichols – Brown le loafer 15 suede loafers

This article first appeared on Vogue.co.uk.

Vibrance, playfulness, confidence and exuberance are your lesser-known qualities, Taurus, but it is time for you to showcase them. Your life happens from one moment to the next and while this transient nature might feel fickle and uncertain it also brings in hope, childlike wonder and curiosity for what lies ahead. When life can feel glittery, iridescent and magical, why settle for anything lesser, Leo? Keep up with old friends, find humour in painstaking conditions, keep your spirits high and your goals higher because you are at a converging point that not only merges all you have been working on and towards, but also is miraculously bringing together skills, people, resources and ideas that were once brushed off or not yet ready. What you speak you create, Cancer and this is your greatest blessing. Now use this gift wisely, not just today but always. Find things to be grateful for to attract more blessings. Find things that excite you and fill you with passion to draw more opportunities your way. You are stepping into your wildling era. You need to hear your thoughts more intently. You need to listen to the calling of your soul and heart more attentively, Scorpio. And then, once you hear your inner voice clearly—create your own mini revolution in your life that transforms it in unfathomable ways.

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.

You are here to experience ‘unconditionality’, Aries—be it in love, in material resources, or in anything else. You are reminded today that you are as human as you are divine and that your wants and needs are as valid as your desires for personal growth and evolution. This includes your body’s need for rest, your bank account’s need for growth and your soul’s need for evolution and ascension in equal measure. While this may feel confusing and huge, it is not. Your task is to accept all parts of yourself as ‘unconditionally’ as you can, and then take things from there.

Cosmic tip: Trust that just as you have everyone’s best interests in mind, the cosmos has yours in mind too.

Vibrance, playfulness, confidence and exuberance are your lesser known qualities, Taurus, but it is time for you to showcase them. Your life happens from one moment to the next and while this transient nature might feel fickle and uncertain it also brings in hope, childlike wonder and curiosity for what lies ahead. Today, either don the colour fuchsia, or play around with it as your screen saver. This energy is what is coming forth for you and this is the energy you are here to radiate onto everything you do and touch.

For actor Ayesha Dharker, who discovered the school when she climbed a wall at age six, Tushna was the kind of teacher who becomes a North Star. “She taught me to tell stories with my whole body,” she says. Later in life, when performing for cameras and crowds, Dharker could feel her teacher’s guiding hand in spirit—stern yet warmly invested. Other alumni recall the flair of an institution that was born during the Swinging Sixties: ballet shoes handcrafted by a bus conductor on Route 106, white pinafores with maroon sashes and those gentle first steps that would, in time, become a lifetime of motion.

If Tushna built a cathedral of discipline, her elder daughter, Khushcheher Dallas, aka Khooshoo, infused it with light. Khooshoo, who has now led the school for decades, is that rare teacher who balances rigour with irrepressible joy. “Her sense of fun shaped me as much as her technique did,” says former student Tarika Hidayatullah Ingram, now a ballet teacher herself.

Khooshoo during a performance.

There are many ways an actor prepares for a role. Some read scripts till sunrise. Some shadow real-life professionals. And then there’s Vijay Varma, who walked into Vogue India headquarters and decided the only way to play an editor-in-chief was to start at the bottom.

What followed was a four-part series in which he tried to “learn the ropes”, navigated the office with Oscar-worthy confidence, and discovered—slowly, painfully, hilariously—that the fashion world has its own logic and language.

Varma’s first day at Vogue India has all the classic intern beats: a misplaced sense of authority, a dramatic entrance and a mysterious quest for a “sourcing list” he has absolutely no context for. He breezes through the office, admiring frills, interrupting meetings and demanding deliverables without knowing where his desk is. A strong start.