Think Pink

There are many ways you can make the colour pink your own. The nibbling doubt in your mind that it may not be a good idea is not quite right, for pink is as versatile as it gets. There is something for everyone, even for the biggest cynic! Beginning with fashion, a sweet pink blouse with ruffle sleeves will look fabulously casual, while a rose lace saree will look divine for that friend's reception. 

So you're seeing this colour EVERYWHERE. It is sort of blush but kind of dusty with an undertone of salmon and just a hint of apricot. Your cool friends are already being seen in it and the less than cool ones are only pretending to know it. Confused much? Say hello to Millennial Pink, the colour of the moment! Pinks of all manners have been in the spotlight for the past couple of years. The obsession began when rose gold gained major traction in the fashion world over plain gold and silver, and at about the same time, Pinterest addicts started seeing rose quartz-coloured objects pop up all over the place. There is no sign of it dying down so you better keep up!

Some may consider pink too girly, too sweet and most appropriate for tiny tots. However, it has been deemed as the hue du jour the world over. The obsession is all-pervasive, mind you. The truly fashion forward are not only wearing it, painting their dressing rooms with it, but also eating and drinking it! No more just a fashion choice, choosing pink has almost become a lifestyle choice for many and how!

Deep, Bordeaux-pink pants paired with a nude top is a chic match, while an off-shoulder soft pink velour top is the perfect combination of sweet and sexy! A dusty pink scarf with a cream blouse and nude pants will add the right finishing touch for those not wanting to wear full-on pink. Tassel earrings in fuchsia and layered lariat necklaces in stones such as rose quartz and tourmaline look incredibly trendy and cool. In terms of accessories, light pink chain purses in luxe materials such as velvet and suede will add oodles of oomph to your look. Suede mules and platforms in deep shades of pink work just as well as black, and can be worn with most colours. Rose and blush-coloured sunglasses are very cool and add softness to the face.

A few years ago, a man daring to wear pink would instantly be categorised as a bit feminine. As a matter of fact, any soft, subtle shade was a no-no for men to even consider, let alone wear with style. However, the noughts have been revolutionary, sartorially as well as socially. Men these days are expected to be more sensitive, more understanding and respectful of the opposite sex. And it is a well-known fact that fashion in any era is greatly influenced by social happenings; pink is now a great hue for men to be seen in as well!

Not too long ago, things were much bleaker and the differences between both genders have been made very clear by social constructs. Ever since a child is born, items in a specific colour are encouraged and used to announce the gender, without saying it out loud. Entire industries would bank on the whole concept of pink being the colour suitable for girls and blue for boys. Heaven forbid if parents choose to go against the grain and reverse the colour selection! All hell breaks loose and supposedly well-meaning samaritans bombard with sage advices to drill into the child's head some restrictive gender roles.

Pink is no longer just feminine and sweet. The colour of breast cancer awareness, sporting the tickled hue makes a powerful statement. A man wearing pink is not afraid to let the world know that he is in tune with the changing times, that he respects women and isn't afraid to show it.

Men opting for pink are spoilt for choice. It is an extremely versatile colour, and can take one from the boardroom to the clubroom! Light, subtle shades of pink are perfect as work wear. Thin stripes, checks and solid coloured shirts are great options for the office. Polo t-shirts in slightly deeper shades look flattering for casual wear. More moody shades such as fuchsia and rosewood can be great for evening wear. Those bold enough can go for a pink blazer paired with white shirt. Small details such as a pink tie or a printed point square will bring the right finishing touch to the outfit. Pink Panjabi is fantastic for holuds, sangeets and other wedding shenanigans. One must keep the complexion in mind when choosing pink. Fair dudes can go for lighter, softer shades while medium to dark-skinned men can carry off slightly deeper shades. Avoid bubblegum pink by all means; leave it to the little princesses!

If you are thinking of giving your room a makeover, look at shades of pink to incorporate in your spaces. Pink has been the most favoured colour of interior decorators everywhere, as it enhances tranquillity and promotes wellness. A couch or a recliner in soft blush will bring the freshness of the Mediterranean seas to your living room. Decorative elements such as vases, photo frames and tchotchkes bring the right amount of colour in a room so look out for interesting items in shades of pink to add cheer to your room. So, for your next dinner party choose a rose-inspired table décor and let your imagination run wild. Throw on a serene mauve top, put up some elegant blush carnations and roses on your table, set out framboise macaroons on a taffy coloured plate and enjoy life through rose-tinted glasses as you sip on your glass of Rose!

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

Model: Shrabosti

Makeup:  Farzana Shakil's Makeover Salon

Styling: Sonia Yeasmin Isha

Wardrobe: Mumu Maria