The Ever Evolving Women’s Formal Wear Segment in India

It has been a quiet revolution — the significant change of the Indian workforce more specifically women
— from the background to the front and from wearing modest Indian clothes to working in sleek business
suits, shirts, skirts and trousers. Limited predominantly to monotonous monochromatic colors, grim
solids and lines,women’s formal attire has today experienced a wave of transformation, turning it into a
trendy, chic and elegant choice of clothing for contemporary women.

Style Timelines
Each decade, global fashion changes, but it occurs every 20 years in India and is always a representation
of our cultural, economic and political conditions.

1940s and 1950s: Pre-independence and in the early years post independence, simplicity and dignity
were crucial. Hence, high collars and necks, long tops and full sleeve blouses ensured that hands and legs
that were fully covered Clothes were tailored and structured and fitted the preferred fit.

1960s and 1970s: Softer materials, shorter sleeves deeper necks tighter salwar suits and slightly higher
skirts became the new normal due to radical social shifts. However, the look was never meant to potray
women as sexy.
1980 onwards: The androgynous workwear period in which trousers and skirts were paired frequently
with collared shirts and sleek coats — power dressing was no longer a man's game. Machine made took
over handmade strips and covered other prints with pin stripes. Drastic changes were brought about by
economic independence and easy accessibility due to internet - western formal wear, even kurtas and
sarees became slimmer and sexier.

Recent magazine covers showing changing trends in women’s formal wear

E-commerce – The Game Changer

E-commerce entered India ten years ago and changed urban customers ' lives forever. Today, e-commerce
is changing the lives of Indians in small towns and beyond because of the convenience and wide choice it
offers a consumer. When it comes to Western formal wear, e-commerce provides a wide range of
comfortable and stunning options for Indian women. Because of e-commerce, people around have
exposure to apparel trends from around the globe, and while not shopping from every brand, they are now
mindful of high-quality designs and patterns, helping women make more informed style choices.
The Future
With many women entering the corporate world, the formal wear segment has seen a major boost. The
emergence of malls in Tier II and III cities has resulted in a change in the category over time.
Furthermore, women's wear segment is all set to grow exponentially over the next few years with the
increase in lifestyle and income level.

Women however, no longer want men's styles customized as the formal wear for women. Today, women
are looking for trendy, comfortable and well-fitting garments that preserve their feminism and enhance
their natural beauty.