Exclusive Interview with Anshula Kapoor: “I finally wear what I like, regardless of anyone’s opinion” | Fashion Trends

In this candid and exclusive interview with HT Lifestyle, Anshula Kapoor talks about her evolving relationship with fashion. From her fashion-forward pieces suits From the bold choices that pushed her out of her comfort zone to the valuable fashion tips she follows, get the inside scoop on Anshula’s inspiring fashion journey. (Excerpts)

What does fashion mean to you and how would you describe your personal style?

My personal style continues to evolve, I recently entered the zone where I want to have fun with silhouettes and try things I’ve never worn before due to the fear of “I can’t pull this off with my tummy” or “my arms will be super exposed and visible for everyone to see” – it took me a while to let go of these inhibitions, start bandage For the “now” and not for “when I lose weight” or “when I look thinner.” Today I would say that fashion is something that is helping me find myself, accept myself a lot more and come out of my shell and have fun. That’s what happens to me today. My younger self would have told you that fashion is a way to hide the body that I hate! So I think we have come a long way.

What is Anshula Kapoor’s favourite outfit?

If you’re talking about casual and comfortable style, then it would have to be a t-shirt or shirt and shorts set. Or a cute midi dress. These are the outfits I feel comfortable in! I live in shorts at home, and this is very important to me. The first time I wore shorts as an adult was during lockdown, so it took me a long time to get used to wearing them, so much so that they are almost my “uniform” now.

Is there a particular piece of clothing or fashion accessory that you feel most confident in? Something that is a must-have in your wardrobe?

I’m still trying to find my own style, I’m still trying to be a little more open about my preconceptions about things that won’t look flattering on my body. But I love midi dresses! And you’ll find plenty of them in my wardrobe! I also feel most confident in off-the-shoulder dresses! The 21-year-old version of me won’t believe I just told you that! I feel powerful in them, even with my stretch marks exposed. Also, silk hair scrunchies and a couple of tiny gold hoop earrings.

Is there a fashion icon or celebrity whose style you admire or draw inspiration from?

I am lucky to have a plethora of sisters at home, from Khushi and Jaanu (Janhvi Kapoor) to Sonam and Rhea didi, all of whom have their own sense of style and an incredible eye for fashion. Rhea and Sonam didi will always be at the top of my list of people I look up to and who inspire me for the way they changed the game. Sonam didi has always loved taking risks and using fashion almost as a form of self-expression, and she and Rhea make the best pair. Rhea is one of the most groundbreaking fashion voices of our generation, completely original and fearless. If I am ever in a dilemma or need an opinion, I don’t hesitate to ask Rhea didi. How can I not be inspired by them?

What are the three wardrobe essentials you can’t live without?

A well-fitting underwire bra, my hair ties, and maybe my Birkenstocks!

What is the boldest fashion choice you have made and how did you feel about it?

There were a couple, but one that immediately comes to mind is a Punit Balana ensemble I wore to a friend’s Sangeet. A block-print blazer in hot pink, with a lehenga that had pockets, paired with a bold cowl-neck blouse that was basically backless! We paired this with biker boots and a giant pile of oxidized silver jewelry and accessories from Amrapali. The mastermind behind this was Manisha Melwani, one of the best fashion stylists in town with a unique voice and a knack for making me say YES to the most “out of my comfort zone” silhouettes.

The thought of wearing such a bold blouse (especially for a sangeet where I knew I would be dancing all night) terrified me. But I won’t lie – the jacket gave me a sense of confidence and was perhaps the only reason I agreed to wear it. But, once we put the entire look together for the first time, including the jewellery, all my insecurities and inhibitions vanished. I felt like a warrior princess – fierce, beautiful and so self-assured. That’s the magic of fashion, isn’t it? Pushing boundaries and discovering a new side of yourself. And I think that’s why I had so much fun wearing it.

How do you think fashion contributes to your confidence? Is there a piece of clothing that instantly improves your mood?

I think that if you wear something that makes you feel good, it will give you energy and it can definitely make you feel more confident and secure. Even more beautiful. But the key here is to wear something that makes you feel good. And I think that the more you personalize an outfit, adapt it to your style and make it your own, the more authentic and confident you will feel as well. In my case, just wearing things that made me feel good also helped me improve my body image issues. This is probably not the answer you are looking for, but that feeling when you come home and you can safely take off your bra and relax and be, that instantly improves my mood because without a bra I don’t have to leave the house!

What is the best fashion advice you have ever received?

Confidence can literally make or break your outfit. It can enhance even the most ordinary outfit. So, to let my inner confidence shine through, I think this is the best advice I have ever received and in fact, the one I use the most.

If you had the chance to swap outfits with any celebrity, who would it be and why?

Okay, this is a tough one! Can I pick two? Zendaya And Sonam didi! There is so much versatility in the length and width of the garments they wear and they look so authentic and beautiful. I think it would be a cool mix of the best of streetwear, Indian textiles and high fashion. Neither of them play it safe with their fashion choices, they both have a distinct sense of style. So if this amazing wardrobe makeover came with the ability to magically make me step into all of their clothes and shoes, I would have the best day just experimenting with my own style trying to mix things up.

What advice would you give to someone who is trying to find their own personal style while staying true to themselves?

Don’t be afraid to experiment with new styles, new colors, and new silhouettes. You don’t have to spend a fortune to find your style, but you should know when it’s important to invest: pieces that you can mix and match often, things that are more classic in color or style (like a white button-down shirt, for example) that you can keep and wear again for years. It’s okay to look to Pinterest or the Internet for inspiration, especially if you’re trying to create something that’s outside of your comfort zone.

If you don’t feel confident, then that look may not be a staple of your personal style. How something fits is more important than looking at the size tag on that item. If going up a size makes it look better, go for it! You can cut off the tag if the size tag bothers you too much. The fact that everyone around you is wearing a particular brand or trend doesn’t appeal to you, so don’t bother doing it. If something makes you happy, wear it without giving too much importance to other people’s opinions.