Desi weddings are just as much about jewellery as they are about clothes, and while for the longest time now young brides in metropolitan cities of Pakistan have fancied a more subtle and contemporary look, it seems that old-world charm is back with a bang! As if Aishwarya Rai’s exotic looks in Umrao Jaan and Jodhaa Akbar weren’t enough to pique pop culture’s interest in heavy luxe, vintage headgear and lehnga cholis, our very own designers too have succumbed to the power of tradition and have incorporated classic, timeless elements in their fashion week collections. Instep looks at the top four wedding fashion trends that have made their way back into the current era.

Jhoomar

Yes, we have all feared being ridiculed for wearing a jhoomar but thanks to the latest bridal trends, we can breathe a sigh of relief and wear one without looking like the odd one out. From brides to bridesmaids, the jhoomar has become the accessory-in-demand this wedding season and one that can be worn to any event - from the mehndi to the reception. While we love all the versions - from kundan to antique silver - Sarwat Gillani’s classic pearl jhoomar from her wedding is in a class on its own.

Pearls aren’t prudish anymore; meant only for elderly women and their trips to their endless tea parties. Sure, they have always been a symbol of respect but that is exactly why they are timeless and lend an air of sheer elegance to whoever adorns them. Over to the East, pearls are back in fashion as the once-popular moti mala that many of us warded off as our grandma’s hand-me-down but are now scouring through jewellery stores to acquire. Designer Feeha Jamshed was picture-perfect in a delicate and enduring moti mala - of course, a cherished heirloom - on her wedding day.

We won’t blame you if the long, flared shirts still entice you, for they have always looked elegant and given many of us a svelte figure hiding those bulges under yards and yards of cloth. But whether you like it or not, fashion stalwarts are bidding farewell to longer shirts and instead bringing back the choli. And boy, are fashionistas going gaga over the trend. For those of us who are worried about an unattractive belly, there is also the option of wearing it with a slightly longer jacket. Whichever way you choose to wear it, there is no escaping the choli this season. Humaima Mallick looked super classy in an earthy lehenga choli by Elan at her sister’s wedding.

Nothing says vintage better than a three-tiered matha patti. The growing demand for matha patti has, without a doubt, dismissed all myths surrounding the size of your forehead (they said matha pattis only suit those with bigger ones). Whatever the shape of your face, there is a matha patti for you this wedding season - from broad and elaborate single-stringed ones to delicate, chained and multi-tiered pieces. Indeed, this ornate accessory has fast become the final piece of crowning glory for a bride. Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandes sports this exquisite matha patti in one of her recent photo shoots to give brides-to-be some much-needed tips.