The term “Bollywood fashion icon” gets thrown around all too often, but there are very few who
are able to glean it so authentically, as in Kareena Kapoor Khan. In almost 25 years of being a
professional, she has done more than just follow fashion: she has made fashion and, in the
process, has become a style icon for a generation. Whether she is alarmingly in costume to
create a character with a memorable look, or transforming from character to casual following the
end of filming, she fashions an experience dressed creatively in her instantaneously
recognizable style, making her a natural when it comes to understanding fashion trends before
they happen. The trend setters usually make fashion recognizable and in doing so, certain
fashions become consumer trends or national zeitgeist.
1. The Corset-Style Lehenga Blouse
Long before it became a regular red carpet choice for A-list celebrities, Kareena Kapoor Khan
introduced the corset-style lehenga blouse to the world. Her fashion statement in the song “Bole
Chudiyan” from the film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…, was a pioneering fashion moment. The
peach lehenga was constructed with a fitted corset-style blouse that featured an asymmetrical
length, combined with a full A-line lehenga. The outfit made a statement because it juxtaposed
traditional Indian styles with a bold, contemporary Western shape that was uncharted territory in
mainstream Bollywood at that time. This look also established a new precedent for bridal and
festive wear, and indicated that a choli didn’t have to be traditional to be contemporary. This
daring decision opened the door for designers to go beyond habitual thinking in using traditional
Indian shapes.
2. The Patiala Salwar Look
Geet, played by Kareena in Jab We Met, was not merely a character; she became an absolute
cultural phenomenon whose style was a kind of a national uniform. Young women everywhere
were going crazy for her Patiala salwar suits, for these colorful, voluminous trousers became an
instant addiction. What made the trend different was how she casually stacked her colourful,
loose Patialas with simple, well-fitted short kurtas, or sometimes graphic tees, easily combining
high street adaptable looks with the comfort of fashion. This could go in saying that the look she
created was the first time someone made ethnic wear relatable, cool, and accessible for
everyday life. It was resulted in a phenomenal change from the lavish, extravagant outfits
associated with the Bollywood movie industry. This was the absolute go-to look for students in
college, or any woman wanting to look pulled-together, stylish, and comfortable.
3. The Modern Co-ord Set
Long before co-od sets permeated into fashion Kareena was leading the charge. In Kabhi
Khushi Kabhie Gham…, it was Kareena’s character Poo that introduced the world to the idea of
matching sets. Believe it or not, the fiery red look with the crop top and flared pants was iconic
in film fashion of Indian cinema and remains a favorite among costume designers today. If you
think of it, she was doing the impossible by mixing a very modern fitted silhouette with a full
monochrome look, a look that fashion lovers today would die to replicate. It showed her
runaway attitude towards fashion because she dared to transition away from traditional dresses
and sarees into something more modern and chic. The co-ord was just part of the whole
superhero wear of her wardrobe in the film of contemporary styling, but it was by far the most
memorable and impactful.
4. The Zero-Figure Look
Kareena’s transformation for the film Tashan generated a lot of headlines, and a huge,
sometimes controversial, dialogue about body image in the industry. Her size zero look was a
pivotal moment. Although it sparked an intense debate, it definitely marked a turning point to a
trend of hyper-fit bodies, and a new savage focus on fitness for both Bollywood actresses, and
the public. That lime green bikini, is the historic marker of this trend. With this phase, she never
cease to push any limits, to challenge the notions of beauty, and motivate her contemporaries to
take a more disciplined approach towards their health and well-being. Her style in the film (think
mini skirts, crop tops, and corset blouses) further established her as a trend setter, and as a
fitness and a fashion icon.
5. Sequin Saris
Although sequin sarees have always been an option, Kareena has credited with reviving the
style and making it a red carpet staple. Her collaborations with famous designer Manish
Malhotra have produced some of the best sequin saree moments. What makes Kareena’s take
on the sarees a cut above the rest is the way she styles the saree. Often going with a minimalist
aesthetic for the looks, she lets the sequins be the star. Rather than heavy necklaces, she
selects simplistic, sleek earrings and matches them with a basic, stylish blouse. Kareena’s style
in a sequin saree accentuates simplicity—showing us all, that sometimes we just need to scale
back, when it comes to “sparkle”. This style transformed sequin sarees from a party outfit to a
high fashion statement.