Fashion trends follow a cyclical pattern, and the biggest proof of that is Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. As the cult-favourite movie celebrates its 25th anniversary, we decided to rewatch it and spotted outfits from the film that are still wearable today.
2023 has been the year of resurgence for some of the popular fashion trends from the 90s and Y2K era. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai hit the theatres in 1998, and it being Karan Johar’s first directorial and with Manish Malhotra working the wardrobe, outfits of not just the three title characters, but even the junior actors in the background were on point. And so, it comes as no surprise that the ace fashion designer won seven individual awards for the film’s costume and styling.
The timeless styling seems relevant even today. So, without further ado, here are 10 fashion trends we spotted in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai that are as ‘cool’ as they were back in 1998.
Trends From Kuch Kuch Hota Hai That Are Relevant in 2023:
1. Athleisure
When we first met college-going Rahul and Anjali, the two were dressed in red and black tracksuits from Polo Sport and DKNY, respectively. Here’s one of the many outfits that can be categorised today as athleisure with a touch of logomania, as the kids call it.
2. Faux turtlenecks and vest tops
On many occasions, we see many of the primary and secondary characters dressed in sleeveless vest tops that have become must-haves these days. And in this particular scene, pay attention to the girl Rahul is flirting with, called Sonia, who’s wearing a bright green vest top with a faux turtle neck along with a printed, A-line white skirt.
3. Miss Braganza’s matching skirts and blazers
Power dressing was the memo for Archana Puran Singh’s Miss Braganza wardrobe. In almost every one of her scenes, we see the teacher dressed in matching tailored skirts and blazers, often coordinated with tonal shirts or tops. From runways to celebrities to board meetings, this fashion trend has got a grip on us all even today.
4. Graphic shirts, mini skirts and denim jackets
While Principal Malhotra (Anupam Kher) tried his hardest to make his students follow the dress code, even he couldn’t resist their charm when it came to Miss Braganza. In her entry scene, Rani Mukerji’s Tina is seen wearing a yellow-ish orange collared crop top and mini skirt, and she amps up her outfit with daisy-themed accessories. Besides her, many of the other college-goers in the background are also seen chic mini skirts that we want to add to our wardrobe even today. But as far as Anjali is concerned, the denim jacket was and still remains an evergreen wardrobe staple even today. Lastly, we can’t help but admire the printed comics on Shah Rukh Khan’s shirt, which works right into the aesthetics of several Gen-Z fashion trends.
5. Rani’s silver dress
When Rani Mukerji walked onto the stage in slow-mo, strumming the guitar in a sexy silver number, we all collectively held our breath. She was a vision to behold and the spotlight made sure she was shining bright. Here’s how to add bling and sequins to your wardrobe in 2023.
6. Quite luxury dressing and jeans with slits at the hems
In this iconic scene, we get a look at a love triangle forming. But if you look closely, you’ll spot Shah Rukh Khan wearing denim pants with slits at the hems, another jeans trend that has made a comeback off lately. And when we look at Tina or Rani, we see a classic example of quite luxury dressing, as she sports a nude trench and nude mules with a purple matching crop top and miniskirt.
7. Kajol’s saris
As problematic as Kajol’s makeover was in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, her saris in the second half of the film are gorgeous. Of course, each of them is a variation on KJo’s favourite georgette and lace fabrics elevated with experimental blouses. While sarees will always remain timeless, not even one of her looks and their styling feels dated. We also see Anjali (or Kajol) often accessorising with statement earrings and ditching the necklace, a practice we commonly call ‘minimalism’ in today’s day and age.
8. Neelam’s collared crop top
‘The Neelam show’ will always be iconic. And in the episode where Shah Rukh Khan’s Rahul makes a cameo to reach out to his daughter, we see the host dressed in a black collared crop top that ties up in the front. Tell us you’ve not seen this style on the racks in every fast fashion store today.
9. Shah Rukh Khan’s one-toned suits
While a lot of attention is paid to Kajol’s makeover, not a lot is said about how Shah Rukh Khan’s style also goes through an evolution as he grows up. The Polo Sport-forward wardrobe now seems tucked away and replaced by monotone and oversized three-piece suits. And 25-years-later, we’re now seeing several Gen-Z style icons opting for the same styles.
10. Kajol’s orange bridal lehenga
Instead of playing it safe and opting for the traditional red, Manish Malhotra had Kajol wear an orange and gold bridal lehenga for her wedding day. And where did we see that most recently? That’s right, on Alia Bhatt, in another Karan Johar-directorial, Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani.
Which of these trends can you see yourself adapting?
