An exploration of Kapoor’s penchant for timeless black dresses and her distinctive style.

Khushi Kapoor serves as a reliable muse for those favoring a classic black wardrobe. In contrast to her vibrant character as Betty Cooper in The Archies, known for her colorful, grandma-chic wardrobe, Kapoor veers towards a distinctive style. A recent Instagram post featuring a black dress from her closet underscores her penchant for this timeless staple.As the holiday season dawns, the quest for perfect outfits commences. While red often dominates this time, black remains an enduring choice. Black dresses persist as a wardrobe essential, irrespective of the season. The iconic black dress worn by Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), crafted by Hubert de Givenchy, epitomized the concept of ‘basic black,’ leaving an indelible mark on 1960s fashion. Additionally, Rosemary Clooney’s black mermaid-cut gown in White Christmas serves as another source of inspiration for festive gatherings, fitting seamlessly into Kapoor’s style repertoire.The ‘clean girl’ aesthetic, embraced by Gen-Z, champions a minimalist approach to makeup, accessories, and fashion overall.

Kapoor’s recent ensemble resonates with this trend: a sleek bun, understated makeup, and a spaghetti-strapped black dress with a deep neckline, embodying the simplicity of the clean girl aesthetic. Celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Gigi Hadid, and Olivia Rodrigo have spearheaded this ‘It-girl’ trend globally, while in India, figures like Alia Bhatt, Mira Kapoor, and Athiya Shetty have also embraced it. Kapoor complemented her look with delicate jewelry—a set of diamond studs, matching necklace, bracelet, and rings.Kapoor’s appearance at Vogue India’s ‘Forces of Fashion’ event in a black tuxedo gown from Jean-Louis Sabaji’s fall/winter ’21 couture collection was a departure from her recent style. This look leaned towards a grunge aesthetic, featuring bold makeup and a structured gown silhouette. Additionally, she embraced the trend of sheer dresses, donning an off-shoulder black dress with a daring high-slit from Self Portrait. Her wardrobe showcases a range of versatile black ensembles, transitioning effortlessly from fitness attire suited for an active lifestyle to elegant, party-ready outfits.

Black dresses have undergone various interpretations, with designers infusing their unique perspectives into the fabric. These garments have graced runways and silver screens, showcasing a spectrum from sheer to structured designs. Consider, for instance, Beyoncé’s mosaic mini dress by Tom Ford—a black, long-sleeved, high-neck dress from the Spring 2014 runway collection. Adele’s collection of custom black dresses, notably the Schiaparelli gown designed by Daniel Roseberry for her Weekends With Adele launch at Caesars Palace, aligns perfectly with this theme. Rihanna, breaking conventional maternity wear norms, made a bold statement at the Dior autumn/winter 2022 show in a black lace sheer dress casually draped with a leather trench over her shoulders.