If you happen to catch a glimpse of model Aanchal Khadka around town, you will find that she’s always dressed to the t. You will perhaps want to emulate her effortless style. A third-year microbiology student at KIST College who has been signed with House of Fashion after participating in their En Vogue series last year, Khadka makes sure she keeps her style comfortable yet chic.

The Week’s Anweiti Upadhyay sat down with the up-and-coming model to talk about all things fashion.

How would you describe your style?
I think my style is casual and comfortable. I like it when the clothes I wear have enough room for me to move around. I try to avoid wearing tight clothing or clothing that makes me feel uncomfortable. You will usually see me in culottes, shorts, trousers, joggers and plain tee shirts. I’m also really into trends that were popular in the 90s. So, I’m glad items like belly bottom pants and the likes are coming back into fashion. I also prefer basic and classic clothing items over trendy ones.

What are five staple pieces from your wardrobe that define your style as a whole?
First, a plain cotton one piece – it’s very appropriate for summer and it also makes for a no fuss outfit. A pair of basic shorts is another summer essential and so is a plain white tee. I feel like plain white tee is a classic piece that will never go out of fashion and can be worn with almost anything. Then you need a pair of trousers or joggers. A good pair of these will get you through days you don’t feel like dressing up. I’m also really into slippers – especially during summer. They are comfortable, easy to put on and take off, and can be paired with anything from jeans and t-shirt to dresses and rompers.

Who would you call your style inspiration?
I take Ashmi Shrestha as my style muse. I really like the way she dresses herself. She usually wears very simple clothing but the way she styles it with accessories makes her look very fashionable. I feel like she looks approachably stylish, in a way that makes you feel like you could also look like that if you utilize the things you already have in your closet a little more creatively. She looks charming, stylish, and really comfortable in what she wears.

Is there a fashion trend that you dislike?
I’m not a fan of mom jeans. I don’t see why everyone is going crazy over it these days. I don’t think its fit flatters anyone. I haven’t tried it yet and I don’t want to. I don’t like the look of it so much that I know I won’t like how I look in them. I’m also not very fond of jeans in general – I don’t find them comfortable at all. I’m not into dressing up in a trendy way as well. Sure, you can incorporate a couple of fashion items that are trendy but don’t dress up head to toe in trendy items. I think people should curate a look for themselves instead of mindlessly following whatever everyone else is wearing.

Imagine yourself five years from now, do you think you’ll be dressing in a similar way or will your style have changed by that time?
I can confidently say that for the most part, it will remain the same. I’ve been drawn to classic silhouettes and basic clothing pieces since I was young. So, I think a big part of me will always stick to basics and classic clothing that are comfortable to wear. But I suppose my style will evolve a little bit as I mature. Since I incorporate a little of what’s trending in the fashion scene into my style, I think my style will eventually evolve and change a bit to reflect what will be trending in the fashion scene five years from now.

What are your thoughts on Nepal’s fashion scene right now?
From what I’ve seen, I think it’s gradually moving forward. A lot of people seem to be dressing really well even when they’re just going on with their everyday lives. I like the fact that people are more conscious about what they are wearing these days and are paying more attention to comfort while doing so. They look around for fashion inspiration and put their own spin on what they perceive being fashionable is.

On a professional level, I think the designers are also being more creative with the clothing they put out. Whenever I compare Nepali fashion shows from the earlier years and the fashion shows from the past few years, I see a stark difference in the types of clothes being showcased. I also like the fact that the industry is growing and welcoming a plethora of young individuals who want to be a part of it in different ways.

According to Khadka, this is what she wears the most during summer and we totally get why she does so. The romper is light, breezy and you don’t have to worry about the skirt blowing in the wind, like you would while wearing a dress. Additionally, the pastel color of the romper and floral pattern on it is totally summer appropriate.

One can never go wrong with the classic combination of a pair of dark trousers and a t-shirt. Khadka has given it a slight twist by tying her t-shirt in a knot on her waist and wearing loose culottes instead of skinny jeans. Admittedly, she isn’t very fond of jeans in general and her choice of bottoms is more breathable and easy to wear during the scorching summer heat than skin tight jeans.

Khadka mentions that she prefers to keep it casual and cool when she’s hanging out with her friends. And indeed the tunic-esq overalls paired with white sneakers give off a very casual vibe. The white cropped t-shirt that she’s wearing underneath balances the overall outfit – it’s casual but it still looks like she put a lot of thought into styling her outfit.

From what she’s described of her personal style, it’s pretty obvious that Khadka doesn’t dress this way every day. “This is for those days when I have to dress up a little bit. It’s appropriate for a formal occasion but I haven’t gone all out,” she says adding that for her fashion is more about comfort and how at ease you look in what you are wearing rather than putting on fancy clothes. 

Khadka’s everyday summer makeup
I put on a lot of sunscreen during the summer. My skin is prone to getting sunburnt really quickly so I reapply sunscreen a lot throughout the day to protect it from the ultraviolet rays. I then apply a coat of mascara to my lashes. I feel like putting on mascara makes my eyes pop in a really flattering way. And lastly I put on lipstick. My go-to shade is red because you can never go wrong with red lipstick. Sometimes when I have an important appointment or meeting I go the extra mile and apply on a light layer of foundation. It’s not for everyday use though because during the summer, it will melt off your face when you sweat. 

5 things khadka always carries in her bag

The two things I never leave my home without are my phone and my wallet, for obvious reasons. I also always have a lipstick in my bag – the one I’m wearing that day – in case it wears off and I have to reapply it. Then I will always carry my shades and my prescription glasses. I’m actually short sighted so I can’t fully function without my prescription glasses.

 
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