You’ve got the look

December 29, 2024

A well-tailored suit and a beautifully draped sari work in every setting, including a fashion show, the launch of a high-profile fashion store, or even a wedding. Here are the best-dressed looks of 2024, according to Instep.

You’ve got the look

Sanam Saeed

At the launch of Deepak Perwani’s flagship store in Karachi, which marked his 30th year in fashion, Sanam Saeed wore a lovely red and black polka-dot sari.

An actor who is also a fashion icon, she carried the look with the kind of nonchalance that screamed, “I woke up like this—but also curated every dot to perfection.” Sanam blended Bollywood glamour with modern Netflix-style coolness, looking somewhere between Meena Kumari and Emily from Emily in Paris.

Fareshteh Aslam

Fareshteh Aslam’s sari at the Deepak Perwani flagship store launch was a breath of fresh air, channeling a minimalist vibe. The ivory-white fabric with delicate black paisley and geometric designs felt like a poetic message about quiet sophistication. The border, edged in soft gold, whispered timelessness rather than OTT opulence—like a cameo in a Gus Van Sant film.

Hania Aamir

Designer Faiza Saqlain collection of saris included a verstalite deep red sari that could’ve rivaled a moment between a Quentin Tarantino film and a Wes Anderson one. The sari exuded a ferocious shade of red, while the delicate red lace border added just the right dose of romance. Hania Aamir wore it with the kind of flair that made you believe she had just stepped off a set, poised to deliver a soliloquy under a blood-red sky.

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Sajal Aly

At the launch event of Zard Patton Ka Bunn hosted by the Kashf Foundation, Sajal Aly looked beautiful in a Banarsi pink sari. The lush fabric shimmered like it had a secret to tell, while the intricate gold detailing along the borders whispered tales of tradition wrapped in glamour. Sajal carried it with understated elegance, her demeanor more Pakeezah than prom night, proving once again that she can outshine even the most dazzling threads.

Mahira Khan

Mahira Khan, Pakistan’s most endearing actor, made a dramatic statement in a belted black sari from her own label, M by Mahira. Named after her late phupo (paternal aunt), Surraiya, the ensemble felt like a love letter to elegance paired with modernity—think Audrey Hepburn meets Humsafar’s Khirad. The sleek gold belt along, along with a stack of gold bangles, cinched the look with the precision of a red-carpet power move.

Mehwish Hayat

Mehwish Hayat dazzled in an Ajrak sari from the local brand Saareeka, proving once again that she can blend heritage and haute couture like nobody’s business. Seen in the TV serial Teri Meri Kahaniyaan (yes, I watched it—mixed feelings on the plot, but let’s focus on the fashion), Mehwish carried the sari with the kind of effortless grace that made you forget about plot holes entirely. The traditional Ajrak print, with its earthy tones and intricate patterns, felt like a poetic nod to Sindhi culture, while Mehwish’s poised demeanor turned it into a red-carpet worthy statement. Styled with minimal accessories and an air of quiet confidence, she struck the perfect balance between cultural homage and contemporary flair.

Mahira Khan

At the AlfaMall launch, Mahira Khan made a power move in a red suit that was as bold as it was breathtaking. The rich red shade wasn’t just a color; it was a statement—one that whispered, “Yes, I’m the boss, and yes, I look fabulous doing it.” The tailored fit created a silhouette sharp enough to cut glass, while the subtle detailing kept it elegant rather than overpowering. Mahira let the suit do all the talking, pairing it with understated accessories and making it obvious that sometimes wearing a power suit is all it takes to shine on the red carpet.

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Shamoon Sultan

Shamoon Sultan sported a cream-coloured tailored jacket and pants paired with a black shirt and matching shoes. The tailored jacket and pants gave off serious Gatsby-meets-Mad-Men energy, effortlessly blending old-school charm with modern swagger. Pairing this with a black shirt and matching shoes? A bold move, and one that worked in his favour. The belt was the unsung hero of this look, tying everything together with the finesse of a perfectly delivered punchline in a Sorkin script.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie hit the BFI London Film Festival 2024 red carpet in a black suit so sleek it could’ve been a James Bond villain’s uniform—or better yet, Bond’s own. With razor-sharp tailoring and an almost rebellious nonchalance, the three-piece ensemble, complete with a waistcoat, redefined power dressing. Her loose, hand-in-pocket pose gave major Lara Croft meets The Devil Wears Prada vibes, while the satin lapels added just the right amount of luxe to the no-nonsense look. The gold earrings were a subtle but calculated move, like the perfect plot twist in a Christopher Nolan movie—unexpected yet provocative in ways we couldn’t have imagined. 

You’ve got the look