A boutique in Bhubaneswar displaying a range of designer kurtis and salwar-suits. Pictures by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 18: The capital is witnessing an extreme wardrobe makeover.

From dressing up in matching printed salwar-suits or similar-looking saris a few years ago to getting a tailor-made wardrobe similar to that of style divas, the fashion-conscious citizens of the capital have come a long way.

And the ones enjoying the benefits of this transformation the most are the boutiques in the city, which are having a field day coming up with exclusive designs, cuts and patterns to entice customers.

Youngsters are rushing to the nearest boutiques to get a look akin to the characters of popular television series like How I Met Your Mother, Desperate Housewives, or, closer home, Uttaran.

Since branded stores are glutted with apparels of typical designs, same old-cut patterns and monotonous prints, boutiques are playing the saviour helping the new-age fashionistas retain their unique style and individuality by offering customised outfits.

“Popular branded shops have hundreds of kurtis and tops of similar colour, cut and size. The very sight of another person wearing a top to toe identical attire as mine is not very pleasing. That is why I prefer boutiques, where I can choose my own design, which is not only different but also reflects my sense of style. I can also try out a bit of experimentation with my dresses, which is not possible with readymade branded clothes,” said 18-year-old Ruchika Sahni.

There has been a drastic transformation in the fashion sense and sensibility of residents in the city.

(From left) Deepika Padukone in Aarakshan and Love Aaj Kal and actress Rashmi Desai in a still from the television show Uttaran

Shunning the pale, lacklustre colour palette, the trend is moving towards vibrant and rich hues with bold cuts. The women no more shy away from wide shoulder cuts. Swarovski-studded saris, broad sequined on the borders, are the latest trend.

Boutiques are also endorsing some of the very popular Aarakshan and Love Aaj Kal kurtis as flaunted by actress Deepika Padukone and Singham-styled salwar-suits that actress Kajal Agarwal was seen wearing.

“Pakistani kurtas, palazzo pants, kaftans and tunics have a great following. To give a complete look to your attire, it is necessary to team it with contrast slippers,” said designer Bhavna, who had displayed her exquisite collection at an exhibition last week.

“Even a couple of years ago, the fashion awareness of the people here was much traditional and rather narrow. No one dared to wear anything different or bold. Thanks to the sudden surge of popularity in television serials, youngsters now want to look fashionable and ape the lead characters,” said Prachi Mishra, owner of a boutique in Saheed Nagar.

It is the GenX who has been more adoptive and responded to the change with much ease and enthusiasm. “For kurtis, straight cut, prince cut and umbrella cut are very popular. Young girls are now experimenting with their blouses as well. From sleeveless, haltered and spaghetti cuts to Bombay cuts, are all in rage,” Mishra added.