Your personal style is more borrowed and inspired than you know

We speak to four fashion-forward duos on how their sartorial choices are influenced by each other and yet remain individualistic

Let us set a scene: It’s 2005, you’re watching Lindsay Lohan play both, Hallie and Annie in the film Parent Trap (1998), and are in awe of how easily the two separated-at-birth siblings are able to adopt each other’s mannerisms and style. Today, in 2023, the same happens almost subconsciously. Oftentimes, our personal style tends to be borrowed significantly from our loved ones than we realise. We speak with four fashion-forward duos on how we frequently share our sartorial choices with those close to us while still maintaining a sense of individualism.

Best of both worlds

Style purveyors Snehal and Jyoti Babani, better known by their moniker ‘SneJyo’ are “each other’s best stylists and critics.” The sisters (or ‘#SisStars’ as their Instagram bio states) say that their image as a duo is an extension of their individual styles—something they both work towards enhancing. “I think we blend both of our styles which results in a unique mix that’s true to our personalities,” they say, describing the sweet spot that lies between Snehal’s love for all things classic, and Jyoti’s affliction towards anything crazy. While borrowing from those we hold close to our heart isn’t a new concept, being able to do it in a way that honours one’s own self and the shared relationship is where the challenge lies. SneJyo does this by refraining from using a single term to define their style, saying that their day-to-day aesthetic is greatly dependent on their mood, something they call “emotional dressing.” 

Similarly, Maia Sethna and Prerna Mehra, influencers and best friends who frequently team up to create content, have style sensibilities that resonate with each other. “When I’m in the process of making a purchase, it’s always good to get Maia’s opinion,” says Prerna. Despite the eight-year age gap, the two gravitate towards silhouettes that sit together seamlessly. “We might pick something like a ruffle sari but opt for different colours and prints,” says Maia. While Prerna’s style instincts are experimental and bold, Maia’s are more classic.

A space for expression

Designer duo and co-founders of clothing label JODI, Gauri Verma and Karuna Laungani, say that they place a focus on “being cognisant of each other’s aesthetics and styles” while ideating for their brand. Proud of having created a space which allows for free expression, both work together to “strike a balance” between their varying styles. While Gauri isn’t a “daily dresser”, being around Karuna, who “enjoys dressing up everyday,” has encouraged her to make an additional effort. Karuna is fond of Gauri’s “sense of aesthetics about jewellery,” saying that she began emulating it after understanding Gauri’s love for all things Indian and handcrafted. She even mentions borrowing pieces from Gauri from time to time. Often, we borrow more than just wearables from those around us, instead adopting their approach. 

The same can be said for Avantika and Srishti Chhabria, co-founders of TheCisterCo. The pair met while in kindergarten and solidified their relationship from best friends to business partners. Srishti alludes to the development of their relationship and their style, stating, “Back in the day, our individual approaches to fashion could be described as two ends of the spectrum.” She notes that more recently, their styles gel well together, since they’ve both taken inspiration from each other. Avantika mentions how she was initially averse to midi or maxi dresses but now wears them confidently, having seen her “work-wife” carry them off with ease. She styles such silhouettes with the likes of mini bags or experimental sunnies to maintain a sense of individuality.

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