New Delhi, Feb. 8 -- Could 2026 be the year fashion finally regains its balance? It will soon be six years since covid-19 upended the world and permanently altered the way we live-and dress. During the pandemic, clothing became almost entirely functional. Comfort reigned supreme. Tracksuits, pyjamas and slip dresses morphed into everyday uniforms, with even fashion personalities like Anna Wintour appearing in pared-back knitwear paired with jogger pants.

When the world opened up again, the pendulum swung sharply in the opposite direction. "Revenge dressing" became the go-to fashion mantra. After months of confinement, dressing up became an act of release-almost cathartic in its excess. "Post-pandemic, overdressing definitely became the n...