It’s in my jeans
From childhood jeans obsession to Hong Kong’s maxi decision, embracing colour, change, and confidence through every stage of life.
By Muskan Taparia




A journey of confidence from hiding in denim to owning every outfit. In Frame: Muskan Taparia, Photography : By Sanjay Taparia and Vasudha Taparia, Styling, Hair and Makeup : By Muskan Taparia, Location: Delhi, Manali, Hong Kong.
I am very bubbly, and so is my dressing sense. I love wearing all types of colours, but two shades that still steal my heart are white, and blue. You can find me wearing it anytime.
My parents always mentioned that as a kid, I was very stubborn, especially for my belongings. Whenever me, and my elder brother twin our clothes, I used to decide the outfit. The hue, hairstyle, and shoes everything was according to me. That’s when I discovered my love for full-sleeve upper wear and jeans/ denims. I had a collection of 20 pairs of jeans. They were the definition of my staple apparel. The fix fit for the day was to wear a top with jeans, a half ponytail with a matching rubber band, and the kajal.
Growing up, I discovered black, I stopped wearing any other tone. I packed all of my white and blues. In every outfit, I tried to add a black. I started collecting different stockings which I can wear with skirts, or shorts they are still in my wardrobe just for memories. Wearing a skirt with stockings, boots, and an oversized jacket was my thing.
From a very early age, I started using kajal and lip balm. While growing up I loved how my aunt used to wear kajal – a very thick line under the eyes. I started following her. Applying a thick layer of kajal with open hair, wearing hand accessories, and charcoal. I used to tie a scarf or Kimono on the waist. It sounds Gothic now! But for me, it was really cool back then.
By 2012, the huge change in my dressing sense was wearing neutrals with pastel shades. I used to play very safe for combinations. In between I lost a lot of weight, and my insecurity for my thin arms, and legs increased. So, I stopped myself for the experiments that a lot of people were doing. I stuck with my jeans for six years.
When I entered for undergraduate course, my style switched from skinny jeans to mom jeans quickly. I loved them so much that I had 3 pairs in the same palette. I used to wear crop tops/blouses/shirts with them. I always wanted to chop my hair to shoulder length and this happened. Kept short hair for four years.
Things changed when I went to Hong Kong last year, for the first time I chose a backless maxi over jeans, and it gave me confidence. For the next 7 days, I forgot that I was carrying a jean, with me. That day I decided to overcome my insecurities.
Talking about the present, I wear whatever I love, without thinking about other’s opinions. Because once I did and now, I don’t listen to them, I don’t wear makeup because I don’t like it. I am tall and love wearing heels, sneakers under lehenga , and whatever makes me happy.

