Lady in shirt
New styles in India are dictated by fashion czars based in Mumbai or Delhi, who have often been accused of being out of touch with what Indians really need.

In Saurashtra the need is simple: to keep out the hot sun and the dusty wind that blows across the region. The sari and blouse, worn by most women in the rural areas (though increasing number of young girls wear Punjabi suits) has a limitation. It keeps the arms, neck, and belly exposed, which under the hot sun, get easily tanned. So women take to wearing long-sleeved bush shirts over and above their saris, thus covering the parts exposed by the sari. And draping the sari over the face like a veil is perhaps as old as the sari itself!

In cities, young women on scooters, besides draping their dupatta (thin shawls) over their face, wear goggles to protect their eyes and long white gloves that reach the upper arm, to keep their arms from getting tanned while riding.

Also see: 'How can youth be a liability?'