Fashion is changing constantly and today we live in a time when even an accidental tear in your attire can become a runway hit. The Do It Yourself (DIY) method has taken the internet by storm since the advent of sites like Pinterest and Instagram and here are a few quirky tips that allow you to personalise your style and create your own trend.
Scarves: A scarf is traditionally worn as head-cover. The headscarf which is usually placed over the head and secured around the chin with a knot. In the 70s the scarf was worn around the neck with a knot to the side, a style which many air-hostesses follow even today. It is a very handy accessory that can be customised depending on your tastes. In case of a sleeveless or strapless top, the scarf can be used as a shrug by placing it around your shoulders and being tied in the front in two knots. The other way is to tie the scarf around your waist, either through the loops or as a sash. In case of a plain top over your jeans, color and print will add a dash of pop to your outfit while a plain, bright scarf can be paired with print or patterns.
Chokers: Chokers as a fashion accessory are a rage among women of all age groups and can compliment even a sari by giving it a rebellious edge. Chokers are very simple to make and require only creativity and ribbons or strings. The easiest way to DIY is by making use of objects that you have like broken pendants, ribbons, strings and even necklace chains. If the ribbons or strings are coloured or plain, they can be worn that way by either tying around the neck or using a safety pin which can also be coloured. In case you want to add some bling to it, use heavy glue and stick a stone or sequin. Broken pendants or earings can be looped into the tiny loops on a necklace chain, which should be wrapped around your neck and fastened with a safety pin. Chokers need not always be short and long necklaces can also be transformed depending on your mood and outfit. All you have to do is wrap it around your neck and pin it.
Two-in-one: One of the best things about fashion is that it has no limit and existing accessories can be customised to create a new fad. Tube tops are a recurring fashion item but sometimes prints and style gets repetitive. Skirts with a flair or even a plain A-line can act as a cute tube top. Skirts with an elastic band work best for this purpose and can be paired with a stole or jacket. It goes well with skinny pants, shorts or even A-line skirts. Similarly, if you have a lot of flannel or long-sleeved button down shirts they can easily be converted to fit your waist and are an airy choice for a casual outing. The way to wear this is by bringing the shirt up to your waist and buttoning it up. Then, take the two sleeves and wrap it around your waist, the loop will depend on the length of the sleeves. It can then be knotted towards the side or in front like a bow or pulled and tucked inside the skirt on either side. Printed shirts are the best choice for this but even plain colours add greatly to a casual, dressed down vibe.
Sarong: In India we are blessed with a generous variety of shawls and dupattas that come in spectacular colours and prints. Some of these items never see the light of day because there isn't an appropriate occasion while others make a brief appearance. Thick shawls or dupattas can serve a very different purpose, especially if they come in colours that you have nothing to match with. Take one end of the shawl and wrap it around one side of your neck, do the same with the other and tie it like a halter. If it is too thick wrap it around your chest a few times before tying it as a halter. Remember that this isn't a formal look and the length can vary and be disproportionate towards the bottom, it will only look more bohemian. If the length of the cloth is not very long, it can be worn as a skirt instead by tying around the waist like a mundu with the ends coming together in one or two knots.
