There are so many to choose from. But which one? The right dress dilemma has caught women frowning in front of their wardrobes, stuck for a choice.
What matters is not the numbers, but the right attire for the right occasion. ‘Essentials in Wardrobe’, the much searched site, would give you tips on the color and the types of clothes you would need for a turnout. It tells you how to stack up your wardrobe based on their tips. But the trick of power dressing lies in looking smart with the little you have.
Well, worry no more, help’s at hand. Here are a few designer checklists for what you’ll need in your wardrobes for that look good-feel good attire.
Some of the essentials
Power dressing is a prerogative of professionals. Your turnout will depend on your profession. For example, while teacher wardrobes need saris, a journalist’s would call for kurtas and everything trendy. But there are a few must-have items in every wardrobe with the numbers depending on each person’s requirement and purchasing power.
Tops of any shade go well with black, white, blue or khakhi jeans. Always have a ready stock of kurta, salwar sets in neutral or pastel shades for all occasions. A traditional Kerala sari is a must if you are a Malayali, for there are celebrations aplenty when tradition scores over trendy.
A mix ‘n match collection is ideal for all ages. And these can be accessed without punching holes in one’s pocket. Besides, they can be worked to one’s advantage… to suit the figure and complexion, the wearer’s comfort level, call of the season and budget constraints. Check out the color of the duppatta while buying salwar sets. It should certainly suit the facial skin tone. The one golden rule of tasteful dressing is to go for what suits your complexion.
Dark shades are best suited for those on the comfortable side of fat and light ones for the slim and trim. All shades of red, black, cream and white are wardrobe essentials.
How about plain saris for office wear? They go well with printed blouses and these can look fetching in an array of mix and match designs. When tired of plain looks, transform the saris by fixing borders and giving them a new look. Plain kurtas with printed scarves and printed kurtas with plain scarves are again a style statement. Kurtas with small collars give a formal look and turn out to be pretty stylish. While shopping for party wear, see that it does not go out of the fashion circuit soon.
The right accessories
Simple embellishments, small ear studs, watches, brooches in bronze or silver are all-time classy outfits. Leather bags or even synthetic leather bags in neutral colors go well with all dresses. Platform heels in neutral shades are also classy. Simple chains with pendants in different colors look chic and sophisticated.
The plus point of platform heels is that they go well with all clothes. But have a pair of sneakers, wedges, flip-flops, flats and open shoes ready to suit particular occasions.
Now here’s a deft do. The very same dress can be made to look fresh and new with accessories to match and new hairstyles to complement the attire. See that you collect duppattas, kurtas, tops, and bottoms, which can be mixed and matched. A couple of overcoats in ethnic prints will go well with plain bottoms and give the khameez a distinct look. Straight cut kurtas and khameez would look better with overcoats. Apart from the formal look it gives, overcoats can be more comfortable for the wearer than donning a duppatta. Many a time and for most people, churi bottoms look better than leggings. Get churi bottoms in as many colors as you can. Dupion silk churi bottoms are ideal for casual as well as party wear.
Get your stuff ready
• Rule No 1 is to have suits and clothes that fit your body to perfection. Never be lax while shopping for undergarments. They also need to sit well on you. They give the body the right outline.
• Have as many jeans and matching tops or kurtas as you want. Kurtas can be mixed and matched with leggings or Patialas.
• Cardigans, shrugs or jackets are high on style and declare how tasteful you are. They are best worn while riding your two-wheeler or out while exposed to the elements.
• Cocktail clothes are best for daily use and can double up as party wear also. Anarkali kurtas in small collars, elaborately embroidered Kashmiri kurtas and long-sleeved lace kurtas are some of those must-have party wear.
• Get a few salwars ready with matching khameez and duppattas for party as well as casual wear.
• Saris need be bought only on demand. The trends keep changing fast. Keep a stock of plain saris, which when worn with the right blouses and accessories can make a fashion statement.
• Rain or shine, clothes in soft cotton, georgette, chiffon, linen and dupion silk are the best buy.
Information courtesy: Lekha Sreenivasan, lecturer in fashion design, St Teresa’s College, Ernakulam and Siji Thomas Noble, costume designer, Kochi.