Create your own look
By Pinky Adil

ASIAN women need no longer fret over inheriting imperfect bodies. All those who have suffered from this complex can now take comfort from the fact that the international fashion scene is undergoing a decisive shift from the thin anorexic look to rather, more voluptuous figures.

As well-known model and choreographer Mehar Jessia puts it: "Clothes no doubt fall better on a thin frame, enhancing the designer’s creativity and cut. Besides, a small waist and a tall body present a graceful look. But now that the accent is on countenance and expression, the need to camouflage those extra inches is no longer there."

Mehar’s contemporary, Madhu Sapre feels that being slim is in, but certainly not thin. "The world over, fashion gurus are accepting the natural look," she points out. "Asian girls are on the international ramp now setting their own parameters in catwalk ethics. Glossies are also flaunting their attractive statistics and nouveau attitudes."

What matters though is being able to carry your natural self. And that is a tall order. For it requires a certain mind-set the courage of conviction to project a look that matches your personality rather than being influenced by what others wear. Chances are that you would not readily get what you want off the racks at any designer store.

The easiest way out of this is obviously, to create your own wardrobe. And here, you’ve got to be practical. For instance, do not go in for that flashy neon green blouse. It might guarantee instant attention, but it also promises lifetime recall. It would be hard for you to wear it a second time. The neon green blouse can never be a part of you.

For the same reason, avoid jazzy prints. Instead, try monochromatic shades like white, black, cream, navy blue, beige or brown. You can repeat these colours as often as you like and they will still look as good as new. The real challenge however lies in being able to stand out in a crowd and yet, not stick out like a sore thumb. After all, this is what style is all about!

Once again, trust your gut feeling. Go for a mix-’n’-match whenever possible — black with white, navy blue and white, brown and cream, cream and green... in stripes and checks. Cotton T-shirts in black or white, tuck-in cream shirts as well as pantsuits and skirts in black, beige and blue can never let you down. Choose whatever shape and length flatters you most.

Well, that’s for the basics. Add a few colourful separates in bright red, vivid blue and soft butter yellow. These may be light and easy looking, but are really hot options when teamed with a skirt or pantsuit. You would end up with a creative and totally different outfit every time.

Denims can also be just as versatile. For jeans, stick to basic blue and perhaps black. You can dress it up with a black or navy blue blazer or a white or colourful T-shirt. For those with great legs, a short, A-line denim skirt short looks really perky. A basic blue denim shirt can be extremely sexy with jeans. And a well-cut, black waistcoat is a great accessory for daywear.

As for accessories, shoes can be a big hassle. Keep to just three colour — black, gold and silver - and you’d be surprised how well they work with every imaginable outfit. Simple, strappy footwear with block heels or mules are a great buy as they look good on jeans, trousers, short skirts and even salwar-kameezes.

Then there’s the handbag — every woman’s right-hand man. Go in for the one in black chamois satin as it is not too shiny for daily wear, but just dressy enough for the night. And for heaven’s sake, keep away from those huge earrings! You need to be understated — simple jewellery in gold and silver or tiny diamond studs would do.

For make-up, stick to deep burgundy or chocolate brown and tone it down with a natural nude for daywear. Choose a blusher in a natural shade like beige or peach, depending upon your complexion. Eyeliners can be black for a dramatic effect or brown for a different and more casual look.

And don’t forget that slim patent leather belt in black, or snakeskin brown. It will smarten up any outfit. (MF)