Wearing white works well

UNLIKE the West where colour trends swing between black and red, India has remained surprisingly loyal to white. Many would attribute this to a cultural fixation — a belief that white symbolises purity, virtue, innocence and all things nice, little realising that it is not an easy colour to wear or maintain.

Besides, both for the designer and wearer it poses challenges that can easily be overlooked in any other colour. Imperfections in weave, texture, cut or finish, which are usually camouflaged in say black or red, would stand out prominently in white. You need to be extra careful while handling white.

Here are a few practical tips on how to look your best in white:

For a casual traditional look, your best bet would be cool cotton sleeveless kurtas that end a few inches below the knee. Long slits from the waist down are still in. Tiny delicate, but bright multi-coloured hand embroidery around the neck, sleeves and at the hem would lend drama to the outfit.

As for accessories, try a matt-finish silver armband, a long multi-coloured beaded necklace and rings with earrings to match. A matt-finish thin silver bracelet with a matching silver strap for the watch would add to the dazzle. Remember that while wearing white, the way you orchestrate your accessories would make the difference between the ordinary and classy.

So do not shy away from that shoulder bag with mirror-work embroidery and tassles, only that it shouldn’t be too large. You can even have an umbrella fashioned in the same style. And for the finishing touch, drape a chiffon dupatta, which compliments the colours on the bag or the umbrella.

Your footwear, make-up and hairdo are just as important while making a fashion statement. White sandals with thin straps go very well with the salwar/churidar-kurta ensemble. The make-up could be traditional, with lipstick corresponding to one of the major colours of the dupatta . The blush-on should be kept minimal and if you have long hair, make a bun with white beaded pins. Or else, you could use white clips to strap short hair.

In formal western wear, try out a waist-length strappy white top teamed with loose, white drawstring pants. A brightly coloured hand-painted chiffon shirt could be worn as a loose jacket over the top. Tie the hair in a pigtail at the nape with a white scarf.

Once again, accessories would play a major role in making the most of the white colour. Tiny silver studs in the ears, a thick long silver chain, silver bracelets and one silver anklet can go eminently well with the outfit. For added effect, try out some silver, matt-finish rings on all your fingers!

As for shoes, a pair of white sandals with thin straps should do fine. Coordinate the footwear with a small white handbag or a shoulder bag with delicate bead or mirror work. A matching umbrella with colourful tassels would keep the blaze of the sun away.

During summer, you do not wear heavy make-up. Light skin-tone creams and lotions should be applied along with a faint dash of lipstick and blush-on. Talcum powder (a common Indian fetish) can be your worst enemy during hot, summer afternoons. But dark glares go very well with white outfits.

For men to look cool, there is no substitute to white hip-length shirts with Chinese collars this summer. The trouble is that these shirts are increasingly getting to look like conventional kurtas with long side slits. So make sure the fit is right and get some interesting buttons made of coloured beads. Combine with beige trousers, preferably in cotton.

A belt is obviously not needed here as the shirt is supposed to be worn untucked. One can, however, wear a trendy silver bracelet or a silver watchstrap with finger rings to match. A pendant in silver with matt finish would complete the casual look. But for a more formal wear, a self-weave white shirt and tie in a muted tone should do.

Options for shoes could vary from beige sandals to loafers and kolhapuri slippers, so long as they are comfortable. Black boots tend to look out of place though. Crop your hair short and with dark glares to match, you are ready to swing with the times. (MF)