Go for the natural look

It is the healthy body that is coming into vogue. There is no need to conceal the so-called irregularities in your figure, says Homai Sagar

INDIAN women wanting to be in the forefront of fashion need not worry anymore about having imperfect bodies. Reason for this comforting message? The whole fashion world is changing by undergoing a shift from the so-called thin anorexic look to rather more voluptuous figures.

Fashionista Anju Chotrani has to say this of the change in the norms for the ideal body. "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."

Calcutta-based Ranjita Biswas, with interests in the modelling business, agrees: "The world over, fashion gurus are accepting the natural look," she points out. "Asian girls are on the international ramp now setting their own parametres in catwalk ethics. Glossies are also flaunting their attractive statistics and nouveau attitudes."

Yes. It is the healthy body with its all its curves and contours that is coming into vogue, and there is no necessity to conceal the so-called irregularities in your figure in traditional wear, which masks your silhouette. The modern miss can walk about in a casual pair of jeans, skirts, or short dresses without worried about not being tall and athletic.

The emphasis now is being able to look fashionable and yet being true to your natural self. One agrees that it is a tough task. It requires a certain mindset, the courage of conviction, to project a look that matches your personality rather than being influenced by what others wear. The greatest problem is that it is often really difficult to get what you want in a designer store.

This necessitates making your own type of wardrobe, and one has to be practical. For example, if you find a flashy neon orange blouse, it might get you instant attention; but for your friends that associate with you for a lifetime, it is tough to wear it a second time. Equally true is the necessity to avoid prints that are jazzy and, instead, take to monochromatic shades like navy blue and brown. The advantage is that you can repeat these colours as many times you want and still would get the credit of`A0being new. The main factor is that you should be able to stand out in a crowd — the real merit of being stylish — and not stuck out like a sore thumb.

To achieve this you have to depend upon your gut feeling and opt out for mix and match whenever possible in monochromatic shades, stripes and checks. Here cotton T- shirts in black and white, tuck-in cream shirts, pant suits and skirts in pastels never let you down, so long as you know the silhouette and length that flatters you most.

That takes care of the basics.

Accessories are the necessary adjunct to your dress and choosing shoes can be a real hassle. Style planners advise you to keep to just three colours, namely black, gold and silver, and these work wonders 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`A0salwar-kameezes.

Handbags have been called every woman’s "right-hand man." Here you should choose handbags of material like chamois satin, which are not too shiny for daily wear, but are dressy enough for the night. Our effort is to be understated and, hence, those huge earrings are a strict.

Simple jewellery in gold and silver, or tiny diamond studs, should do. Yes, plan well and you will make a style statement. — MF