It wraps snugly around your bottom, tucks your waist in, covers your legs demurely yet outlines them so close that they look interesting enough to attract a second glance. And sometimes, if you wish, it lets a tiny little stretch of lower leg show tantalisingly through the fabric, adding a delightful touch of oomph.

The wraparound skirt is every girl’s good friend. Unlike the mini or the bubble skirts, that can be a disaster on the wrong legs or the pencil skirt that again is not the best bid for average Indian blooming-with-good health backsides. But, the wraparound works. It adds length to the wearer and worn intelligently, it has a welcome slimming effect.

And what’s more, it’s intrinsically Indian. Plump or slim, short or long,

all legs look their best wrapped in the sheet of fabric that oes by different names in different parts of the country. Try the lungi of Bengal, the mekhla of Assam (with or without the chadar), the shawl of Nagaland, and/or the wraparound skirt of the big cities - and the effect is going to be the same. Glamourous and feminine!

Do it yourself

If you haven’t been able to find yourself the right wraparound, just get it tailored. Buy a stretch of rectangular fabric that you like, get the ends stitched up or hemmed so that it looks neat. Starting at the point above your right leg, wrap it snugly around your waist from right to left and tuck the free end in. That’s how most orth eastern girls wear their skirts. If you fear the skirt falling off, just pin it in place or get a few hooks or a belt attached.

Drop the kilos

If you want to magically drop the kilos, get a straight cut wraparound in a solid colour. Black works the best. If you want a pattern make sure it is in a narrow strip at the base of the skirt, wear it with a snug fitting top in the same colour, a matching pair of stilettos, a big pair of earrings, get the makeup in place, splash on your favourite perfume and look into the mirror. You are looking at a slimmer more glamourous you. Enjoy the effect!

Ethnic touch

Wear your wraparound as the Nagas do and look as exotic. Next time there is an exhibition, pick a colourful weaved shawl, preferably of a soft fabric and from the North East.

Use this as a wraparound skirt, team it with a solid coloured T shirt and you’re ready to rake in the compliments for your ethnic Indian look.

Splash on the colours

Next time your visit the City market pick silk fabric in some pretty colours. Get these tailored into wraparounds or pleat them into a lungi.

Next time there is a big date; wear one of these with a white silk nicely fitting quarter sleeved kurta. You will love the effect.

Anything goes

If you want to wear a silk lungi, team it with a matching or a contrasting silk kurta. If you want to dress casual, wear a bright wraparound with a sleeveless cotton T shirt or a ganji, hrow a stole casually around the shoulders and you are ready to rock.