It is that time of the year again when the whole country looks like it’s been dunked in an ocean full of jellyfishes. See here, see there. Lights. Turn right, turn left. Lights.
And just like that you can feel your own inner light brightening up too. The festive atmosphere of Diwali is very contagious indeed. And soon all the beautiful and bright ethnic attires are yanked out of the wardrobe’s backside, and the country embodies an ethnic fashion fest.
While everyone might wear ethnic attire, not everyone knows how to make their attire stand-out. Every festival, especially Diwali, is a chance to get all decked-up. You can pull out all those lovely ethnic jewellery, beautiful desi slippers, and what not... But how do you refrain from looking like a gawdy goddess? How do you look chic in ethnic wear?
Here are a few tips to make your Diwali dressing more sound:
The dress
Don’t be shy to try out new cuts and styles that suit with your body type and what you are comfortable in, it might not even be a big fashion trend. But if you can carry it off, then go for it!
* Strut like a bollywood diva in a funky printed saree. Be bold and choose from animal prints or tribal prints.
* If you would like to go bold, you can try wearing a neon coloured clothing, be it a saree, a maxi, or even a salwar kameez.
You will look as electrifying as the Diwali festival itself!
* Match your saree with a contrast blouse with some embellishments. Try different cuts in blouses and be as experimental as you can with the back.
* Or ditch your boring blouse and team your lehenga with an Indian print or embroidered crop top! A unique stand-out, surely.
* Ditch your anarkali and go for a rich silk suit with a heavy embroidered dupatta in a contrast colour.
* You can also go for a patiala or a dhoti bottom and match it with a short kurti and dupatta.
* Want to try something different? Then match a long batik printed jacket with a skirt and a blouse. Make sure the skirt has a nice flow to it.
* Stay away from a fish cut lehenga. It does not suit every body type and might not be comfortable. Instead choose a lehenga with a wider waist band, and which is flowy below the waist.
* Get inspired by the rajasthani textile and rock a bandhani lehenga. But team it with a cotton self print blouse to break the monotony.
* If being totally desi is not your style, then try a full length dress with chiffon or silk. Pair it with a desi printed vest.
The jewellery
Your jewellery doesn’t have to exactly match. You can mix and match your accessories.
* Statement necklaces are a huge trend. Keep your ears bare and just flaunt a beautiful neckpiece.
* Go for the traditional temple jewellery jhumkas. They match all sorts of ethnic and even indo-western wear.
* Ditch your earrings and sport ear cuffs. Ear cuffs are catching everyone's attention in the fashion world.
* Another alternative to gold jewellery is pearls. Wear a beautiful pearl necklace or bracelet with your suit or even maxi.
* If bling is not your style then go for the tribal silver jewellery. It can match every type of suit, saree, or lehenga.
* An interesting brooch can really add dimension to your look. The beauty is in the details. If you are sporting gorgeous big earrings or ear cuffs, then ditch the necklace and simply put on a brooch to hold up your saree’s pallu or suit’s dupatta.
The footwear
Everyone obsesses over their whole attire, jewellery, and make up. But they often tend to bring the whole look down by choosing the wrong kind of footwear. Pay attention to what you are matching it with.
* Wedges are for you if you are going to be on your feet for a long time. They are comfortable and give you that elegant posture.
* For that ultra stylish look, go for a pair of open toe stilettos. Make sure it is not too over the top. It should complement the attire and not overpower it.
* If wearing heels is a task for you then opt for traditional kohlapuri and walk in style. Stay away from the ballerinas though!
The makeup
The idea is to look as natural as possible, while you let your dramatic eyes do all the talking!
* Focus your make up on your eyes. Use a subtle coloured non-shiny eye shadow.
* Don’t forget kajal!
* Use a good waterproof mascare and do the smokey eyes.
* Do your eyes vintage style. Cat eye eyeliner goes perfectly well with ethic wear and adds the old vintage charm to your look.
The hairdo
Most people, more often than not, simply let their hair loose. Instead, try a more interesting hairdo.
* If your outfit has a high collar or if you want to flaunt your jewellery, then an elegant high bun is just perfect. It shows off your jawline and brings all the focus on the eyes.
* Braid your hair. Tie a fish tail braid, but let out some loose strands. It's an elegant-but-not-too-formal look.
* Work the beach wave look for your indo western attire. Glam it up with a kundan tika.
* Glam up your braid with a string and small fresh flowers for the
pooja.
(The writer is a fashion designer)