One garb, many looks

We all have those basic wears in our wardrobe, the ones we adorn the same way every time.

There are many ways, though, you can wear the same outfit and manage to look completely different each time. And that’s the key to smart dressing. Knowing how to mix and match will not only help you every morning, but can also help you pack smart when travelling. Here are a few quick ways to reinvent your wardrobe staples:

Denim shirt

*  A button-down denim shirt can be used in multiple ways. The easiest one is to wear it as a jacket. You can layer it with a simple tank top and roll up your sleeve a little, and you are good to go.

*  Denim on denim is one of the top trends this season. Wear a light denim shirt with dark blue jeans. Or layer it with a denim dress.

*  Pair your denim shirt with a feminine skirt. The denim on skirt will give it an unusual look. Balance it with a pair of ballerinas.

n  Go on and mix it with a different texture. Wear your denim shirt with leather. You can team it with leather jeggings or add a leather accessory like a wrist band or leather boots.

*  Give your old denim shirt a new look by cropping it and using it as a crop jacket. No sewing is required; it makes for a quick D-I-Y. The frayed edges add to the rugged casual look.

Blue jeans

*  Ditch the safe T-Shirt-with-blue-jeans combination. Team your blue jeans with a floral top or go bold with an animal print. The length of the top also plays an important role. Make sure it’s not too short or too long. If your jeans fit you perfectly at the waist, then you could tuck your shirt in.

*  Your blue jeans need not be casual wear only. You can wear your comfortable jeans to parties as well. Just pair it with a sequinned jacket or a sparkly top.

*  Blue jeans is quite plain by itself. So better keep off the boring black and brown bags. Carry a bright-coloured bag or a trendy envelope clutch instead.

* Chuck flip-flops and sports shoes. Add oomph to your look by flaunting super-high stilettos with your blue jeans. It gives you the grace and makes jeans glamorous!

*  Wear an ethnic-printed cotton vest with your blue jeans. Go ahead and team it with tribal silver earrings to complete the look.

Little black dress

*  Everyone has a black dress in their wardrobe and it’s the safest bet for a night out. This time choose a statement neck piece with the dress. You can wear a bejewelled necklace or a statement choker.

*  Throw on a jacket, in bright colour or print, with your black dress. But make sure you balance it with minimal accessory. Let the main piece of your outfit be the jacket. Keep the other accessories in solid colours.

*  Add an interesting brooch to your outfit. It might be a dainty floral brooch or a statement piece in dark metal. This will take your ordinary black dress to a whole new level.

*  Wear a suitable top on your black dress. It will be unique, yet, much like a top and skirt. You could add a belt to blend it in.

*  Try printed stockings with your black dress. There are a variety of stockings with prints and patterns. But make sure the dress is a simple one so that it doesn’t clash with the printed or patterned stockings.

Maxi skirt

*  We all have that one skirt, which we don’t know what to pair with. Try it with a simple tank top, teamed with a shrug or vest to make the ensemble more interesting.

*  Get on par with the micro-trend of teaming a high waist maxi skirt with a crop top.
It can be in the same colour tone or a complete contrast. Bling it up with a statement accessory. Stack up with a mix of colourful bracelets or rings. You can also wear a statement neckpiece in a contrast colour.

*  How about a printed or painted scarf? You could ditch all other accessories and simply flaunt one beautiful scarf. It will easily lend the most feminine look even without any other accessories to go with your maxi skirt. Try different ways to wear the scarf to give the same outfit a twist, each time.

* If you want to pair your maxi skirt with a plain top, add an interesting belt. It can be a thin or wide belt, but make sure it suits your body shape.

Do not be afraid to mix and match the items in your wardrobe. There are so many ways to do it beautifully. The trick is not to blindly follow the trend. If you are comfortable in what you wear and your outfit embodies your personality, then go right ahead.

(The writer is a fashion designer)