Get dressed to impress

One important thing to remember when you glam up for a party or a special occasion is to be able to carry off what you wear in style and comfort,” says designer Rajan, who specialises in evening wear for trendy PYTs and occasion wear for the slightly more mature dresser.

Rajan has been filling the shelves in European stores with ready-to-wear styles and has dressed Miss India contestants with his creations. He talks to Metrolife on the global trends in the City this season with relation to the glamour party look.

“Simple lines are in with a strong emphasis on cut and fabric. Elaborate embroidery and beaded encrusted work are out. As are separates like skirts and tops. Women prefer the one piece sleek look although fuller skirts which look quite romantic are making a comeback as opposed to the fitted-flared look that was so much in vogue a while ago,” he explains.

As far as colours go this season, Rajan is very specific. “I can actually narrow the palette down to four major colour groups — purple, green, fuschia and deep red almost wine. They are just right for the warmth of spring and summer and women of all age can carry them off. These dresses have a Hollywood quality about them both in the design, the embellishments and the attitude they convey. They should be worn with panache.”

“As far as fabrics go, silks look classic and elegant and cannot go wrong. I particularly favour dupont silk or satin silk,” he adds.

 “In choosing a style for an evening dress keep in mind that a solid choice is simple. Don’t let your dress swallow you up with loud colours or elaborate designs. Petite dresses with large bold patterns take attention off where it should be — on you. Small simple patterns or solid colours will emphasise your natural beauty.”

Avoid mismatch
- Don’t wear big, flowing, lacy evening dresses unless you want to look like a middle school student.
- Don’t wear chunky sized accessories that are out of proportion to your body.
-  Choose accessories like shoes and jewellery carefully avoiding anything loud and mismatched.  
-  Opt for little cover-ups for off shoulder dresses if your arms are not well toned.
-  Somewhere there will be a jacket or shrug that makes a dress you might initially refuse to consider turn into a wearable option with a small top layer.