Fashion Forward

Our expert clears all your fashion dilemmas

I am 5 ft 4 and I have a pear-shaped body. I want to wear a maxi dress. What kind of necklines and cuts should I go for? Will a maxi dress make me look shorter than I already am? — Nilanjana

Maxi dresses are a rage now. So go for it! But keep some things in mind while shopping for one. As you have a pear-shaped body, go for the necklines like a square, halter, sweetheart, or even cold shoulder. For a slimming effect on the waist, choose a dress that has a lighter colour on top and a darker one at the bottom. I don’t think maxi dresses will make you look short. Wear high heels, choose vertical illusion prints and opt for monochromatic patterns. Don’t invest in heavily embellished pieces or full-length skirts.

I simply love Lucknowi kurtas. I own a variety of them in different colours and cuts. How do I accessorise them for a work meeting? — Zoya Irfan

Lucknowi chikan kurtis are the best option for summers. Try some of these simple accessories that will help you create a formal look with your Lucknowi kurtis: a statement clutch, tassel earrings, choker, rocky high boots, a fringe bag, a jacket or a belt.

I am a confused shopper. When I go shopping I think of what to buy before heading out, but end up buying things that I don’t need. Can you give me tips to avoid hoarding unnecessary clothing? — Bianca

It makes sense to adopt a strategy where you simply minimise and avoid shopping altogether. Here are a few things to remember while shopping:

• Keep a constant running list of the things you eventually need but aren’t absolutely urgent.
• Learn to distinguish between ‘needs’ and ‘wants.’
• Make a shopping list before you go to any store.
• Avoid hobbies that encourage shopping.
• Set a shopping limit.
• Embrace DIY projects.

I am in my 20s and in the heat of the moment, I bought a pair of white pants. Now I am totally regretting it, as I don’t know how to style them without looking like Jeetendra. Please help. — Neel Srivastav

Much like black, white is a great base colour to work with. Here are some of the looks that you can try:

• You can pair your white pants with a denim jacket and dark shade T-shirts.
• You can also pair your white pants with military shade bomber jackets with a solid black T-shirt.
• For a formal look, go for a dark blue blazer with a light blue shirt to look classy.

(The author is a city-based designer and a couture evangelist.)