Power dressing in kurtis

Lately, there has been a lot of buzz around power dressing for women and for good reason. The right outfit not only boosts your confidence but also exudes a sense of being in control.

Power dressing conjures up pictures of crisp shirts, powerful suits, pencil skirts and the occasional formal sari. However, a new entrant to the list are kurtis. A large part of this is due to the comfort factor, that cotton and linen kurtis provide one during the scorching Indian summers.

Kurtis, when styled right, symbolise what more and more women believe today — feminine is powerful. For those who are unsure of how to give more power to the kurti, here are some basic points to keep in mind:

Silhouette/shape
The basic rule is to go for clean and straight lines. Leave the anarkalis and ruffles for special occasions. A kurti with shirt collar, shawl collar or mandarin collar is ideal; an Angrakha silhouette also works well. Opt for cigarette pants or straight pants, depending on the work atmosphere — jeans, salwars and patialas are a big NO. Layering the kurti with a formal jacket is also a great idea.

Colours and prints
The colours depend on your workplace and your plan for the day. If you have meetings and presentations, go for neutral colours. Remember, the darker the colour, the more formal your look will be. Vibrant
colours can be kept for Fridays
or occasions demanding smart-casual dressing. Prints, if any, should be subtle and minimal. Ikat, Bagru, Ajrak, Dabu and Block prints in smaller sizes work well.

Also, avoid too many colours on the Kurti; when in doubt, opt for a solid one. Colour blocked ones, with a maximum of two colours, should also work fine.

Fabrics
The best fabrics are cotton, linen, raw silk and silk. The fabric should be stiffer to compliment the straight silhouettes. Chiffons, georgettes and crepes are best avoided. If you prefer wearing a dupatta, make sure it is not flowy, or opt for stoles instead.

Accessories
The accessories can be bold but minimal to complement your kurti. If the kurti has prints, a slick watch and ear studs will suffice. A solid kurti will look great with a statement necklace or earrings. Do not wear cheap plastic or metal jewellery, it can give you a shabby look.

Footwear: Make sure the footwear you choose also speaks ‘power’. Closed toe or peep-toe pumps, ballet flats, moccasins, court shoes and oxfords in blacks, browns and tan are the safest bet.

Last but not the least, make sure to wear your confidence as well!

(Contributed by Bhavya Chawla, chief stylist, Voonik)