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Wearing It Right – The Indian Formals

It has always been in vogue, through generations of dressing. Of course it has changed during the years and now comes in different varieties, nothing still compares to a salwaar kameez on a formal occasion. The bright colors, ethnic pattern and for those who aren’t confident about handling sarees, the salwaar kameez is god sent.

But with all the different patterns in the market, there are some faux pas that people can make in mixing and matching them. Here are some basic suggestions on avoiding mistakes in formal occasions.

Length of the kurta

One often wears short and long kurtas interchangeably with salwaars and chudidaars. Ideally, a long kurta is to be worn on a chudidaar while a short one may be paired with a salwaar. The balloon flair of a salwaar looks good when you wear a knee length kurta with slits on the side. But when your chudidaar is tight fitting, the short kurta will reveal both plump and skinny thighs and butt. So be careful on choosing the length of a kurta and pairing them correctly.

The leggings protocol

I personally believe the leggings can only be worn on knee length and longer kurtas without slits. Since it is more figure hugging than chudidaars even, its best to not let it be seen above the knee. Women on the plump side should definitely look out for this trap. You really don’t want to be caught in a situation where your kurta flies revealing chubby thighs. I wouldn’t.

Pattern pattern everywhere (not good)

Many salwaar-kameez and chudidaar kurtas today have pattern on both the top and the bottom. Although this is becoming increasingly in vogue, be careful to note how much pattern is too much.

Dupatta or no dupatta

be smart about wearing dupattas, you don’t always need them, even in formal situations. For example a chinese collar seldom needs a dupatta, neither does a khadi or crisp cotton kurta need one. A decorated neck or low neck will mostly need a kurta, and synthetics ask for them too. Know where you need it and where you don’t, as some patterns are independent while others are begging for dupattas.

Go traditional

For formal wear, the most basic and traditional designs are often the best. It brings out a flavor of the culture you are part of and the designs indigenous to it. Try a range from south cotton to bandhini, from kashmiri to a classic anarkali. Basic is classy in all times.

What do you think?

Written by N D'cruz

The madness comes with the writing, in the writing' according to this author.

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