WE Indians are lucky to have been born with such a rich textile heritage.
It would be a folly not to use this to our advantage in our work environment. The truth is, Indian colours, handwoven fabrics and Indian styles have an extremely favourable effect on our appearance.
With grace and dignity, this adds up to increased self-confidence, which is extremely important at work.
I am not suggesting you wear only saris and salwar-kameezes at work. I recommend keeping Indian elements in mind to work towards a look that expresses who you are while ensuring that you blend in.
Here are some Indian suggestions:
1. Wear-fitted shirts with tiny Indian prints.
2. If you are heavy on the hips, say no to unflattering trousers. Try opting for linen and crèpe tunics (cut on the bias), in solid colours with black knit churidars.
3. Once in while, do wear a sari. To look beautiful is your birthright!
4. Have a couple of well-cut jackets in silk, brocade and linens ready for boardroom air-conditioning.
5. Do wear 'fashion forward' silhouettes. Nothing extreme, of course. For instance, no neo-Jodhpuris (a new twist to the jodhpur pant silhouette) or peapod trapezes(describes a shape, which is somewaht like a pod or a barrel). But you could wear a sand-or-black babydoll tunic.
An Empire line kurta (silhouette where the waistline ends just below the bust, making the most of a small bust line), in place of your usual one could make you feel instantly updated.
6. Indian fabrics are often very crushable, which makes for a dishevelled look by the end of the day. Look for non-starchy fabrics such as lightweight silks and crèpes.
7. Knitwear: In the last decade, huge innovations have happened with this humble fabric. Go in for knitwear tunics and kurtas. These have a trendy, Indo-Western look.
8. Try not to go the whole hog, with jewellery. Skip the bindi, jhumkas and bangles routine. Invest in well-crafted unique, non-flashy jewellery.
9. Buy the best quality footwear you can afford. Comfort is the key word. At the moment, wedge heels work.
10. Accessories: If you cannot bear the thought of wearing any of this at work, do stock up on handmade folders and diaries in leather, fabric or paper. Colours and crafts will do their bit towards mood and image enhancement.
Last, but not the least, educate yourself. Evolve a look that goes much further than the label.
As in all other spheres of life, the search has to be for quality. Good luck with developing a 'high quality' Indian wear wardrobe.
Photograph Courtesy: Anupamaa Dayal
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