Monday, 25 July 2016

Power Dressing

Hello Chicas,

Gone are the days when formal wear denoted boring suits in unflattering colors. With the corporate organizations becoming more liberal with the dress code, it's time to get adventurous and experiment with what you wear to work. As the old age saying goes " Dress not for the job you have, but the one you want", dressing for success doesn't stop with the job interview. Your personal style in your workplace projects your creativity and certainly boosts up your confidence. Focusing on outward appearance may sound superficial, but let's accept the fact that turning up at work in a dull, sloppy outfit will get you nowhere. Formal clothing for women can mean many different things from pant suits to pencil skirts, we have an array of choices to pick from.

Here are a few ways to dress to impress:

  • The most obvious advice would be to wear well-fitted clothes.  Wearing clothing that is too tight is unprofessional on the other hand dressing up in an ill fit outfit might make one look sloppy. Tailoring your cloth is a great way to look sharp.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with bright colors. A statement blazer in royal blue or a red blouse, but remember to keep the other elements sober.
  • Print clash is another way to make your outfit look edgy. However, don't go overboard with it, mix and match statement with simple to work this trend.  
  • Put your best foot forward. While pumps in black or nude are a staple piece in one's wardrobe, oxfords and brogues are a great alternative to killer heels.
  • Accessorizing is the key to make office wear fun. A statement necklace or a scarf/tie is bound to make heads turn at your workplace.
  • Lastly, take extra care to wear clean and neat outfits. Tucked in shirt and wrinkle free clothing are a must at a workplace.

Coming to my outfit, I have paired a grey pencil skirt with a pastel blazer. The lace detailing at the hem of the skirt added a feminine touch to an otherwise very basic skirt. The powder blue blazer is trending right now. While black and navy blazers are a timeless and versatile piece in one's wardrobe, blazers in sugar colors like powder blue, mint, pastel pink are a refreshing alternative to don this summer. To accessorize the outfit, I traded my statement necklace for a skinny scarf, another trend from the '70s, which is very popular with the celebrities right now. I love the fact that how an accessory as simple as a scarf can take one's look to  another level. I have used a white scarf and basically knotted it around my neck in the fashion of a tie. For footwear, I opted for black Oxfords and mirror aviators. A sleek pony tail with bold red lips completed the look.

Photo Credits: Jyotika Baijal



Sunday, 3 July 2016

Styling Culottes

Hello Chicas,

Cropped pants are one of the hottest trends this season, but styling them can be pretty tricky. Being a petite, I dread of anything which falls at the mid-calf area. Wearing them is one of the biggest fashion faux pas I have committed in the past which made me look short and stubby. However, after spotting them everywhere around I thought of giving it a go.

Styling Culottes

Culottes or gauchos pants are basically wide-legged cropped pants, which comes in different lengths. Despite of their awkward length, there are numerous ways to actually work around this trend. 

  • Finding the right length is the key to ace this look. While tall ladies can effortlessly work the mid calf length, petites  should stick to knee or ankle length culottes which would create an illusion of longer legs.
  • As they mostly come with a mid/high rise, the best way to style them for a pear or apple shaped figure would be pairing them up with a crop top so that it doesn't make your waist look wide. 
  • As they come in different prints and fabric they can be totally work appropriate as well. A pair of well tailored culottes with a structured blazer is sure to turn heads at your work place.
  • Tribal or Ikat print culottes can be worn with a breezy flared top for a bohemian look. You can also check out culottes in ethnic styles available in Max stores. You can add a kurta over it for a fun Indo-western look.
Lastly, the cropped hem brings attention to your footwear. So, complete the look with a pair of chunky heels or pointed pumps. 

How did I wear culottes.

Coming to my outfit, I wore a black ankle length culottes. The ribbed pattern with elasticized waist makes it a cool and comfy casual wear. I have paired it up with an orange floral top. Orange has been my favorite color since my childhood. I have an entire section of orange clothes, lipsticks and accessories. I feel orange is totally my color as it really flatters my dusky complexion. Anyway, I can go on and on about my love for orange so let's not get into that. Other than the color of the top, I loved the dramatic bell sleeves and the plunging v-neckline. A black choker and round sunnies gave the entire look a retro touch. I have accessorized the outfit with a tan backpack and chunky block heels.

Photo Credits: Jyotika Baijal