Rule out the rules

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Thankfully fashion isn’t simply about a sartorial splurge, it could well be a test of skills in the ‘art of innovation’. The irresistible urge to look a stunner every time you step out, is an undeniable truth. However, our advice is: resist being a perennial shopaholic. Hitch a stylish ride with your current wardrobe and the friendly mirror. Of course, your creativity gets a front seat!
Here’s a slew of ideas that come out from the creative closet of our fashion experts. Designer Harsh Gupta of Harsh Harsh label, finds great potential in a dress as a separate piece. He says, “I would recommend key sheath and shift dresses, in black, white and nude colour, as must-haves. Let the accessories take centre stage. The transformation will happen with belts to style around your waist. A natural colour for day and a sparkling metallic colour for the evening. Shrugs can be used effectively — a constructed jacket style shrug for office and a shiny metallica shrug for clubbing and a fringed leather shrug for a nice brunch. Stoles can also follow the same script.”
Harsh plays out to distinct moods. On a casual note an anti-fit top or loose H-line tee with super tight leggings can maintain a balance between loose and tight. Fasten a few safety pins in an uneven manner on top by pinching some fabric from top, making your top fall differently, creating an asymmetrical drape. “Get smart and simple — knot your shirt to make it appear different for an evening. Carry some bling sleeveless body-fit tees to slip under the shirt. Remember, the rule is harmony between pieces. Don’t follow a formula. Create your own style and interpret each trend in your own way,” he adds.
Designer Rajdeep Ranawat’s focus is on a single piece. He says, “A beige shift dress adorned with a pearl neckpiece, retro sun shades and pumps, create the ever so classic chic look. The perfect office look can be created by pairing it with an ivory jacket and ivory peep toes. For that relaxed mood, dump the jacket and add black leggings as lowers over the shift dress, or find a scarf (black and white or colour block) and a clutch to complement. Finally, for the the ultimate rock night-out club style, your beige shift dress can still turn heads when accompanied with black leather biker jacket, junk neck accessory and a studded clutch.”
Whereas, designer Gautam Gupta feels some dresses can be customised to serve multi-purpose. He offers some exciting ideas, “Tuck your shirt in and wear a crop jacket or coat over it with complementing formal shoes in black or grey, add to it a watch. To make things casual, drape a printed scarf and just fold the sleeves. Dump the formal shoes and slip into wedges.”
Designers Pragya and Megha tread with caution here. “The tricky part comes in making sure the way a dress is styled. It should enhance the look, not ruin it, as there is a very fine line between overdoing something and getting it just right.”
The designer duo of label Samor settle for the all-time favourite blue jeans and white shirt to flaunt the variation.
“Team it with funky sneakers, a long chain with the sleeves rolled up, throw in a pair of wayfarers and a sling bag and your casual look is complete. For a more formal setting, all you have to do is button up your shirt, dress it up with bright coloured coat, wear a pair of diamond studs, pointed stilettos and a skinny belt. Finish it with a messenger bag and you are set,” suggest the designers.