Indulge in your sartorial style this Diwali, but keep safety in mind. Go for comfortable pants matched with body-hugging corsets and scarves, but steer clear of rich fabrics such as silk, satin and flowy silhouettes during the festival of lights, say fashion designers.
In particular, Anarkali suits or long skirts sweeping the floor are a big no for Diwali dressing, says Tina Bhardwaj from Madsam Tinzin label.
"Any floor length outfits shouldn't be worn during this time. Even fabrics that easily absorb heat should be avoided," Bhardwaj told IANS.
"Georgette or a combination of fabrics like cotton and silk are good options, but the percentage of silk should be lower than cotton," she advised.
Easier to carry silhouettes are recommended and it could be a cotton-silk kurta embellished with kundan and chain embroidery or cotton-silk pleated patiala salwar worn with hassle-free short kurtas.
Kundan embroidered corset with box pleated pants are another way to make a style statement. A scarf with tassels can add festival flavour to the outfit.
One can step out without dupattas too.
"An inner with overgarment and churidar doesn't need dupatta. It's easy and dressy too," said Bhardwaj.
Indian women are fixated on saris during festive seasons. For those who insist on wearing the six-yard garment, ready-to-wear pre-pleated saris are the answer.
Floral prints are perennial, but one can experiment with geometric patterns.
"Plain sari and blouse with geometric prints look wonderful. If you want floral, you can combine it with geometric patterns," said Bhardwaj, who believes architectural prints look best on western apparel and couture garments.
There are no restrictions on choice of colours - from bold and bright to muted and subtle hues - one can choose what one fancies or suits one's complexion.
Rubaaiyat fame designer Mini Bindra doles out interesting colour contrasts.
"Bright colours look good, but should be worn with light ones. Fuschia with nude pink are contrasting colours, but when worn together they look great," she said.
Bhardwaj also has a few appealing colour combinations for traditional wear.
"Royal blue with peach, wine with red, and neon orange with peach are some of the colours that are perfect for Indian attire," she said.
But too much of anything could be a fashion faux pas.
For instance, the combination of heavy embroidery and bright colours will spell disaster.
"If you wear bright-coloured Indian wear, embroidery work should be minimal. The work can be heavy if you choose light colours," said Bhardwaj.
The wardrobe tips are extended to men who should look beyond the usual sherwanis. For a change, they can spice up the traditional kurta-pajama.
"There are kurtas with more neck options for men now. Earlier it was just round. Necks are deeper. The first button of the kurta is now six inches lower. It's more modern and reveals the chest more," said Paresh Lamba.
But to stand out in these kurtas, a good physique is a must.
Nowadays, kurtas are available in slimmer fit and broad collars. Make bandhgala jackets a wardrobe staple as they are in vogue.
"These jackets can be worn with shirt and pants for a formal event. You can dress down by teaming it up with jeans and a t-shirt," said Lamba.
The designer, who specialises in men's wear, suggests cotton and linen for Diwali dressing.
Like women, men can happily indulge in bright colours.
"If you wear purple kurta and pajama, it will look funny. Pair the kurta with off-white or cream pajama. Mustard, fuchsia, mint green, violet and indigo will look good with lighter shades," said Lamba who is of the opinion that ornate outfits should be saved for Indian weddings rather than festivals.
"Swarovski work looks best when you attend a wedding. Zari work is fine for festivals," he said.
"Almost 99 percent men goof up when it comes to shoes. They will wear nice clothes and ruin the look by sporting chappals. Footwear is the most important accessory. Formal shoes or sandals are good options," said Lamba.
(Natalia Ningthoujam can be contacted at natalia.n@ians.in)
