Dress up for success

The new millennium working Indian woman definitely needs to appear right, feel right & deliver right. With the incredible rise of MNC\s & working women in India, there definitely is a great need for a wardrobe makeover. The professionalism the women of today display in the office must translate in their dressing. What to wear for work, from where will I get it, why r women in west always dressed so chic. Aren t all these questions we ask ourselves very often? Yes, we do.

Indian fashion world still needs more practicality, more stylizing, & of course more awareness. What you wear to work is arguably the most important part of your wardrobe. You may think this sounds presumptuous and work should count more than your wardrobe, but it is a proven scientific fact that your dressing can effect your career future. Your appearance can be the difference between getting that promotion and being stuck in the same position forever.

Till now, corporate wear has not been addressed in India-no one has educated the new breed of professionals on the appropriate look and style. Check out the following pointers to make sure your work attire doesn't let you down. And as for the inspired shopping expedition that will follow reading this article, heed my advice-Think in term of outfits when you shop, and be practical.

Ask your self some questions:

Do you have anything you can mix and match with it? Does it match your lifestyle?
Will it be comfortable, nonchalant, and easy to wear?
Is it machine wash or dry clean only?
Is it of good quality? Quality counts, it is better to have four or five mix and match out fits of quality, than 8 or 10 'steals.'
Is the colour right for your skin tone?
Is the fit proper to suit your body type?

Clothes Styles and Body Shapes

Avoid high collar shirts, it shortens your neck.
Tight tops with short sleeves and breast pocket are detracting from your figure. The torso can be shortened or narrowed with seam lines, belts, bows, and collars.
Avoid bold prints, animal prints, bold stripes, & bright colours.
Play more with pastel shades, like, black, white, brown, beige.
Do not forget to accessorize yourself with a scarf, a formal purse of the same pastel colour plate, & most important of all that will give you a confidant look will be your shoes.
When buying pants be sure they fit well. Flaws in figure are emphasized in a pair of pants that may go unnoticed in a skirt.

Petite women.

Petite women need to keep clothes in line, slim narrow belts. A slight contrast in colors and fitted lines will flatter you endlessly. Also stay with fabrics that are soft and flowing that fits well. Over powering prints should be avoided.

Tall women.

Tall women can indulge in wide belts, avoid tight clothes and skirts that are to short or to long. Tall women should play down their waist by wearing their blouses over the pants and skirts and avoid tight belts.

Hip heavy triangle woman.

A hip heavy triangle and round full figured women can use clothes with vertical lines to make an up and down illusion. V-necks and skirts with slits up the sides are also good. Clothes with small padded shoulders should be chosen . Too big pads will make you look like a foot ball player. Wear long tops that go passed your hips. Choose jackets, tailored suits and shirtwaist dresses with straight, classic cuts.

Hip heavy women should choose lighter colors on top, this brings eyes up. Wear dark stockings and avoid patterns. Select vertical, fluid patterns and avoid bulky fabrics. Adopt the just below the knee look in dresses and skirts. Choose accessories close to the same color clothes you are wearing including shoes. This gives your body an unbroken slimmer look. Avoid very wide pinafore skirts. Stay with straight or Aline skirts.

Top heavy woman.

The top heavy body types need to choose long jackets without shoulder pads. Do not wear blouses with fancy details and ruffles. Do not wear clingy fabrics on top, choose darker colors on top. Do not wear tops that are to light. Tops with dolman or raglan sleeves and ones that fit loose and slims down to hug the hips and waist are good.

Wear pants or skirts that are pleated to bring the eye down. Choose thin materials like cotton, or cotton jersey. One color dressing will also be thinning. Flat shoes are best unless you are short, then wear heels. If your legs are in good shape shorter hem lengths will draw attention away from your top.

Rectangular type woman.

The rectangular type can accentuate curves by wearing jackets or tops that hug the waist. Use patterns in your tops or bottoms to add dimension. Round out the neckline with necklaces, scarves and other accessories.

Style tips

Know your body type; do not get carried away with the trends and go overboard for office wear.
Avoid chunky and flashy jewellery.
Prefer high heels to flats.
Prefer A-line or straight fit skirts to trousers.
Be more feminine with the taste of clothes you select.

Following some of these tips should bring about a definite change in your personal style. Once you start on the path to self-awareness in your dressing, you will feel a surge of confidence in yourself. And the compliments coming your way won�t hurt either!

About the author:

Nirralee Mehta, a fashionista from Mumbai went to London to study the art further, and has now returned to revolutionise the fashion industry in India. Studying in one of the most prestigious schools- The London University Of Fashion, which is right in the middle of the stylish districts of Bond & Oxford streets, was her dream come true. Having had numerous successful exhibitions in Mumbai between 2000-2002, and having designed for celebrities, she knew that as a designer she was accomplished. For further information contact: Ms. Nirralee S. Mehta (M) 9833575041.