Your Navratri style guide

Image courtesy: Reuters

It's that time of the year again, nine fun-filled nights of dance, tradition and sheer fun. Let the decorated pooja thalis come out with cool dandiya sticks and let the celebration begin!

But wait a minute...! Before you step out; let's figure out what you'll be wearing this Navratri.

Wearwithall

Your choice of clothes will decide whether you'll be one of those women sporting excessive mirror work and gaudy tassels that hurt the eye, or that girl who turns heads… Of course by dressing down but by dressing right!

Colour code

The key is keeping it subtle yet classy. Since navratri is essentially a festival of colour and lights, keep your outfits vibrant and stunning. Avoid greys and blacks and any shade associated with darkness.

It's all about standing out in a crowd. Don't be a 'navratri stereo-type'! Mix and match a number of shades and hues, but get your combinations right. Reds and blues with shades of greens, or pinks and purples with hues of yellow; will look just great.

Comfort quotient

Now let's not forget that we won't be in our comfort zones during the nine nights, since it's bound to get hot, clammy and ewww… sweaty. The only way we can get ourselves to look and feel good is by picking out the right fabric.

You are sure to feel more confident and "enthu" if you choose cotton garments over the sticky, persperation triggers - nylons or chiffons! Just because the material isn't dressy, doesn't mean the outfit isn't. Intricate embroideries with magnificent stone-work cholis will just add the required drama to your outfit.

Shoe and tell

Shoes must also be picked thoughtfully. If your one of those who wants to burn the dance-floor the whole night, then forget about pencil or high heels; you don’t want to come home with sore feet, now do you? Comfy platform sandals or smaller heels matching or contrasting to your outfit is what you need.

Strings attached
Accessories is probably the soul of your navratri dress! Plain silver ones or even the coppery kind – necklaces, anklets and rings - will add that touch of ethnic chic to your look.

So dress, check. Accessories, check. Shoes, double check! What's missing? The right make up of course! Yes, one thing that can ruin your expensive dress and oh-so-pretty shoes is disastrous make-up. Remember you will be sweating a lot, so picking a water-proof foundation and kohl would definitely make more sense. Don't overdo it and end up looking like a trashy Bollywood starlet.

Now that you have everything in place, team it up with funky hair style and you're good to go! But don't forget, it's the way you carry your outfit that will give you that edge. Keep it traditional, yet contemporary, and just have a blast!

Have a great Navratri everyone!