The fine art of dressing right

Ever noticed how some people manage to stand out even in a crowd? The answer is good grooming and of course - the clothes! Clothes maketh the man (and the woman!). Read on to know the colors and cuts that can flatter your complexion and figure.

Find the colors that suit your skin tones Color is one of the most important elements in your wardrobe. Make it work for you and show off your complexion to advantage.

Fair skin
If you are fair, you can usually carry off any color. You will look especially great with soft pastels and midtones. Peach, lilac, pinks, aqua, soft greens and medium range blues etc. are all good choices. Avoid too-dark colors, they might make you look pale.

Wheatish skin
With that golden skin you can't go wrong with bright jewel tones. Emerald green, ruby red, bright orange, rust, turqoise and navy blue were made for you. Not to forget basic black and white.

Dusky skin
One way to play up that gorgeous chocolate skin is to wear bright colors. Sunshine yellow, bright orange, warm red, magenta and bright blue should look great on you. Beige, taupe and white are also good options.

Discover the cuts that flatter
Unfortunately only 8 women in a thousand look like supermodels, so what are the rest of us to do? Learn to lose pounds and add inches to your height through great styles and camouflage. Here's how :-

For the slim frame
Lucky you! You can wear almost anything and still look great. Wear flared styles to enhance your curves. Mix and match colors, try bold prints and emphasize that narrow waist with bejewelled girdles and stylish belts.

For the petite frame
A small frame cannot take a lot of contrasts so dress in solid colors. This illusion of a single column of color adds inches to your height, as do vertical pinstripes. Avoid baggy clothes, cropped pants and horizontal stripes and large prints. Stick to long, slim silhouettes and A-line cuts. Accessorize with small, delicate pieces of Jewelry. Wear beautiful soft scarves draped on your shoulder to add that asymmetric touch.

For the well-endowed frame
When you would rather keep those extra pounds under wraps, we suggest you wear dark solid colors, they define and minimize the figure. Avoid tight-fitting clothes and adopt flowing silhouettes that skim your curves and fall gracefully. Scooped and V-necklines, A-line and princess cuts are visually slimming. Avoid belts and fabrics like starched cottons and organzas which balloon and lycra that clings. Use chunky silver and gold Jewelry to add a touch of drama to your outfit.

For the tall frame
Try and wear contrasting colors in your ensemble, for eg. having your salwar- kurta or blouse and skirt in different colors, this will downplay your height and draw attention to your features. Avoid V-necklines and stick to round or square necklines. Accessorize with scarves and belts, their horizontal lines will lessen the vertical impact.

The Indian look goes global
What is it that gives Indian clothing its universal appeal? For one, it is generous to a fault, a few extra inches here and there, are nicely covered up with no one the wiser. Secondly the comfort factor- you can rarely find attire this comfortable and yet so attractive. Sahil brings you the cream of Indian traditional clothing embellished with traditional, beaded and embroidered patterns.

The Saree
Six yards of fascination' goes a popular description of the 'Saree'. This 5 to 9 meter long piece of cloth is tucked in and draped around a petticoat tied at the waist, pleated and passed over the wearer's shoulder. It is normally worn with a fitted bodice called the choli, leaving the midriff bare. Depending on the wearer's mood, the 'saree' can be extremely seductive, dignified or circumspect. Almost each region in India has its individual way of draping the 'saree'. Some daring ladies have been known to wear it with backless cholis or even without one! 'Sarees' come in a wide variety of fabrics- silks, cottons, chiffons, georgettes and crepes, the list could go on and on.

Salwar Kameez
Originally from Kashmir, today this popular ensemble has taken over as the modern Indian woman's favorite attire. Basically it consists of a long tunic called the 'Kameez' which is worn over loose pyjamas drawn in at the waist and at the ankles called the 'Salwar'. The 'Kameez' can also be worn over fitted tight trousers called the 'Churidar'.

Ghagra choli and Lehanga
The 'Ghagra Choli' is another attire usually worn at festive occasions. The 'Ghagra Choli' consists of a flared petticoat topped with a tight bodice called the 'Choli'. This is usually lavishly embroidered, often with little sparkling mirrors that give it a unique touch. A fine cloth is used to cover the 'Choli' which is called the 'Odhani'.
The 'Lehanga' is a close cousin of the 'Ghagra Choli' except that a longer tunic reaching the waist is worn on top of the long skirt instead of the shorter 'Choli'. The 'Lehanga' too is opulently embellished and often holds pride of place in a bride's trousseau.

Sherwani
This is the traditional attire for men that is de rigeur on formal occasions. Consisting of a long knee length tunic with a mandarin collar called the 'Sherwani', it has an innate sense of dignity. The 'Sherwani' is usually fashioned out of silk or wool and may sport intricate embroidery or tiny gold buttons down the front. It is worn over tight trousers called a Churidar.

Kurta-Pyjama
This outfit is the ulimate in masculine comfort. A loose, flowing long tunic is worn over loose straight cut pyjamas. This ensemble can be worn casually or even at a semi-formal traditional occasion.