LAHORE:
Why do some girls look like a mess when fun colours and prints are back in fashion this summer? If you (or your best friend!) is an unfortunate member of the fashionably lame category, here are some pointers on how to not get arrested by the fashion police.
Colour coordination
Just like the rule for denim on denim — big no-no, unless you get the contrast right — a fully coordinated outfit is tacky and boring. If you are wearing a blue outfit, do not pair it with blue shoes and blue earrings. Just like rules of fashion imply that one shouldn’t pair black shoes with a brown belt, a colour coordination overload is another fashion taboo. Even though white is the colour of the season, it is disastrous to pair white shoes with a white outfit. White shoes can work beautifully when paired with a colourful outfit.
Kurtas over jeans
This is one trend (read dead end) the fashionably challenged never understand. Kurtas over jeans is neither flattering nor trendy. Before you exclaim “But they’re comfy!”, know that essentials like sweatpants make the cut when it comes to comfort — not this kurta-jeans disaster. Just like you wouldn’t dare walking out of your bedroom in a T-shirt and shalwar, kurtas over jeans will not fly. Jeans are supposed to be worn with tops, shirts and T-shirts — not with dresses or kurtas.
Jewellery overdose
Accessories are fun but what’s more important is to know when to stop piling them on. Do you really want to show your entire jewellery collection off all at the same time? If your outfit requires a chunky necklace, then go easy on the ears and wear little studs rather than flashy earrings.
No flip flops at the office
While the summer is all about taking it easy, it is unattractive to see someone walk into a professional environment or formal meeting wearing flip-flops. Pakistani shoe designers have started embellishing their flip-flops heavily, but this doesn’t mean you can wear them to work, especially in a corporate environment. Invest in a pair of wedges, floaters or sandals that strap around the back of your feet. Charles and Keith is the best place to start looking for these items.
Excessively large handbags
Large handbags are in vogue. They are casual, fun and great for hoarding all those random items you think are essential. However, the rule of thumb here is that if a handbag covers more than half of your body it should not come out of your closet. By all means, wear your oversized bags to add some spunk to your look — but make sure they don’t look like they are eating you up.
Published In The Express Tribune, June 15th, 2012.
COMMENTS (7)
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@Omar: spending time in fashion capital won't magically make you fashionable!
Guys Momina is new and spent good time in fashion capital, London. She may have given her view in terms of Kurtas over Jeans , but then she i snot a final authority either. She is brought up among liberal peers so from her point of view I can see, she's not being harsh but true. as Noman said above wear it with confidence, all that matters. and for you Momina, you must remember the Hare Rama Hare Krishna people distributing food at UCL - they are stylish with their kurtas over jeans and so is the Camden clad. Even london has more diversity in terms of fahsion with the Chic high designer type west end to funky vintage shoreditch ! wouldl ove to read more from you
I do (and like to do) all of these things. Every day.
what you talking about ET, Kurtas and jeans are the journalist look, i cant even think of going on a shoot without my kurta and my jeans. and sometimes a dupatta. Who says jeans are not supposed to be worn with kurtas - goras?!
Your dislike for kurta's worn over jeans is harsh.
If you were it with confidence, you wear clothes made out of poop and it will look good.