MORE ARTICLES

I have an invite for a hi-profile party where the theme is Spa, what is the suitable attire for this one?

HEMAKSHI ARVIND, MUMBAI

This depends on whether the party is to be held at a Spa, in which case a relaxed kaftan would do the trick especially if you wore a 2 piece swimsuit inside, enabling you to strip for the pool or the sauna as the case may be. If it is just a theme party in someone?s home, you could try going Thai with a pretty Sarong worn with a strappy blouse or tee shirt that exposes your mid riff. Oil your hair and pull it back into a chic chignon and stick a hibiscus in it for that tropical spa touch.

I have inherited gold jewellery, but I would like to remould them to make new pieces, please give some suggestions. I wear more of western outfits. AHALYA NATH, BANGALORE

Thick chains of different designs are good options as you can even twist and wear them together. Try some dramatic pendants that could go on the chains. Bracelets and rings that suit your taste are good options too.

Can you give some tips to pep up regular office wear? My usual office attire is pin striped shirts and dark trousers. VIMAL GANAPATHY, MUMBAI

Do you wear jackets at all? Slim fitted jackets from Van Heusen or Raymond could add a classy touch for your more formal meetings. You could try a bright tie and matching pocket square especially if these ar made out of fun prints like polka dots and stripes in candy colors like bubblegum pink, Tiffany blue, icy mint or a creamy custard yellow. Make sure you are wearing a great belt from Hidesign, Paul Smith, Bulchee or Hugo Boss. Dark socks are a must and perfect shoes like oxfords and brogues will help put the look together and take it to a new level.

I have some beautiful ponchos from last season, is it acceptable to wear it for parties this Christmas? SOUMYA KRISHNA, BANGALORE

Did you buy them in Peru from the Indians? Just kidding but they could look very dated and a bit shapeless. If made out of luxury fabrics like cashmere or silk they could work if you team them with a very short skirt and killer shoes from Tod?s or Louis Vuitton.

I am expecting a lot of party invitations the coming months. I would like to shop for these, what are your suggestions? I am 24 years old, and my measurements are 32-28-36. I am comfortable in Indian and western wear.ANJALI DEV, CHENNAI

Party dresses are the key to this season?s look and you can look at all the stores from Collage, Evoluzione to Kimaya to find the perfect dress. A few separates like a beautifully fitted corset will go with just about anything from Tarun Tahiliani for Levis Jeans to a black pencil skirt from Esprit or Tommy Hilfiger. Beautiful shoes and handbags are a must and can often lift an ordinary ensemble and make it special. A chiffon sari with a bit of bling can be worn with a sexy bikini choli. Pile on the bling with some great jewellery from Trendsmith, Tanishq or Gitanjali.