JULY 2011
Khaas Baat : A Publication for Indian Americans in Florida
Fashion

DO’S AND DON’TS FOR DUPATTA STYLES

Kiran Bahl

By KIRAN BAHL

Happy July Fourth! In following with the Independence Day theme, let’s see how certain dupatta (chunni/shawl) styles can become a little too independent (a fashion don’t!) and how some, with an added sparkler here and there, can make you stand out in every crowd.

Ladies, here is what to do (and not to do) with your dupatta:

DO sling your dupatta over your shoulder, letting it hang in the front and back. Even if your kameez or choli is full to each seam with sequin or beadwork, letting eyes focus on the contrasting strip of material down your sides can be quite flattering.

DO NOT sling your dupatta over your shoulder, letting it hang in the front and back, then tying it back around the front, and then over your other shoulder, etc. etc. KISS (Keep It Simple, Silly!). Pretzeling your dupatta around yourself will only make your outfit look complicated and unorganized.

DO let your dupatta hang around your neck, sides hanging down the front of your body. It’s a flowy look, and especially around the bust/waist area, can become a slimming effect!

DO NOT let your dupatta hang around your neck (although convenient at times, sides hanging down the back of your body. It will appear as you are trying to cover your behind, but as we know, most dupattas will not reach that far down. Instead, doing this will add even more attention to the possible problem area!

Gentlemen, here are easy fashion fixes and surprising trends for your dupattas!

DO try wearing a contrasting dupatta with your traditional cream/beige sherwani! I know, it sounds incredibly bold, daring, and quite arsty, but give the idea a whirl! A black outfit partly covered with a turquoise or multi-colored bandini dupatta will make you the star of all events.

DO NOT wear the new Dhoti Kurta trends with a dupatta, unless the top is short and fitted. You will not only look super holy and priestly, you will age in decades!

DO dress up any of your outfits with a dupatta. Whether opting for a crisp, white kurta pajama, or ash-gray Gadar suit, size up the outfit even more with this eye-catching trend!

DO NOT match your outfit to your dupatta. Why? Imagine a gorgeous white sherwani, beaded with maroon stones and crystals, then covered with a white dupatta. Not only will your ensemble all blend together, the dupatta will cover the embellishments on the top, and it will not photograph well either! Always, always contrast your dupatta from your outfit. A maroon or gray dupatta would complement handsomely over the maroon stones and crystals, as well as provide a sharp distinction from the white foundation of the sherwani.

Send us your fashion questions and concerns. Follow the trend! E-mail us at [email protected], and we’ll answer any and all your fashion dilemmas! Here’s this month’s Fashion Drama Question of the month:

Q: Hi Kiran! I have a 6-year old son who now refuses to match outfits with my husband (his daddy). It always looks nice when father and son wear the same looks to functions. What do I do? - Lata, Largo

A: Hi Lata! Your 6-year old son, I believe, has now begun his personal journey into the world of fashion! He is realizing his tastes, and is preferring certain colors/styles over others, as well as realizing he doesn’t need to always look like dad! To alleviate this situation, and reach a ‘compromise’ of sorts, try matching father and son with the same color, but different looks. For instance, match both your men in black, but make one’s outfit a Jodhpuri, and the other’s a sherwani. Or for simpler occasions, try different colored kurta pajamas, but same colored dupattas. Elegant and not completely matchy-matchy!

Again, Happy Fourth of July to all our loyal readers. Wishing you firecrackers of peace, love and fashion! And as always, remember to gro with style!

Kiran Bahl of Gro Styles, "An Indian Boutique," 2035 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33612, can be reached at (813) 843-9040 or (813) 903-8334.

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