GARDEN of EDEN

Lunch parties, be it a cosy tea party or a grand wedding, appear intimate, as a luncheon is slowly but surely followed by cups of steaming tea to wipe away the afternoon drowsiness and invite some good conversation. There's no hurry to rush off home, as there are still hours left in the day and plenty of time before the next day and its burdens roll in.  

Similarly, what you wear to a garden luncheon is also more laid back than your usual night-time wardrobe. Pack away the heavily embellished net, chiffon or traditional silks; your daytime look needs to be subtle, glowing and elegant. This is the best time to bring out your beautiful pastel shades, to fittingly be one of the many flowers in the garden.

Muslin is an excellent fabric choice because it is light but sophisticated. A hand painted Muslin sari hosting an array of blossoms is the perfect choice. Even an understated Muslin piece with a little embroidery can take you a long way. Cutwork on georgette or printed, flowing silk are edgier and still offer a refreshing change from the usual heavy fabrics one would wear at a dinner party.

These fabrics are all quite airy, and won't weigh you down or restrict your movement. Besides, no matter how cool a winter afternoon is, if the sun does decide to make a significant appearance, there could be some discomfort. So, choosing these lighter fabrics are also safe options.

Maintain the same sophisticated yet subtle vibe throughout the rest of your look. Keep accessories to a minimum, and choose beads and pearls over gold or silver. A simple pearl necklace can take you a long way during the day; a chunky gold-plated pair of 'chaandbali' earrings, not so much. Add pearl ear studs to maintain the balance.

A lot of makeup tips that work at night will not suit you during the day. Under sunlight, an overdose of makeup will look cakey, and the use of too much blush, bronzer or eye shadow will add undesirable pops of colour to your face. Keeping the eye shadow to a minimum would be for the best, and try to skip the bronzer because the orange tint is not flattering in daylight, especially on lighter skin tones. Instead, use a bright shade of lipstick such as pink or mauve. Avoid the dark browns and reds.

Finish off the look with an updo with a few twists pinned back. A couple of loose curls, or simply your hair brushed and let down, can work just as well.

Start preparing for those daytime invitations by channelling old school elegance. Having a lawn or a holiday home or an outdoor venue within reach are all luxuries in today's urbanised world.

If you are fortunate and have the ability to host an outdoor, daytime gathering, take advantage of the opportunity once winter starts to roll in. Amidst the busy schedules and exhausting parties of the wedding season, a daytime gathering, be it out of Dhaka or in your backyard, be it a simple high tea or a 'polau-korma' affair, will be the breath of fresh air everyone needs and will stand out as memorable.

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Model: Shamonty Shoumi
Wardrobe: Reela’s
Make-up: Farzana Shakil