A splash of the azure

And in the sartorial world, blue has a place of power, pride and perpetuity. In ancient Egypt rare gemstones were crushed to obtain this hue and used to decorate pharaoh's tombs, making it extremely precious and regal. Its significance was high during Elizabethan England where only members of the royal family could wear it as the raw materials required to obtain this hue in garments had to be procured all the way from India. In modern times the allure and importance of blue endures. A pair of blue jeans is an unquestionable staple in every person's wardrobe. Legendary fashion designer Giorgio Armani developed his own signature shade of blue that is iconic in every sense of the word. In essence, blue is the hue we all want and need in our lives, whether in all its glory or just a splash of it!

Going the blue way is neither revolutionary nor avant-garde. Sporting something blue is playing it safe, if you will. A navy jumpsuit will see you through multiple office meetings as well as for hanging out with friends after dark. Got a dawat where you want to dress to impress? Pick a serene sea foam blue chiffon and pair it with some pearls. Going to a tea party? A powder blue kurta with white pants and platforms will make you look chic. Blue on its own is great but when used ingeniously, it can elevate any look from drab to fab instantly! White is the perfect foil for shades of blue. A plain white chikankari kurta can be brought to life with strings of oversized turquoise as well as a cuff. Give your pearls and diamonds a break and dress up your black ensemble with a Lapis Lazuli necklace. Rare and exquisite, these gemstones celebrate shades of blue in all its glory and is an investment-worthy addition to your jewelry collection. An indigo blue scarf with an interesting print is bound to jazz up the dullest outfit. Think outside the box and pair a Prussian blue shirt with vermillion pants, or a team up a yellow shirt with white Capri pants and add a cobalt blue scarf.

Color-block an orange skirt with a blue shirt; this combination works really well whether you choose pastel or bright versions. Give your trusty rubies and emeralds a break and add accent to your ethnic ensembles by way of jewelry with sapphires, tanzanites and azure amethysts. A traditional bangle gets a fabulous modern touch when adorned with rich blue sapphires, and will add oodles of oomph to your golden Kanjeevaram or ivory lehenga. Black is beautiful on its own but when it is paired with blue, its appeal becomes irresistible. Try a blue clutch or a pair of shoes with aquamarine rhinestones with your LBD or black saree. It will turn heads when you throw in a pair of turquoise earrings and cuff. Periwinkle is perhaps the most incredible shade in the blue color family. It may seem impossible to pair with any other color but it really is not. Grey and periwinkle are happy bedfellows, along with white. One can stay in the same family and offset it with navy.

On a rainy day, such as almost everyday in this season, a graceful cotton sari in shades of blue of indigo vegetable dyes can be suitable for both work wear and semi formal situations. Dress it up or down with subtle or bold accessories.

The reality is blue is as versatile as it gets. With a little bit of imagination it can be used in the most extraordinary ways and stand out in a crowd. So go on, channel the azure ways and drive away the fashion blues!

By Sabrina N Bhuiyan

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

Model: Meghla

Make-up: Farzana Shakil's

Makeover Salon

Styling: Sonia Yeasmin Isha

Wardrobe: LS Desk