contemporary
Mastering grace
Too much of eclectic may turn you into downright tacky. And if you don’t want to look like a drag queen on a Monday morning, here are a few suggestions that can help the diva in you evade making a loud mess out of your entire outlook.
CUT DOWN ON EYE SHADOW
Filling your eyes with layer after layer of eye shadow for every look and occasion is a complete buzz kill. Rather, if you are a makeup aficionado, experiment with dark shades of matte lipstick, finishing the look with hues of crimson or coral blush and avoid putting eye shadow altogether. Excessive eye makeup, especially in bright shades, takes away much of that elegance and feel from any particular look you are trying to curate.
For most occasions, keep the eye shadow limited within the boundaries of your lower lids and crease, while keeping the upper portions as bare as possible.
KEEP THE HAIR SIMPLE
Those elaborate buns and braids replete with puffy frontiers, followed by lots of hairspray, more often than not, throws OTT hair styling in a negative light.
Although the elegance of straight open hair is unparalleled, there are quite a number of ways you can give your hair a unique appeal without going overboard. These include taking the front section of your hair, slightly twisting it, and fastening it at the back with sleek back clips — a style implemented since time immemorial and yet to be out of vogue.
Moreover, tiny braids on open hair with slight waves at the edge can add an understated elegance to your overall look. When considering hair accessories, it would be a great idea to select ones in small shapes and sizes, unless you pick the ubiquitous flowery headgears.
SAY NO TO EXTRA EMBELLISHMENTS
Pairing a heavily embroidered sari with a blouse of equal detailing will put you on the list of the fashion police’s biggest offenders. Instead, whenever there are elements of heavy embellishments on your apparel, ensure that the other pieces appear minimal.
For instance, the kameez with substantial mirror work/embroidery should be donned with a pair of straight pants in plain solid colours. The floral patterns or animal prints on your coat/tunic will fail to exude a sophisticated edge, unless whatever else you have worn with it appears as simple as possible, preferably in monochrome tones.
The basic idea while contemplating on how to assemble your entire outfit is to always remember the ‘less is more’ mantra, and as the legendary Coco Chanel once said, “Simplicity is the key to elegance”.
Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Styling: Sonia Yeasmin Isha
Model: Arpita, Riba
Wardrobe: Doyel Silk
Makeup: Farzana Shakil’s Makeover Salon
Location: InterContinental Dhaka