<p><strong>I am 5 ft 4 and I have a pear-shaped body. I want to wear a maxi dress. What kind of necklines and cuts should I go for? Will a maxi dress make me look shorter than I already am?</strong> <em> — Nilanjana</em></p>.<p>Maxi dresses are a rage now. So go for it! But keep some things in mind while shopping for one. As you have a pear-shaped body, go for the necklines like a square, halter, sweetheart, or even cold shoulder. For a slimming effect on the waist, choose a dress that has a lighter colour on top and a darker one at the bottom. I don’t think maxi dresses will make you look short. Wear high heels, choose vertical illusion prints and opt for monochromatic patterns. Don’t invest in heavily embellished pieces or full-length skirts.</p>.<p><strong>I simply love Lucknowi kurtas. I own a variety of them in different colours and cuts. How do I accessorise them for a work meeting?</strong> <em>— Zoya Irfan</em></p>.<p><em>Lucknowi chikan </em><em>kurtis</em> are the best option for summers. Try some of these simple accessories that will help you create a formal look with your <em>Lucknowi </em><em>kurtis</em>: a statement clutch, tassel earrings, choker, rocky high boots, a fringe bag, a jacket or a belt.</p>.<p><strong>I am a confused shopper. When I go shopping I think of what to buy before heading out, but end up buying things that I don’t need. Can you give me tips to avoid hoarding unnecessary clothing?</strong> <em>— Bianca</em></p>.<p>It makes sense to adopt a strategy where you simply minimise and avoid shopping altogether. Here are a few things to remember while shopping:</p>.<ul> <li>Keep a constant running list of the things you eventually need but aren’t absolutely urgent.</li> <li>Learn to distinguish between ‘needs’ and ‘wants.’</li> <li>Make a shopping list before you go to any store.</li> <li>Avoid hobbies that encourage shopping.</li> <li>Set a shopping limit.</li> <li>Embrace DIY projects.</li></ul>.<p><strong>I am in my 20s and in the heat of the moment, I bought a pair of white pants. Now I am totally regretting it, as I don’t know how to style them without looking like Jeetendra. Please help.</strong> <em>— Neel Srivastav</em></p>.<p>Much like black, white is a great base colour to work with. Here are some of the looks that you can try:</p>.<ul> <li>You can pair your white pants with a denim jacket and dark shade T-shirts.</li> <li>You can also pair your white pants with military shade bomber jackets with a solid black T-shirt.</li> <li>For a formal look, go for a dark blue blazer with a light blue shirt to look classy.</li></ul>.<p><em>(The author is a city-based designer and a couture evangelist.)</em></p>
<p><strong>I am 5 ft 4 and I have a pear-shaped body. I want to wear a maxi dress. What kind of necklines and cuts should I go for? Will a maxi dress make me look shorter than I already am?</strong> <em> — Nilanjana</em></p>.<p>Maxi dresses are a rage now. So go for it! But keep some things in mind while shopping for one. As you have a pear-shaped body, go for the necklines like a square, halter, sweetheart, or even cold shoulder. For a slimming effect on the waist, choose a dress that has a lighter colour on top and a darker one at the bottom. I don’t think maxi dresses will make you look short. Wear high heels, choose vertical illusion prints and opt for monochromatic patterns. Don’t invest in heavily embellished pieces or full-length skirts.</p>.<p><strong>I simply love Lucknowi kurtas. I own a variety of them in different colours and cuts. How do I accessorise them for a work meeting?</strong> <em>— Zoya Irfan</em></p>.<p><em>Lucknowi chikan </em><em>kurtis</em> are the best option for summers. Try some of these simple accessories that will help you create a formal look with your <em>Lucknowi </em><em>kurtis</em>: a statement clutch, tassel earrings, choker, rocky high boots, a fringe bag, a jacket or a belt.</p>.<p><strong>I am a confused shopper. When I go shopping I think of what to buy before heading out, but end up buying things that I don’t need. Can you give me tips to avoid hoarding unnecessary clothing?</strong> <em>— Bianca</em></p>.<p>It makes sense to adopt a strategy where you simply minimise and avoid shopping altogether. Here are a few things to remember while shopping:</p>.<ul> <li>Keep a constant running list of the things you eventually need but aren’t absolutely urgent.</li> <li>Learn to distinguish between ‘needs’ and ‘wants.’</li> <li>Make a shopping list before you go to any store.</li> <li>Avoid hobbies that encourage shopping.</li> <li>Set a shopping limit.</li> <li>Embrace DIY projects.</li></ul>.<p><strong>I am in my 20s and in the heat of the moment, I bought a pair of white pants. Now I am totally regretting it, as I don’t know how to style them without looking like Jeetendra. Please help.</strong> <em>— Neel Srivastav</em></p>.<p>Much like black, white is a great base colour to work with. Here are some of the looks that you can try:</p>.<ul> <li>You can pair your white pants with a denim jacket and dark shade T-shirts.</li> <li>You can also pair your white pants with military shade bomber jackets with a solid black T-shirt.</li> <li>For a formal look, go for a dark blue blazer with a light blue shirt to look classy.</li></ul>.<p><em>(The author is a city-based designer and a couture evangelist.)</em></p>