Tag: style advice

Style Recommendations for a Black Tie Event

Selecting an outfit for a black tie event can be nerve-racking. So, here are some style recommendations for a black tie event.

Being invited to a black tie event is exciting and nerve-racking. After you have spent several moments imagining mingling with the crème-de-la-crème of society, you will realize that you need the right attire. This is not a time for the latest trend in mini dresses and bold fashion jewellery. You are going to need to find the perfect outfit for this special occasion.

The good news is that it is not difficult as you may think. You simply need to take a look at these style recommendations and put them to good use.

Length Is Everything

black tie event gown
Black tie event yellow dress
black tie event outfit
black tie event lace gown

If you are going to a black tie event then the most obvious choice is to look at the best black tie dresses currently available. You will instantly notice that these are full-length gowns. That is a style you need to copy.

These gowns generally cling to your curves, unlike the classic ball gown. Naturally, keeping your legs covered means there is some room for imagination on the top half of your body. You can choose between a plunging neckline or a halter neck style top. Whatever you think flatters your figure best.

One Colour

green dress
blue dress for black tie event
outfit for black tie event
yellow dress for black tie event

A golden rule when looking at styles for a black tie event is to stick to one colour on your dress. You can opt for almost any colour you wish. However, you should bear in mind that the brighter the colour the more likely it is you will stand out and you will need to be prepared for this.

In general, women choose to wear black or a rich colour, such as deep blue, red, or even cream. It is generally best to avoid white dresses. These are reminiscent of a wedding and difficult to keep clean.

The Trusty Cocktail Dress

orange cocktail dress
cocktail dress
brown cocktail dress

If you are struggling and have a simple but stylish cocktail dress in your wardrobe then this can often be acceptable. It is important that the dress reaches at least your knees and, to really stun in this look, you need to accessorize heavily. That means your finest heels and jewelry. But, don’t overdo the jewelry. This is one instance when less is definitely more. You simply need to choose a nice piece.

Accessories

black tie event accessories
formal event acccessories
accessories
black tie event accessories

Alongside your finest jewellery, you should consider adding a wrap or stole to your outfit and perhaps even gloves. These are traditionally worn to black tie events and, the wrap can have a practical application. If it’s a cooler night and your dress is sleeveless, as recommended, the wrap can help to keep you warm.

Budget Options

baby pink skirt set
red skirt set
brown skirt set
yellow outfit for formal event

It is hard to beat the classic look at a black tie event. But, if you wish to adopt a more modern approach you’ll find it is possible to wear a separate top and bottoms. The skirt must be past the knee and your top and skirt must be dressy, even embellished with sparkles.

To help you decide between classic and modern consider the application. Old-school applications that come in the post are likely to mean classic attire. In contrast, an invitation over social media will be more relaxed, your modern take on the black tie will suffice.

How to Style Culottes

Culottes look really good and when paired with right pieces, they are perfect for almost every occasion. Here is how I like to style them.

culottes styling

Culottes, a pair of clothing that looks really good but can be a little tricky to style. When paired with the right pieces, it is perfect to wear for brunches and even for formal events. The first step for creating awesome culottes looks is to choose the type of culottes that will flatter your body type. Once you have found that perfect culottes, you are halfway there.

To be true, I wasn’t always the biggest fan of culottes, as I thought they make you look short and bulky. But now that I have figured out how to style one, you’ll see me wearing them often on my Instagram.  Here is how I like to style my culottes to get fun, comfy outfits. Find more styling blogs here.

1.       With a Crop Top

A crop top and culottes according to me are made for each. The ease with which you can style these two together to get a flirty outfit is amazing. Whenever you are struggling to find an outfit for a last minute plan, just throw on a crop top and culottes and you are good to go. You can rock this outfit for a movie date with bae.

2.       With a Solid T-Shirt

tshirt with culottes

A solid t-shirt is a must have in your wardrobe as it looks perfect with almost everything and culottes are no exception. The simplicity of the t-shirt and silhouette of the culottes balance each other out to give you a perfect casual daytime outfit. Always make sure that you tuck your t-shirt in the culottes to bring attention to your curves and highlight them.

3.       With a Jumper

jumper with culottes

This look is for the days when the weather starts to get a bit chilly, but you still want to look stylish. Take out your favourite jumper and pair it with your culottes to get an amazing casual look. To complete your look, you can either add pumps or a nice pair of wedges. You can even use a sweater instead of a jumper for this look.

4.       With a Jacket

jacket with culottes

Layering is always fun, and that is what this look is all about. Wear your culottes with a basic top and then throw on a jacket on top to jazz up your entire look. You can pick any type of jacket you like. For a casual look you can go for a bomber jacket and for a more put together look, choose a semi-formal jacket or a blazer.

5.       With a Printed Shirt

shirt with culottes

A printed shirt makes quite a statement on its own, but when you pair it with culottes it looks even more charming. This easy-breezy outfit is ideal for a day out, as it has the perfect balance of casual and chic. You can complete your look with a sling bag and a nice pair of sandals or wedges.

6.       With a Shirt dress

shirt dress with culottes

I think this one is the most experimental out of all looks and that’s why I have saved it for the last. For this look all you have to do is pair that versatile shirt dress with your culottes and there you have it an awesome outfit for lunch or your shopping spree. You can even add a chunky silver necklace to elevate the look.

I hope you liked these culottes styling tips and I was able to help you in some way with this blog. Whenever styling clothes, always remember that there is no right or wrong in fashion. Opt for clothes that you feel comfortable in and you’ll own the outfit, I promise.

5 ways to style a scarf

I have always been a fan of scarf as an accessory and I love experimenting with it. Here is how I love to style it with my outfits.

If given a choice to choose just one fashion accessory to add some twist to my outfits, I would without a doubt pick a nice scarf. And the reason is simple, because it’s an evergreen, versatile accessory that can be worn on almost every occasion and can be styled in a number of ways.

No matter what size you are, a scarf never discriminates and looks good no matter how you wear it. I have been a fan of this amazing accessory since my high school days and over the years; I have discovered new, interesting ways to use a it to jazz up my outfits. So, today I’ll be sharing them with you. Enjoy! If you looking for more styling blogs, you can find them here.

1.   On one Shoulder with a Belt

scarf over shoulder

Who said you can only wear your scarf around your neck? Give a stylish twist to your basic outfit by adding a scarf on one shoulder like I did and then put a belt over it to hold it in place. This simple trick will take your outfit from boring to chic in minutes. It is also a nice way to add some colour, if you are wearing a neutral outfit.

2.   As a Headband

scard as head band

Ditch your regular headband and use a scarf instead. Take your favourite, bright coloured and tie it as a headband to get that fun and flirty look instantly, it’s that simple. Also, the flowy scarf tied over your luscious locks looks great in pictures. This also comes in handy for the times when you are struggling to find your actual headband.

3.   Over a Slip Dress with a Belt

scarf with belt

Want a glamorous look using a scarf? Don’t you worry, I have got you covered. Pick out your favourite strappy dress from the closet, put a scarf around your neck and add a belt over it. The belt helps in keeping the scarf in place and also accentuates the waist. Wear this look for cocktail night with your girls, be ready to be showered with compliments.

4.   As a Belt

scarf as belt

Give your normal, boring belt a break and use your scarf as a belt for your bottoms. This trick is perfect to give your outfit a pop of colour and make you look trendy. This works best with your casual, everyday outfits as the scarf acts as a statement piece for your outfit. So, the next time you want to give a twist to your jeans and t-shirt, you know what to do.

5.   Around the Neck

scarf styling

If you are someone who doesn’t like to experiment with your clothes much, then this one is for you. Just wear your scarf around your neck and you are good to go. You can do this with your casual looks and even with not-so-basic looks, like I did.  Whenever you feel like there is something missing In your outfit, add a scarf and slay away. 

So, here are the ways in which I style my scarf to take my outfits to the next level and make them more trendy & chic. Do let me know which one you liked the most.

How to Style a Slip Dress

A slip dress can be styled in so many trendy and fun ways and I am always looking for excuses to wear my slip dress. Here are my 5 top favourite ways to style a slip dress.

5 ways to style a slip dress

Trends come and go, but some of them are there to stay like a slip dress. Even though slip dress is a 90’s trend, its charm doesn’t seem to fade away even in 2020 and I am not complaining. At first you may find styling a slip dress a bit tricky, but once you get a hand of it you can do it effortlessly like a pro. To be very true, I never thought that a slip dress can be styled in so many trendy and fun ways and now that I know I am always looking for excuses to wear my slip dress. Here are my 5 top favourite ways to style a slip dress. Sit back and enjoy and for more styling tips click here.

  1. With a top
Top with slip dress

Wear your slip dress, pick out a matching top from your wardrobe, put it over your slip dress and there you have a super classy outfit. If I knew of this top over slip dress trick a little earlier, I would have totally rocked so many of my last minute outfits. This look is perfect for an evening with friends, just add a nice pair of heels, some jewellery and you are ready.

  1. With a T-Shirt & Denim Jacket
Denim jacket with slip dress

For this look I used the same trick as the one above, but it is on a more casual side. Replace the top with a cool, bright t-shirt, throw on a denim jacket on top and ta da. The denim jacket adds an extra edge to this entire look and I love how this look is both casual and trendy at the same time. Complete your look with sneakers and a sling bag and you are all set for a day out.

  1. With a White T-Shirt
Tshirt with slip dress

When in doubt, go for white. Pick out that versatile white t-shirt from your closet and wear it under your slip dress to get an easy going, chic look. Who knew adding a twist to your outfits was this easy. This look is excellent for running errands, as it allows you to move freely without having to worry about your strap falling off your shoulder.

  1. With a Belt
Belt with slip dress

Your belt comes in handy for most of your looks and same is the case with a slip dress. Put a broad belt over your slip dress and take the glamour quotient to next level. The belt will accentuate your waist, flaunting your curves perfectly and giving you that oomph factor. Wear this to a date night with bae and I bet he won’t be able to take his eyes of you.

  1. With a Blazer
Blazer with slip dress

If I tell you that you can wear a slip dress to a formal event, you’ll probably think that I have gone insane. So, here is the proof that you can do that with ease, without looking inappropriate. All you have to do is add a formal touch to your look by adding a blazer on top. You can either go for a neutral one like me or you can choose a bright one to add some colour to your look.

I hope you liked the looks and learned some new way of styling your slip dress to create trendy looks. Don’t forget to tell me which look is your favourite and stay tuned for more awesome styling tips.

10 Accessories to Style Any Outfit

Perhaps every fashionista is aware of the “fashion burnout” phenomenon when one runs out of ideas with outfits. Well, I have experienced it more than once and luckily found solace right in my accessory collection.

It’s just about picking the right pieces and you will surely be able to amp your style in the most effortless ways. Summer or winter, there are several accessories that can come to your rescue with even the most basic outfits such as your favourite LBD or comfy denim that you would want to take a notch higher. Here is my list of accessories that will always be your best friend (besides diamonds, of course!!) 🙂 when it comes to fashion.

Necklace – A statement necklace can instantly transform your look from casual to formal and add the oomph factor that you may just need to elevate even an ordinary ensemble. And you can choose a simple gold or silver chain for chic casual dressing. A beaded, layered necklace is another in-trend accessory for all occasions

Cap – A cap is a perfect accessory if you are looking for a piece that is fashionable and utilitarian at the same time. There is so much to explore with caps, from woolly pom poms and snug beanies in winters to classic fedoras and schoolboy hats in summers. And the best part is that most of the caps are not weather-specific which means that you will literally be spoilt for choice.

Sunglasses or Eyeglasses – How can you forget your favourite shades when it comes to amping up your style! Invest in a collection of sunglasses or eyeglasses that are just right for your face shape and you’ll surely have something to play with when accessorizing your outfits at any time of the year. You could opt for the retro-cat eye sunglasses, classic aviators or oversized shapes to complement your outfits and moods.

Click Here to check some of the latest styles from EyeBuyDirect.com 

Footwear- Footwear is an accessory that can make or break your ensemble. So you should bear in mind what is in-trend and what looks good with your ensemble to nail the look. Shoes and boots make ideal winter companion while sandals and slippers are great for summer dressing. Wear heels or flats according to the occasion and you’ll be able to ace on your style quotient.

Handbags – Right now, the slick bucket bags are my hot favourite and I love them for the retro vibe they bring to just any outfit. You can pair your casual look with a sleek Hobo, a classic tote or a cool crossbody bag while a glittery clutch or a shimmering sling bag makes an ideal companion for a night-out ensemble.

Belts- A belt on your dresses or jeans can surely get you all the attention you deserve, besides the utility it offers. While a classic black patent leather will never go out of vogue, you can play with colours, widths and materials if you want to be more experimental with your look. And don’t forget to coordinate it with your footwear and handbag!

Earrings- The right earrings are perhaps the most foolproof way to add a punch to your casual and formal dressing. Stock up on hoops, studs and danglers and you’ll definitely have something or the other every time you feel like going an extra mile to look stylish.

Watch- Watch your watch because it surely has the potential to take your casual and formal dressing to the next level. I recommend adding the staples like a leather strap watch, one with a gold chain and a studded one to your collection because these will have you covered for casual, formals and holiday accessorizing.

Hair Accessories- Hair accessories are the favourite part of accessory shopping because I always find something that I fall in love with and still does not cost a fortune. I love to wear the studded hairpins on parties while the pretty bows and bands are reserved for casual outings.

Rings- Though you wouldn’t think much about rings when it comes to amping up your style, they actually have a lot to do with power dressing. For me, the right ring can be an attention grabber. Of course, you will have your wedding or engagement ring on, but you can slip on a large statement piece to have all eyes on you.

Do experiment with your accessories and you’ll surely be able to nail the look like a trendy diva!

Party Look Ideas for the season

The holiday season is officially here, with the festive countdown already started and you’ll probably be looking forward to two weeks of ultimate partying ahead. Well, you may have spent hours at the gym to look your best and cheat with delicacies and champagne, but is your wardrobe ready yet? Well, it’s high time that you start planning your holiday outfits for all the parties you’ve been invited to. And it would be smarter to have a few extra ones decided, just in case you get an unexpected invite! There would be family gatherings, work parties and New Year’s Eve and you would want to a unique look every time you step out. So let me help you with some of the best outfit tips that I’ve shortlisted for this festive season.

Before we go ahead with the tips, I would like to talk a bit about Esprit, my favorite for special occasion dresses. From the iconic little black number to sexy bodycon dresses, elegant sheath dresses, feminine maxi dresses, glamorous bustier dresses, and more, the special occasion dresses from Esprit come to my rescue every time. I already have some stocked in my wardrobe that I plan to wear this festive season and I’m planning to indulge in some more because with Esprit, I cannot just have enough!  Now let me share some cool festive wear tips that you can follow to look best this party season.

Experience the warmth of velvet

Velvet sheath dress with silver polka dots
Price: £ 45.00

Velvet is not just for Santa Claus, it is ruling the fashion circuits this year as it looks amazing and keeps you warm as well. And what about this stunning Sheath Velvet dress with silver dots from Esprit. A perfect pick that has all the sass to make you stand apart on the dance floor! Team it with ankle-length boots and you’re ready to set the floor on fire.

Paint the town red

Velvet dress with band colour and belt
Price: £ 59.00

While black is the ultimate party color, you would not want to make it your signature style by wearing it on every single occasion. My idea of a perfect night out would be a rich velvet number in red that gets you all the attention you deserve. Pair it with a shimmery clutch, pretty dangling earrings and high heels and you’ll be a star in your right.

Don’t forget the shimmer

Chiffon dress with sequins
Price: £ 69.00

And how can you forget your sequins this festive season because no holiday wardrobe is ever complete without a shimmering sequined outfit. I’ve picked up this stunning dark teal chiffon sequin dress from Esprit for the New Year Eve. And this one promises to look awesome even if I wear it with a warm coat or jacket to keep the chill out.

Day or night, just be there with a perfect dress

Chiffon dress with colourful woven polka dots
Price: £ 45.00

Another challenge with festive dressing is that we think so much about the nights out that we tend to ignore the day parties. For the woman who wants to have all eyes on her as she attends a day out this party season, I recommend this trendy Chiffon dress with colorful woven polka dots. I’m sure you’ll love it as much I do.

Get gorgeously glittery

Pleated mesh skirt with sequins
Price: £ 59.00

No shying around this party season! Reserve this gorgeous pleated mesh skirt with sequins for one of the special evenings that you would want to light up with your stunning presence. The lovely color coordinates well with black. I would recommend teaming it with a stretchy black jumper and high heels in black.

Be a showstopper with leather

Bardot dress in jersey and faux leather
Price: £ 55.00

One occasion that leaves me confused regarding the choice of outfits is an office party. But this time, I’ve found something perfect. Leather is a fabric that I find absolutely irresistible and would not want to skip for my festive dressing too. I’ve picked this Esprit jersey and faux leather dress to satiate my leather-love this season and is a good option for formal gatherings as well. The Bardot neck adds to the glamour quotient while the faux leather skirt gives it just the right dose of sass.

Save a maxi dress for a special occasion

Chiffon maxi dress decorated with rhinestones
Price: £ 99.00

I’m a true maxi lover and would not want to skip this style in any season, let alone holidays. So I have a perfect maxi dress saved for a special occasion. This sensuous black chiffon maxi dress from Esprit is embellished with rhinestones that give it the glitter and shine for being a perfect showstopper this New Year Eve.

Also to add more panache to your look dont forget to pair your outfit with killer pair of heels

Gold Leather Heel Boots

Slingback Stiletto Heel Court Shoes

Hope these tips will help you have a sassy holiday season ahead!

Jackets as a Styling Accessory

As the weather changes and we slip into sunny Spring after a chilling Winter, wardrobe rearrangement is in order. The warmer clothes need to be pushed to the farther nooks and crannies; lighter, brighter clothes need to come forth!

I was in the midst of such wardrobe shuffling when I realized that no matter what the weather is like, jackets never go “out of season”. They are worn in some capacity or the other, all year ‘round. In wintertime, they serve a more functional purpose of course. But for the rest of the year, jackets are a great accessory to jazz up outfits in many, many ways.

Jacket from Shein

Jacket from Monsoon

Statement jacket #jacketlove #jacketseason #fashionbloggerTake, for instance, the Spring or Summer-time jacket styles. Printed jackets, denim jackets, and statement styles fit in wonderfully with many kinds of ensembles. I often team up light, printed jackets with casual jeans in the beginning of Spring, when there’s still some chill in the air. The best part is, I can experiment with different kinds of prints (floral, ethnic, geometric, and so on) and colours to fashion outfits according to the occasion.

I also sport denim jackets quite often – they are just so versatile. Light and customizable, jean jackets are great partners to casual and semi-formal outfits. Personally, my favourite look is a sleeveless denim jacket teamed with a skirt or even as a pair of shorts or jeans.

Jacket from Fatface

Jacket from Shein

But even as one may not be a jacket aficionado like me, everyone should own at least one statement jacket. Statement jackets are natural head-turners and add glamour to the simplest outfits. I have a fancy indigo statement jacket with white and pink floral motifs. Trust me, I get complimented each time I head out in this fabulous number. Other interesting statement jacket styles include sequined jackets, tie-and-dye styles, and if you’re one for the classics, biker-chic leather jackets too. The trick to finding the perfect statement piece is making sure it’s true to your personal style. I you like bling, go for a sequined one. If you prefer fusion styles, go for embroidered pieces, embellished Nehru jackets, or tie-and-dye styles.

Jacket from Romwe

Jacket from Romwe

If you’re still not convinced about how wonderfully jackets blend into every season’s fashionable best, consider the raincoat. Raincoats – or rather their trendy cousin windcheaters – are great to wear in the rainy season. You can use them as a shield against the downpour and look the sartorial picture of perfection at casual outings. Similarly, for the winter season, you have the ever-green puffer jacket. These quilted pieces assure warmth and elegant stylistics, all at the same time. In fact, I have numerous puffer jackets in different colours and detailing, and am always on the lookout for more!

Jacket from Joules

Jacket from Next

But aside from my personal love for jackets, from a stylist’s perspective too, they are fantastic accessories; add a jacket to your simple ensemble and it transforms into a fashionable statement that never goes unnoticed. This is why I think that my growing collection of jackets is not a problem. It’s an investment; an investment is effortlessly chic dressing, all through the year!

Minimalist Jewellery for the Modern Woman

Accessorizing with gold-toned jewellery is always tricky. How do you add such jewellery to your office or casual ensemble without it looking over-the-top? Well, you need to pick the right pieces and Speira makes that easier for you with its stunning gold-toned collection.  
Speira Jewelry is characterized by elegant minimalism. Inspired by the spiral motif which is ubiquitous and fascinating at the same time, Speira’s designers call upon Greek and Italian heritage to create modern masterpieces of striking gold-toned jewellery.


I have styled this look from Speira’s collection and used a chic hammered bracelet, wildflower earrings, a statement ring, and unique necklace. All these are sterling silver pieces with gold plating which makes them the perfect complement to almost any outfit. I’m wearing an indigo blue dress and the muted gold hues of my accessories bring out the rich colour of my clothing without overpowering it. This is the hallmark of Speira Jewelry; it is distinctive without being flashy and that’s what the modern fashionista needs!


Go for the new-age take on classic gold jewellery. The designs are exquisite in their minimalism and look great with varied outfits, from casual to semi-formal, and formal clothing as well. For me how you dress and style yourself is a representation of one’s own self.


Try something different and unique and have some fun while you are at it.

Jewellery Featured in the Look:

Winter Jumper Outfit Inspiration

Winter might be ending soon, but the nip in the air is still making it the perfect weather to adorn some cool bright jumpers in style. In particular, I am an avid fan of jumpers, because they are one of the most versatile pieces to style, and can easily be dressed up or down to suit the occasion. This winter, I decided to push the boundaries and play around with some fun and new ways to style a jumper.

The first look is not as much about how you style the jumper as it is about what type of jumper you select. In gloomy weather, it is instinctive to turn to a darker palette of navy blue, black and grey, but I urge you to try something different – perhaps, a pop of colour to brighten up the day? For this look, I brightened up good old jeans and black t-shirt combination with a vibrant yellow jumper from SheIn.

The chunky, oversized style of the jumper gave the ensemble an effortlessly stylish feel, and I finished it off with a bright pink scarf to cut through the yellow and tie the look together. The rest of my look – shoes, accessories and makeup – was kept purposefully simple. I wanted the colour palette to do the talking. And it did.

Shein – Drop Shoulder Lantern Sleeve Slit Textured Cardigan

 Usually, when the winter rolls around, we pack away our summer staples and push them to the back of our closet, only to bring them out again when the cold weather is truly behind us.

For my second look, I started to think about how I might incorporate a summer staple into a winter ensemble – layering was my answer! I threw on one of my favourite summer dresses – a beautiful yellow piece with a gorgeous floral print – over a pair of trusty blue jeans. But there was no way I could step out onto the street with my arms bare in this freezing weather!

And so, I slipped into a cosy jumper, which finished off the look in style. I deliberately chose a more muted maroon shade with a very simple pattern, so that the jumper would not clash with the summer dress I was sporting below it. Not only does this look make a great style statement; it also enables you to mix and match for new outfits, without breaking the bank.

Shein – Boat Neck Striped Knitwear

If colours are not your cup of tea, that’s completely alright. You can still sport a neutral, even monochrome, outfit without looking boring. The trick is to play around with textures.

For my final look, I chose a grey colour palette – but wanted to create a look that was still exciting, with the jumper as the star attraction. So I opted for a grey jumper with a bold start print and paired it with a textured skirt, sheer stockings, a grey felt hat and my trusty booties.

Although most of the items were grey, their different shades and textures gave the outfit some extra oomph. I love a good pop of colour so I finished the look off with a vibrant handbag, but you could easily sport a chic leather bucket bag or tote instead.

Shein – Star Pattern Boat Neck Sweater

The next time you wear a jumper, think of it as a central part of your outfit rather than something that is obscuring it. Play around with prints, colours, sizes and textures – the possibilities are endless!

 

Taking Office Wear into Off Duty Style

When it comes to style, I’m a big believer in fluidity: transitioning daytime makeup into night-time glam, styling up a casual t-shirt with a sequin jacket for a night out on the town, repurposing beachwear in the city with some carefully selected accessories – you get the idea. And while we’ve all spent a lot of time thinking about how to dress up certain casual items in our wardrobes, I’m sure most of us have not thought quite as much about how we might dress down our work wear to make it more fun and fashionable for the weekend. But it’s time to start thinking about it, pronto, because it will open up a new world of possibilities in your wardrobe. Trust me.

The most important thing to remember is that this style is all about balance. To make your work wear more stylish and less serious, you need to balance it out with elements that are carefree, casual and even bohemian.

That’s what I kept in mind as I started to style this cute rabbit print shirt. In order to brighten up the look and take it from corporate to colourful, I decided to pair the shirt with a pair of cobalt blue cropped pants. Not only did these pants match the print while brightening up the look; the cropped style took the fuss out of wearing a shirt, instantly giving the look a carefree vibe. Next, I threw on a bohemian coin necklace over the shirt, to add some more fun to the ensemble. This simple addition took my entire outfit far, far away from the office space and into a more relaxed, weekend-ready zone.

The final additions were a pair of sunglasses (I never leave the house without them!) and a pair of strappy heels – but you could just as easily pair this with white sneakers if you wanted a super casual outfit. And with that, I was ready to rock my corporate shirt out and about over the weekend, in a look that was carefree and chic, yet put-together.

If you keep the idea of balance in mind, you can pretty much take any piece of office wear you own, and style it for an after-hours or weekend look. If you wanted to style your regular black trousers, you could easily dress them down by pairing them with a simple white t-shirt and sneakers, or a tank top, leather jacket and boots for a more edgy outfit. You can dress down corporate work dresses by throwing on more bohemian jewellery, switching up your hairstyle (for example, from a chignon to a messy bun) or even throwing on a cooler jacket (leather, denim, bomber…the possibilities are endless!)

The trick is to open your mind to experimenting, to mixing and matching, and to understanding that clothing items don’t have to be worn in only one way – you can wear them however you please! By starting to reuse your formal clothes over the weekend, you will not only get more wear out of them but also expand your off-duty wardrobe greatly. And as every fashion lover knows, it doesn’t get better than that.

Outfit Details:

Your Must Have Holiday Outfit

Shorts are a staple when it comes to summer. Whether your style is casual or glamorous shorts are meant for everyone. When it comes to pairing shorts with other pieces in your wardrobe, you can go for a basic tee, crop top, silk blouse, a spaghetti top with sequins, short blouse and the list goes on.


But there are some classic combinations that you can never go wrong with. I am talking about one of my all time favourite combos, the denim shorts and a white shirt. It’s a cool, casual and classy outfit. A must have in your wardrobe. It’s a versatile combination which you can sport any time of the year, any season.


There are so many ways you can team up this outfit. For a laidback look pair distressed short and a baggy shirt with rolled up sleeves, bunched up bracelets and a tote bag with flip flops or slip on shoes. For a chic look, pair a crew neck blouse with acid washed shorts and designer sneakers. You can even play around with your accessories to create different looks. Pair a sleeveless shirt and denim shorts with your sarong or a lightweight printed long jacket for a bohemian beach look. There are millions of ways to style this classic combo.

What’s more, it helps you pack light and keep your travel luggage weight in check, when you are just dashing away for a quick getaway.


Since this is a holiday essential, I packed a pair of my favourite shorts and a white blouse for my trip this summer. A white blouse is less formal than a shirt. It’s breezier and lightweight which makes it a comfortable option for the summers. I love the thread work on this white shirt and pairing it with my dark blue washed denim shorts made it look so cool and yet casual at the same time.

Outfit Details:

Jenny Broderie Popover – White Blouse Shirt – FatFace
Dark Wash Jeans Shorts – FatFace
Grey Sneakers – FatFace
Bag – Harriet Sanders

I have paired the combo with grey sneakers. When travelling, I prefer wearing shoes and flats as I enjoy walking and exploring a new city. I kept my look very basic and casual and went for minimal accessories, backpack and low bun to style my outfit. This is more of comfortable clothing or look I prefer when travelling. If I want to dress up, I can always add a boho necklace to this outfit and style my hair in beachy waves with some hair accessories and a statement bag.

How do you like to pair your denim shorts? Share your style tips below.

Ruffles and Statement Sleeves Trend and Outfit Look

One popular trend for spring summer 2017 has been statement sleeves and ruffles. Designers have been showcasing ruffled, flute shaped or bishop sleeves in their collection on the runway. It’s a trend that has caught onto street style and has become very popular. But carrying off statement sleeves can be tricky. You can end up looking like someone from Broadway or the circus if not paired well. I am in love with this trend. If you want to master the art of the 70’s inspired sleeves then read on:

Off shoulder has been very popular this season, but now apart from the off-shoulder sleeves ruffled and fringed sleeves have also become extremely popular and chic. Ruffled sleeves are a great way to amp up your style game and look like a fashionista without any effort. Add a twist to your work wardrobe by switching up your regular shirt for a blouse with statement sleeves or ruffled sleeves or go for a dramatic look by pairing bold ruffled sleeves shirt dress with sneakers. Ruffled sleeves are flirty and feminine. Whether you want to go for a minimal look or dramatic look with your sleeves, if it is ruffled it’s going to make a statement. You can go for different fits and volumes based on your fashion appetite. But the general trend is that the more elaborate the sleeves, the better the outfit, mostly.

You can even pair ruffled sleeves with other trends like bell-shaped sleeves. But don’t jazz up your outfit too much. Try to keep the focus on the sleeves and go for a minimal look with your other pieces. I paired a white embroidery ruffle trim pleated blouse from Shein.com with a pair of distressed jeans and flats. Instead of pairing the jeans with a regular white shirt combo I decided to make a statement with this ruffled top. The top is slightly fitted at the top and flares down at the bottom like a peplum top.  It’s a great outfit for a day out in the city, shopping or travelling. The blouse has a very casual and boho vibe to it. You can pair it with shorts for a casual affair or go for a white on white look with ripped white jeans for a chic look. I would suggest you go easy on accessories and makeup when sporting statement sleeves. I would prefer having the top be the hero of the outfit. So I have just worn a simple beaded necklace and a bracelet. I even tied up my hair in a low bun to make sure my sleeves would stand out and not get shadowed by my hairstyle.

Outfit Details:

White Ruffled Blouse – Shein
Distressed Jeans – TopShop

Are you brave enough to try statement sleeves? If so then how would you pair them?

Tunic Dress– Your Easy Breezy Outfit for Summer Vacation

A beach is a perfect getaway for the summer. The sea, sand and the sun are just the things one needs. When it comes to a holiday wardrobe and getting out of your winter sweaters it’s time to slip into something light and comfortable. A breezy maxi, bikini, shorts or a slip-on dress in vibrant colours and patterns are all perfect for summer. A new trend on the block is the kurta dress or a tunic because having 2 outfits in one is always better, isn’t it?

Kurta and tunic styles are great for a beach look. They are easy to wear, flowy and come in all different types of prints and styles. Most kurta’s or tunics are made from light fabrics like cotton, linen or silk which makes them a perfect choice for summer.

You can pair a pastel coloured kurta with lace or happy print on a day out with the girls or a brunch, whereas you can go for an embroidered kurta for a date or dinner by the beach. There is a huge choice of different patterns, and an A-line kurta can be formal whereas a high-low piece is more contemporary and relaxed. You can even dress up or down your outfit with key accessories to create different looks.

In this look, I have featured a royal blue silk printed tunic dress from NoLogo. This tunic dress has a soft shaped collar which opens into a small v-neck with silver embroidered buttons. The dress is cut to flow freely over the body. The tunic also has contrasting embroidery which delicately decorates the hem.

NoLogo is a brand started by Tina Malhame who has journeyed far and wide from Italy to India and beyond during her career. She has worked alongside some talented and inspiring craftsmen and believes in keeping traditions and art alive by working with craftsmen who continue to use block print, embroidery and tie and dye techniques to weave magic into their looms. Each piece has a story to tell. All these handcrafted pieces are available to buy from all over the world from  Tina’s online store NoLoGo Chic. Tina designs clothes for real women by going beyond the traditional fashion.

I styled the royal blue silk kurta for a beach evening look with a handmade jute bag, a chunky boho necklace and brown ghungroo sandals. I wanted to keep my look simple and relaxed since I’m on a vacation. You can even pair this kurta with jeans, leggings or plazzo pants if you aren’t comfortable wearing it as a dress or want versatility from the same outfit.

It’s a beautiful garment of understated luxury and looks great even on its own. This is not just a summer wear outfit. You can also style these kurtas with leggings or leg warmers and boots in winter. They are a great addition to your wardrobe.

My Favourite Romantic Date outfit ideas

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. You can feel the love in the air and smell the roses on the streets. With shops and restaurants preparing for the V-Day with elaborate menus or cute red decorations, you need to also get ready for the V-Day. Whether you are going to spend the day with your other half or just celebrate it with your girlfriends here are 5 outfits which are romantic yet stylish for Valentine’s Day.

Outfit 1: Fancy Dinner Date

Going all red on Valentine’s Day is a clichéd choice. This V-Day change up the usual trend, pick a classy outfit which has mixed material or an interesting hemline which sets you apart. For a fancy dinner date outfit, I’ve paired a short capped sleeve sequined top in tones of blue and purple with a glamorous high-low skirt. It’s feminine, flirty and sophisticated at the same time. If you are not someone who loves glitter then you can even pair the skirt with a cute crop top for a stylish look.

Outfit 2: Brunch Date

A striped dress is the one to go for. Striped dresses are casual, chic and versatile plus they also look super adorable. You can pair up a black and white striped day with a light cardigan or jacket if it’s a little chilly outside or just a light colourful scarf. You can keep it simple by adding a pop of colour in your accessories. Carry a bright coloured clutch and match it with your shoes.

Outfit 3: Movie and Evening Stroll

If you are someone who likes to celebrate Valentine’s Day in an elaborate manner and prefers keeping things fun and romantic then this floral printed dress from Coast is a great fit. I paired these silver sandals from Dune and love their detailing around ankles. This outfit is super easy to wear and you can play it up with some accessories and makeup. If you planning to go for a movie and drinks do, then this outfit is simple, casual, and yet very stylish.

Outfit 4: Girls Night out

If you are celebrating a girl’s night with your girlfriends and hating on the whole idea of Valentine’s Day then this colour Block Collarless Coat from Shein is a great option. I styled the coat with a top and jeans along with heels. The coat can also be paired with a little black dress if you are planning to go to a night club. Keep the rest of your outfit muted if you have a statement jacket like this one. Even if it’s not a girl’s night out, you can wear this coat for an outdoor type of a date.

Outfit 5: Coffee Date

If you’ve got a date for Valentine Day with someone you just met or want to keep is casual then a maxi is a go item. Maxi’s are casual, fun and romantic at the same time. A maxi is great for a casual and low-key V-Day Date.  I chose to keep my look simple since the maxi in itself is quite striking. I wore big silver earrings and platform heels and added a rustic touch with my jute handbag. I’ve gone for a very ethnic look.

What are your V-Day plans? Let me know in the comments below.

Winter Outfit Styling Tips

There’s something about the winters that makes you fall in love with the season. The hot cocoa, snuggly nights by the fire place, Christmas, the snow and winter wear which makes the season special. But winter fashion can be tricky. You can easily look like a mess or freeze to death if you don’t get your outfit right. Many of us sometime think that winter fashion is boring and you have to replace your cute floral dresses with grey and dull sweaters. But winter fashion can also be interesting with a few tips and tricks. This winter let’s transform your winter wardrobe with these styling tips:
Skinny Jeans: Skinny Jeans are a must have for this season as they are extremely versatile, keep you warm and give a slender look to your outfit. Be it ripped or leather, one can never go wrong with skinny jeans. Team up a pair of skinny jeans with ankle booties and a cashmere sweater for a casual look. Skinny jeans or straight cut pants also look great with oversized coats without making your outfit look bulky. If you prefer wide legged pants then opt for a more structured coat and wedges for a chic look.

Wrap/Scarves: Wraps and Scarves can be your best friend this season. They can make any outfit stylish and fun in minutes. So invest in a variety of colorful and textured wraps and scarves. Also don’t be afraid to experiment with the different styles of wearing a scarf. Make the scarf the hero of the outfit by looping it around a plain black dress and transform your look.

Last day of Holidays before going back to work #throwback #londondiaries #happynewyear

A photo posted by ARCHANA DHANKAR (@fashionforroyals) on

Boots: Boots are a must have this season. Ankle boots are great for daily wear; you can pair them with almost any outfit. Be it a maxi dress and a jacket or turtleneck top and skinny jeans. Over the knee boots are also extremely stylish. Pair them with a printed skirt, a knitted dress or even over your skinny jeans for a trendy look.

Turtlenecks: Turtlenecks are great for winters. They keep you warm and can be worn for office wear as well as casual wear. Tuck in a turtleneck top with your favorite pair of trousers and a well fitted blazer with loafers for a stylish office look. You can also wear it by itself with a pair of jeans and some long necklaces for everyday wear.

Leather Jacket: A leather jacket is a wardrobe essential. Create a biker girl look by teaming it up with a pair of knee length boots, skinny jeans, and a graphic tee. Or pair it over a floral dress for a cool and casual look. You can invest in a basic black jacket or opt for colors like brown, tan, maroon or camel.

Jumpers: Cashmere jumpers are vital for winter. You can dress them up or down easily during the season. They are also extremely versatile, classy and look great with jeans, midi skirts, or dresses. For a formal look wear it with a collared shirt, a pair of trousers and a trench coat. You can also wear them with jeans, a statement bag and peep-toe ankle boots. For windy days you can team it up with a wrap to keep yourself warm.

Hats: Hats are like scarves. They add an element of fun to your outfit instantly. They can transform a boring black sweater to something chic if paired correctly. Team up a beanie with a formal dress, a trench coat and heels for office or pair a fedora with wide legged pants, loafers and a cashmere sweater for relaxed look.

Suede Dresses: Suede, Wool or velvet are the fabrics of the season. Style a suede dress with a cropped jacket, ankle length booties, leg warmers or stockings and a fedora hat for a boho look. You can also invest in suede or velvet skirts in bright hues like red, blue or maroon and create fun looks.


Statement Coat: Add a pop of color to your neutral wardrobe by investing in a statement coat. They can be oversized in vibrant hues like pink, orange or red or be textured and in neutral shades like black and grey. I have created a look with my statement coat by teaming it up with a pastel pink blouse, straight cut jeans and peep-toe boots for a casual look.

Ringing in 2017 in style @newlandmanor #nyedress #london #nye2016 Happy New Year!!!

A photo posted by ARCHANA DHANKAR (@fashionforroyals) on

 What’s your favorite witer look? Let me know in the comments below.

Latest Indian Fashion Trends to Keep You Sorted

­­­The Indian Bride needs no introduction; she struts with elegance and vibrancy whilst maintaining poised and dignified. There was never any dearth of creativity and experimentation in the bridal wear department, and with ever-evolving Indian fashion, but it is only getting better! Whether you want to play it low-key or go all out and make a splash, you can find options galore depending on your taste and style. The key to reflecting your inner beauty and joy has always been to stay true to your personal style. You are sure to exude confidence when you’re comfortable with your fashion choices. However, that does not mean that you compromise on staying in trend. ­

A blend of your personal style and emerging styles is the best way to go! It would be important to note that more than 73% Indian Brides who live abroad prefer to have their Wedding outfit custom- made to their taste (Source- Indian Hanger).

Keeping this in mind, we’ve listed down our tips on what you should look for when picking out your trousseau. The outfits featured in this post are available on IndianHanger.com.

  1. Play with colours: Gold, Beige and hues of Green are the new Reds. Elegant beige and gold Lehengas with ornate gold embroidery is sure to make any bride look divine! Since it is a classic ensemble, it is suitable for any Bride, irrespective of your personal style. Opting for these combinations also makes the piece versatile, as it can be worn at a later date as well.
  2. Fabrics: You can choose from silk, georgette, and even Banarasi silks with zari work to make a statement. Team your gold saree with a pop of colour in your blouse or choli to break the monotony. The highlight of such outfits is
    that you can match them with any kind of jewellery; be it polki, antique gold or diamonds to complete the Royal look.
  3. Add a twist to your traditional outfits: Mix and match and play around your wardrobe a little to create a style statement. You can team a traditional lehenga with an embroidered off-shoulder or cold shoulder blouse just like the runway hits by Sabyasachi and Manish Malhotra. This gives you plenty of room to show off your heirloom polki jewellery or tiered necklaces. Printed or embroidered crop tops in beautiful fabrics such as silk and brocade can be teamed with modern dhoti pants, sarees, high waisted skirts or lehengas to add versatility to your collection.
  4. Indo-western silhouettes: It’s time for Anarkalis and Lehengas to move over, so that we can say Hello to Gowns! Saree gowns and draped gowns are sure shot head-turners during a cocktail or reception party. You can also play around with a one shoulder cut that flares along the hem, anarkali gowns or organza pleats this season. They blend very well with traditional Indian accessories, whilst making a style statement of their own. Just a tip to keep in mind: Make sure that they do not weigh you down as that can be a dampner!
  5. Jacketed in style: Re-usable separates like jackets are quite a hit when teamed with palazzo pants, skirts, lehengas or even a saree. Choose from a heavily embroidered open jacket in dark hues such as brown, navy blue, maroon or black to go along with a simple saree with a gold border. Jackets are the go-to option for a Sangeet, as they are comfortable and will enable you to dance the night away!
  6. Get some velvet: The soft and luxe velvet fabric is a must have for every bride. Watch the intricate zari work/ embroidery come alive in velvet! If you prefer a minimalistic look, you can start by pairing your embellished saree with velvet blouses. If you are going for a heavier look, you can try an all over velvet embroidered lehenga. Believe me, it will make you look drop dead gorgeous!
  7. Accessories: You can always team your outfit with traditional polki, diamonds and gold. But how about adding some chand maang tikkas to look like the Royal Queen that you truly are! Try a chunky bracelet for your reception party and give the bangles a break. The Kamarbandh or the waistband has been a runway hit too. You can choose from plain, narrow, printed or embellished Kamarbandh’s in all shapes and sizes. It can be worn as a belt around your waist or under your blouse to give it that high waisted silhouette.

Links to all the Outfits featured in the post:

Peach Dhoti Dress – http://www.indianhanger.com/peach-dhoti-dress.htm
Peach Peplum Top & Dhoti Pants- http://www.indianhanger.com/designers/divya-kanakia/peach-peplum-dhoti.html
Golden Net Blouse- http://www.indianhanger.com/designers/divya-kanakia/golden-net-blouse-with-pitta-work.html
Golden Jumpsuit Saree Gown- http://www.indianhanger.com/designers/red-couture/golden-jumpsuit-saree-gown.html
Statement Kundan Maangtikka- http://www.indianhanger.com/designers/shillpa-purii/statement-kundan-maangtikka.html
Long Pearl Necklace- http://www.indianhanger.com/designers/shillpa-purii/long-pearl-neck-piece.html
Crystal Stone Pearl Bracelet- http://www.indianhanger.com/designers/shillpa-purii/crystal-stone-pearl-bracelet.html
Beige Brocade Blouse- http://www.indianhanger.com/designers/divya-kanakia/beige-brocade-blouse-with-zardozi.html

My final tip would be to pick pieces that have a timeless appeal, rather than choosing ones that are a runway trend. Most importantly, remember to ensure that you feel comfortable in your skin as the outfits have to be worn by YOU. Whilst you can follow trends, make sure you choose ensembles that make your heart skip a beat every time that you see them!

 

Style Advice – Let’s Experiment, Let’s be Bold

I am someone who is addicted to black. It’s a colour that I end up picking out all the time. I feel comfortable, confident and chic in black. But over the past few days, I was just going through my wardrobe and realised that I have a lot of black in my wardrobe. Black has a lot of benefits, it makes you look slimmer, and it’s versatile, matches well with other colours, it perfect for any time of the day, you can jazz up the colour easily and more. But however flattering the colour maybe for many people, I believe it’s important to have some colour in your wardrobe and break the monotone of black from our life.


I am not banning you all from black. But there is something such as too much of a good thing. Many times people also term as black as boring or dull, especially when you wear it all the time. Adding colour to your wardrobe can get tricky at times. It is important to know which colour can work for your skin and then play with tones and create lots of new outfits. Colour is one of the elements which can instantly style up your look. But when picking out a colour its best to understand your skin tone to see what suits you the best.

If you have a warm skin tone i.e. you have greenish, yellowish or light brown skin then you should go for warm colours like olive, coral, honey, and beige. If you have a cool skin tone i.e. you have pink, blue or rosy skin then you should go for cool colours like lavender, grey, blue or rose. If you have a neutral skin with pale or grey shades, then you should wear colours like jade, red, white and medium blue. But there are some colours which look great on every skin tone. These include colours like teal, blush pink, dark purple, marsala and pure white.

When incorporating colour in your outfit, it is important to balance it out.

Here,  I wanted my dress to be a statement piece, so I made sure the rest of my outfit was muted. I paired the wine hued dress with strappy black heels and a black bag. I also matched my lipstick to my outfit, rather than opting for a bright colour and keep the rest of my makeup simple with beachy waves.

I believe it’s important for us to experiment more with colours in our wardrobe, especially in corporate world. Sometimes, our work wardrobe is filled with boring neutrals like black, brown or navy blue. When working with people I’ve mostly seen that they have a monotone of one colour or lots of outfits in the same colour. But when we wear bright colours people remember us more than when we were the regular black. Incorporate some colour in your work wear by wearing a brightly coloured jacket with your formal black dress; offset your staple outfit by making the accessories the star by wearing bright-hued heels or a bag, step out in bright bottoms. Colour blocking is a new trend, use this technique by using black and shades of blue.

Outfit Post: 

  • Mauve Dress: Cos Stores
  • Accessory: Marks & Spencer
  • Bag: Zara

Your black’s have a special place in your wardrobe but don’t be afraid to experiment with a little colour.

Let’s get bold.

Top 10 Tips – For a Healthy, Happy You!

Wishing you all a Wonderful start to 2017. my first post of the year – with an advice for how you can get lead a healthy and happier life by following those 10 simple tips.  So,  Here’s the Top 10 tips from me For a Healthy, Happier You!

My first post of the year, is an advice for how you can get lead a healthy and happier life by following those 10 simple tips.  So,  Here’s the Top 10 tips from me For a Healthy, Happier You!

For A Healthy, Happy You

  • Wear only those clothes that make you happy and you are comfortable in. If you are conscious and/or figety in an outfit, it won’t look good, no matter how stylish it is.
  • Follow only those fashion trends that appeal to you and fit within your budget. Remember, the classics can look equally glamorous if you wear them right.
  • Walk with your back straight and head held high. You cannot make a good impression with bad posture.
  • Every once in a while, go for a day or night out just with your girls – a little bit of gossiping and a dose of laughter can do wonders for the mind.
  • Do not let others’ opinion on your clothes, body or hair matter. You must strive to make yourself
  • Pamper yourself with a day full of luxurious beauty treatments every once in a while – it will leave you fresh and in high spirits for sure.
  • Keep your wardrobe, dresser and shoe closet well-organized – your fashion woes are sure to get halved when everything is clutter-free.
  • If your mind is completely fixated on a dress or heels or perfume, buy it even if it isn’t within your budget. Reduce your other expenses to make up for the deficit, and revel in the satisfaction of having that one thing you couldn’t get your mind off of.
  • Put extra effort into your appearance if you’re having a bad day. Looking good can lift your spirit immensely, and of course, compliments pouring in will make you happier.
  • Always wear a fragrance that you really, really like. When you smell good, you are sure to be in a better mood.
  • Most importantly, smile as much as possible – it is the only accessory that costs nothing.