No fuss, nothing flashy. Minimal is the fashion mantra for the smart and sexy Ria Fernandez in Tollywood’s take on Erich Segal’s Love Story.

Koel ‘Ria’ Mullick’s wardrobe is filled with long dresses, linen capris, knee-length A-line skirts and frocks.

All in muted shades to make Koel look the part of a Christian music teacher who steals the heart of the rich and handsome Rahul Ray (Jisshu Sengupta) in Riingo’s Love. The film hits the halls on March 14.

“After reading the script, I realised I have never played anything close to Ria’s character so far. And since she is a Christian music teacher, her costumes would have to be very different. I must say that they are simply awesome, both the designers and the costumes,” says Koel, who was put on to designers Chhuti and Raja through a common friend.

The designer duo chose pastels and sheer fabric to highlight Koel’s soft and feminine side.

“We decided not to give Koel anything heavily embroidered as Ria is a simple girl. Since she’s quite carefree by nature, we tried to dress her up in a lot of pink, beige and white.... Something that’s subdued and earthy. Some of the outfits have just a dash of golden embroidery,” says Chhuti, who has designed a set of 22 costumes for Koel in the film.

“Though we prefer dresses with plunging necklines, Koel wasn’t comfortable with the idea. So the necklines are not too low. We’ve also given her some pleated dresses.”

Chhuti’s favourite is a lotus frock. “The dress looks like a lotus and I have mixed and matched it with green and beige. It’s beautiful and Koel looks ethereal in it,” she says.

Koel, on her part, has thrown away the pancake for a no-make-up look. “As the costumes are in earthy tones, I wear very little make-up. Only my eyes have been highlighted. I have used dark eye shadows and peach-and-pink lipsticks. In one particular scene, I have gone without any make-up,” says Koel.

(What does Koel look best in? Tell t2@abpmail.com)