So, the second “masked” Durga Puja is nearing, which begs the question: what are the sure deals for women this festive season?
My first Puja in the time of Covid was a washout. I’d gone out once, with friends, to three deserted pandals, wearing my new dress with a “matching” mask upside down. The pictures looked like my nose was hiding under my chin, thanks to the bulging contours of the wrongly worn mask.
The second time, we all like to be better prepared. A mask truncates one’s face and hides one’s smile. But when life gives you masks, does a 40-plus woman sit and mope? No, she considers her options.
An obvious solution is to wear really pretty masks. Then, many women are going really overboard with their eye make-up, pasting on lashes, coating them with glittery mascara and putting on spooky-coloured contact lenses. I’ll give those a pass.
Earrings, hoops and studs are also big. So are piercings. One of my sistahs is getting a rook piercing done, she announces triumphantly on the WhatsApp group. I Google it and quail. Not for me. Tattoos are also out for me, they seem too painful. Then, of course, there’s hair in all colours, shapes and sizes. I’d settle for a black scrunchie, frankly.
Pandemic fashion also means skin is in. Plunging necklines, bare backs and legs are now no longer the preserve of a few. You see plenty of skin on public transport. I think a mask makes many women more daring. Again, not for me.
Ultimately, I settle for the doable. Handloom saris paired with distinctive blouses are always a good idea. Palazzos, sleek and a little above the ankle, and flared skirts can show off pretty silver anklets. Peep-toe shoes in a variety of styles from flats to wedges to kitten heels can show off toe rings and nail paint to advantage. I like to wear a sleek silver ring on my big toe. Very feminine.
Neckpieces look better than earrings with masks on, so one can go chunky or chic to up one’s game.
Not to forget hands. Bracelets and bangles add so much individuality to one’s attire, as do rings. But whether stack up simple bands on one finger or wear a thumb ring, don’t forget nails. Chewed or overgrown nails, overgrown cuticles and chipped nail paint undo all the pains a girl has taken with her eye make-up, clothes and jewellery. When
I have well-dressed hands, frankly, I’m ready to take on the world.
