Models flaunt Prasantt Ghosh designs

Fashion is not only about looking gorgeous, but also about the level of comfort one can enjoy from his/her wardrobe. So this time, let me once again act as your fashion guide (after the Puja season) to help you achieve the best possible look supplemented with great comfort during your travelling spree.

Imagine you have just received summons from the head office. Or you are going out with your gang to the Far East, Europe or the US. Or you are taking a train or a bus to a safari in Jaisalmer or in the famous sanctuary of Gir. Either way, you need to pack your bags with the right clothes.

Firstly, it is all-important to check out the weather at your destination. Or chances are that you may end up sweating under that heavy homespun jacket or shivering in your smiley tees and sunflower Bermudas.

Choose only wrinkle-free, no-fuss clothes. Go easy on the numbers. Less is more, remember to pack a night change, a pair of sneakers if on a holiday or sensible light heels if travelling on business. And don’t forget a pair of bathroom slippers, undergarments, socks, handkerchiefs and tissues, an emergency medical kit and the basic toiletries. And, of course, something with which to click pictures to take back home.

You will need your regular office suit or formal kurta set and sari if you are travelling on work. Opt for a trouser suit in terrycot or terrywool. The kurta set or sari should also be in a blended fabric like terryvoile, terrycot or polysilk.

If travelling for pleasure, choose lycra-blended T-shirts or bodies in bright colours or in happy floral prints to wear with calf-length gathered skirts, comfortable jeans or parallels. Your gymwear, that is your lycra tights, leotards and sweat shirts, can also double up as travel wear. You may want to carry your favourite straw hat, or the usual baseball visor. Dark glasses are a must.

Kurta wearers should carry only smart terrycot sets in clean, pared cuts and cheerful colours. Carry just one formal set for the possible evening out. However, kurtas with heavy embroidery, such as with beads and mirrors are best left at home. The saris should be put away and you can opt for salwar suits instead.

The holiday trip could also be an opportunity to freak out with your choice of clothes. So go ahead and try those loud colours, the bedcover florals, the whacky outfit or accessories. You could also mix and match pieces that you would not otherwise. Try a leotard with a polychiffon sarong or a Rajasthani kurti with a hat. Remember you are in a place where few people know you so why not enjoy yourself?

Do’s and dont’s

Your clothes reflect your character. A female model having figure measurements — height without shoes 173 (5ft 8 inches) and whose other statistics are 84 cm, 59 cm, 89 cm (33, 23, 35) — can wear any style and carry it off to advantage. The following guidelines can be kept in mind while choosing a dress.

If you are top-heavy with a large bust and fat arms, you need to avoid width and bulk. Frills, pockets on the bust, tucks, double-breasted styles and wide collars emphasise your size. Avoid large patterns which draw attention to the bulky area. Wear loose-fitting clothes.

The ideal width for shoulders is around 38 cm (15 inches) all the way across. Padded or cap sleeves add to both height and width.

Women with large hips and thighs need special streamlining treatment. Skirts and trousers, which are either too full or too tight, will emphasise the problem. Avoid drooped waistlines and hipsters, both that fall on the hips. A-line skirts or shirts make the hips look narrow.

Women with a dark complexion must avoid wearing dark-coloured dresses, such as black, blue, pink, light brown and sky colours. Instead, orange, red, white and yellow will suit their complexion.

If you like to wear dresses like maxis, kaftans and midis, you should choose printed materials. For sarees, choose ones with border and pallu.

(The writer is a fashion designer)