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Be your own style guru

Fed up of looking like one in the crowd? Here's what you can do to pep up your look

PHOTO: S. SUBRAMANIUM

STYLE WISE The right kind of bag, jewellery and footwear can make a big difference to your overall look

You spend an hour trying out different dresses before picking up the right one at a store. Proud of your choice, you wear it to college the next day only to find your classmate wearing an identical piece. Ouch! It can be quite disappointing to see your efforts go down the drain, isn't it? Fashion has become common, thanks to the influx of malls and store chains, which have increased the probability of many people wearing the same clothes. That's because items here are produced in mass, which means each dress piece will have at least 50 similar pieces.

Exclusive designer wear is definitely not within everybody's reach and nor is it a practical option. But does that mean you can no longer be unique with what you wear? Well, where there's a will there's a way is what most youngsters seem to believe in. "It is quite difficult to be different but there are few things that one can do to ensure that you stand out. I always mix and match my clothes to make them look unique. For example, wearing a nice matching stole hung over your shoulder over or around the jeans like a belt looks really trendy," explains Sonal Singh, a final year Mass Communication student at a local college.

Hair, is another thing, she feels can shift the focus from the dress to the overall look. "I love to plait my hair with a colourful stole. I also use a lot of rubber bands and clips in different sizes and colours," she adds.

Being fashionable doesn't mean impractical dressing nor does it have to be heavy on your pocket. And accessorising is one of the best and the easiest ways to look really different and happening. Fashion designer Raina Chandra gives a low down: "Since kurtis are really in these days, instead of wearing it plainly, try sporting belt over it. This will make the kurti come alive. Adding an embroidered or a colourful collar to it is another way. Scarves and stoles can add charm as well. For example, try a printed scarf over a plain black dress. You can also fold your jeans up to a comfortable length," she suggests.

The market is flooded with jewellery of different kinds and when teamed up with the right clothes can work magic. "The kind of shoes you wear or bag you carry can do a lot in changing the way one looks. Printed leather footwear looks really cool, as do the tie-up ones. As for bags, deconstructed is the way to go. Get some embroidery done on the ones you already have. Stitching badges or huge buttons on it," is the way Raina feels it should be.

This was all about girls. But the boys definitely needn't feel left out. Those who don't mind getting a little bolder can try cutting off the hem of a t-shirt or remove the neckline. You can also use colourful tweed to make your own designs on a printed or a plain t-shirt. Alek Jain, final year B. Com student shares his style file. "My dressing is incomplete without a chunky pendant, a silver chain and bracelet. I think it adds a lot to one's personality. I also love changing watches and shoes according to what I am wearing. I sometimes prefer to design my own clothes rather than buy them readymade. For example, I got some work done on my plain white linen shirt."

Linen shirts are much in demand these days, but get innovative to ensure that you are not one amongst the many. "Wearing a nice colourful t-shirt inside is one way. You can also remove the boring plastic buttons from the shirt and replace them with the mother of pearl. Men don't give importance to bags, but a trendy sack will complete the look," says Raina.

MANGALA RAMAMOORTHY

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