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1. Good grooming is the key-the foundation. God is in the details-as they say. If your nails are not clean (manicured is better) and your face, arms and legs not free of unwanted hair-then all the Armani suits in the world will not create the right impression.
2. Makeup should be subtle-down to a minimum. To accentuate rather than recreate. One does not want to run the risk of dripping foundation on a beautiful white blouse in the middle of a meeting.
3. Dress for comfort and effect. One should not exclude the other. High heels and a tight skirt are a real menace, for instance, when running for a cab.
4. Classic is in. Restrict the latest trends from Milan or Paris to your evening wardrobe. Colors too should be matched with care and precision. Flamboyance is allowed if you are in an entertainment/advertising or other communications related industry where standing out is "in". Other than that, try to fit in with the herd, and at the same time, maintain a certain understated individuality.
5. Use accessories to do the above. A nice piece of jewelry, a colorful scarf or jacket added on to your neutrals make the difference. It also makes shopping easier. Buy neutrals and then add color or style to them with your handbags or scarves, shawls, etc.
6. Quality is the key here. Do as the French do. Buy little, buy expensive, and buy once in a while. You don't have to buy designer wear. But wear it and take care of it as though it were designer wear. Good quality, if you can afford it, always shows and creates a good impression.
7. Do not go overboard on the "brand"wagon. Rather than create a positive impression-it makes one suspect the wearer of being a too anxious to please "arriviste".
8. Don't wear panty hose in India-unless the mercury dips to freezing. It may contribute to a finished look abroad-but local weather conditions have to take precedence.
9. Natural fibres tend to add depth to one's dressing. Go for silk and cotton sarees and linen or cotton trousers and blouses. Of course, suits these days are mostly made of polyester blends - so go ahead and be trendy.
10. Hair should preferable be styled and cut to shoulder length, or shorter. It makes you look neat and professional. With a sari, a bun at the nape of the neck, is ideal |
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