Power dressing in kurtis

Lately, there has been a lot of buzz around power dressing for women. The right outfit not only boosts your confidence but also exudes a sense of being in control. The picture that comes to mind when we hear ‘power dressing’ are crisp shirts, powerful suits, pencil skirts and the occasional formal saree. But the kurti too can make you look smart and confident. Besides the cotton and linen ones are ideal for the fast approaching Indian summer. For those who are unsure of how to give more power to the kurti, here are some basic points to keep in mind: 

The silhouette and shape
The basic rule is to go for clean and straight lines. Leave the anarkalis and ruffles for occasions. A kurti with shirt, shawl or Mandarin collar is ideal and also an angrakha silhouette works well. Opt for cigarette pants, straight pants as bottom wear depending on the work atmosphere. Jeans, salwars and patialas are a big NO. Layering the kurti with a formal jacket is also a great idea. 

The colours and prints
The colours depend on your workplace and your plan for the day. If you have meetings and presentations, go for neutral colours. Remember, darker the colour, the more formal your look will be. Vibrant colours can be experimented with for Friday dressing or smart casual days. Prints, if any, should be subtle and minimal. Ikat, Bagru, Ajrak, Dabu and block prints in smaller sizes work well. 

Also avoid too many colours on the kurti —  when in doubt opt for a solid colour. Colour-blocked ones with maximum two colours should also work fine.

The fabrics
The best fabrics to choose from are cotton, linen, raw silk and silk. The fabric should be stiffer to complement the straight silhouettes. Chiffons, georgettes and crepes are best avoided. If you prefer wearing dupatta, make sure they are not flowy and all over the place. You can opt for stoles instead.

The accessories
The accessories can be bold but minimal to complement your kurti. If the kurti has prints, a slick watch and ear studs will suffice. On the other hand, for a solid kurti you can opt for a statement necklace or earrings. Do not wear cheap plastic or metal jewellery, it can spoil your entire look. 

Make sure the footwear you choose also speaks ‘power’. Closed toe or peep toe pumps, ballet flats, moccasins, court shoes and oxfords in blacks, browns and tan are the safest bet. 
Last but not the least make sure to wear your confidence and you are all set!

(The writer is chief stylist, Voonik)