Going ethnic at the work place

It is possible to wear those kurtis and sarees to work. The key is to remain polished and formal

Women are lucky to have so many wardrobe options to pull off as working professionals. One can try trendy Indo-western and classy ethnic outfits according to the mood and environment. Ethnic, formal outfits are widely used by many women from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and looks elegant for most south Asian work environments. While shopping for office wear, one has to figure out the comfort zone and the work place environment. Today, let's look at a few tips that will help understand some options for women's ethnic office wear.

Look 1:  Kurtas: They sure  add colour to your monotone office dressing style. Pair them with jeans or well-fitted trousers to play safe with comfort. Pairing the kurta with a trouser or dark blue jeans will surely widen your choice for mix and match. Invest in a few kurtas in colours like navy, tangerine, ivory and pale pink. Keep prints  and patterns minimalistic for a more credible look. Keep your hair natural, blow-dried or tied up in a ponytail. Keep makeup to the minimum for a polished professional look. A pretty pair of mojris would be a nice option for this look.

Look 2: Long kurti with cigarette pants: When gala band long kurtis are paired with cigarette pants, it transforms the kurti into perfect formal wear. Opt for colours like mustard, cinnamon, burnt orange or deep purple that complements the skin tone of women in the region. Keep the embroidery minimal and around the neck. The hair should be neatly blow-dried. If long, put it up in a bun or tie a ponytail. Opt for minimum makeup and an understated pair of earrings.

Look 3: Long kurti with leggings: This is an everyday wear. Opt for colours like ivory, white, cream, light pink, aqua and tangerine; you can choose monochrome or pair it with contrast-coloured leggings. Solids are  better for the workplace but minimalist floral print is also an option. Opt for fabrics like light cotton, linen or even georgette. Ladies with shoulder length to long hair can opt for a messy plait or a bun. Keep makeup subtle, go for a bright lipstick like pink or maroon matching with the print on the kurta. A pair of long earrings would look nice, but should be harmonious with the face.

Look 4: Formal ladies churidaar suit: With the various nationalities in the country celebrating different festivals, we are often in a festive mood. Reserve some salwar suits or sarees in silk, georgette or chiffon for those times. Keep the hair loose and freshly blow-dried. Soft curls or an elegant bun with the traditional mogra hair accessory will help. Play with your makeup; go with kohl, smokey eyes and bright lips.

Look 5: Crepe saree: Crepe sarees in pastel shades can be very elegant. While shopping for a saree, look for lightweight fabrics. Drape the saree in a way that the pleats look well-ironed. One can pin the pleats and bring out a beautiful silhouette. And if you want to carry it in professional style, opt for shirt blouse, high neck blouse or the round collared one. Opt for minimum makeup and a bright lipstick. If the blouse is a high necked one, put your hair up in an elegant bun like hospitality professionals.
Till next week, #beextraordinery.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com
Konkana Bakshi is Founder, Savoir Faire Academie and former Miss Elegance World