We know that anarkali kurtas are in. They look ethnic, elegant, sophisticated, but that doesn't mean that you go to work looking like a character out of Mughle-azam. Please leave the eye-blinding razzle dazzle for your Diwali party. Find a pair that is subtle yet elegant. Here's a list of dos and don'ts to follow:

Fab Fabric
For starters, choose a fabric that allows you to breath, says fashion designer, Anjalee Kapoor. "Voile would be the ideal bet, but you could also opt for a thin bananrasi material," she says.

The Bottom Line
You can only wear a churidar with an anarkali, so don't go buy yourself a matching salwar. Even if you've got ethnic trousers / salwar / tights / harem pants at home that colour coordinate your kurta in an uncanny way, don't wear them.

Don't BlingiIt on
Bling is in, but not at office. We understand that you don't get a chance to wear your festive kurtas too often, but that's plain unfortunate. Office is not a place to flaunt your heavy designer wear. Save them for the wedding season.

Colour Code
Colours play an important role at work. "Make sure your anarkali kurtas are in soft, pastel, muted colours. Don't don shades that are so loud that they hurt the eyes," says Anjalee.

The Right Fit
These kurtas should be well-fitted around the bust and waist. You're going to look like you're wearing your night suit if you let it hang.

The Long and Short of it
Even though long kurtas are quite a rage these days, they shouldn't be so long that you end up mopping the floor with it. "Knee-length anarkali kurtas look very chic," says Anjalee. "You can go a little shorter too, but don't go much longer."

Flare Well
The flare of your kurta should be determined by your body type. If you're on the plumper side, don't bury yourself in enormous layers of flare. Similarly, slim women can wear kurtas with a heavy flare.

Don't Get Busted 
If you are very heavy on the top, you should stay miles away from these kurtas. They'll only make them look heavier.

Dupatta Dos 
Dupattas should only be used as accessories with anarkali kurtas. They can be worn closely around the neck or as a stole in front. You can comfortable go sans dupatta too, if you're wearing an elegant embroidered kurta that merits a display.

Size does matter
Choose the fabric of your kurta depending on your body type. Stiff cottons might be great for the summers, but if you're plump, they're going to make you look even fatter. So opt for fabrics like chiffons and georgettes that fall well. Slimmer women can don the light cottons without a second thought.

Body Basics

Slim
Ensure that the empire line is fitted at the bust till the waist and breaks into a gradual flare that accentuates your figure.
Collar: The Chinese collar or a deep neck that reveals your collar bone, would look fab on you
Length: Knee-length or short kurtas would look best on you

Fat
Your empire line should start right under the bust (it should be well fitting on the bust). It could be slightly loose at the waist and shouldn't flare too much
Collar: It should be deep. Avoid collared or Chinese necks
Length: Below the knees

Medium
You could wear a kurta that fits snug on your bust and is slightly loose at the waist with medium flare.
Collar: Don't go very deep with the collars
Length: Knee-length would be ideal
 
Skinny
The empire kali could start two-three inches below your bust. Go for an extensive flare.
Collar: Bandh galas would look great on you. Don't go for very plunging necklines
Length: Knee-length or above the knees

sheena.thomas@mid-day.com