Flare it up

It's the perfect go-between if you don't want to wear something that is too traditional, but is fit for a festival or wedding. If B-Town's Diwali party looks are anything to go by, then the gharara and its cousin the sharara are apt for such occasions. "It's easier to move if you pick the right type. Of course, palazzo pants also work, though they aren't as desi," says stylist Mehak Chawla, who tells you how to make these styles work best for you.

Printed pick

• The sharara works if you are tall and lean. A gharara will either make you look too tall or stunted as the flare scrunches up.
• Choose prints, especially if you're going dark. You can have a narrow border in a non-silver/gold combination.
• Use a solid dupatta to block the prints, in a similar shade.
• Wear big, matching earrings, but make sure you don't overdo the jewellery.

Subtlety is key

• If you're top heavy or pear-shaped, then choose a darker shade. Opt for solids and avoid prints.
• Make sure your top isn't too short, especially if there's a contrasting border at the seam where the flare begins. If you must, ensure the border is made using a colour that belongs to the same family as the outfit.
• A light colour does not work and neither does too much contrast.
• Make sure there's no pattern near the neck area, unless it's golden or silver sequin work.

Pretty petite

• Choose bright colours with light sequin work for this body type.
• A strapless or spaghetti top looks great, but make sure you don't forget the chunni or it will be
• uncomfortable.
• Don't keep the outfit too busy. A thick border around the ends of the bottoms and a design in the same shade at the knees work best, especially if they belong to the same family.
• Heels are optional, though a pair of Rajasthani juttis in a dark base will complete the look best.

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