Swatimodo: March 2008

Styling tips for tomboys
Radhika Bhirani, Indo-Asian News Service
New Delhi, March 28, 2008
First Published: 15:40 IST(28/3/2008)
Last Updated: 12:23 IST(29/3/2008)

Pinstripes, slim pants, dark palettes and stylish caps - svelte women may be their muses, but designers are also doling out tips for those who don't like the excessively feminine look.
What struck ace designer Manish Malhotra at the very mention of fashion for 'tomboys' was tracksuits and black. "I think tracksuits suit tomboys the best. The fitting is comfortable and it looks stylish too. Black usually rules their colour palette, but experimenting with colours is not a bad idea," said Manish.
Hyderabad-based designer Anand Kabra said the summer season would see a new look of unisex styling, which fuses masculine and feminine clothing.
"Shirts, waistcoats, slim pants, skinny jeans and long shorts can be put together to create a look which is 'non girly' yet feminine," said Anand.
"Grey is the ultimate colour for tomboys!" gushed popular designer Rina Dhaka, who said that anyone who wants to look like a tomboy should opt for short hair.
Neeraj Chauhan of label Azara said: "Tomboys must not restrict themselves to any specific colours. They could wear floral motifs or pinstripes on shirts and T-shirts which would give them a casual look."
According to Gauri Karan of the label Gauri & Nainika and upcoming designer Charu Parashar, people dress to express their personality, to portray an image rather than a specific look.
"There is no separate segment for tomboys in our industry, but if I had to create an outfit for a tomboy it would be something loose and oversized in beige, brown or blue. It is basically just a way in which they wish to reflect their personality," said Gauri.
She added that since pinks and reds had become popular among men nowadays, it would be a good idea to flaunt such colours too.
Charu is keener on accessorising the look.
"I think the use of caps, hoods, mufflers, boots and other boyish accessories can spice up the look of a tomboy," she said, adding that tops in pinks, browns and turquoise could be matched with trousers.
Regarding the shoes for the no frill look, budding shoe designer Swati Mehrotra recommends ballerinas, high cut boots and tie ups with broad straps in colours other than basics black and brown. "Darker shades of colours like maroon and yellow will really jazz up the attire," she explained.