What's so special about the second month of the calendar? Apart from being the shortest, I mean. It's Valentine's Day! Yup, the one legitimate day baptised for an overload of mush.
As V-day nears, the boys desperately fumble to outdo each other in their race for ‘the perfect date', or they'll simply be strangled by the women should they fail to do so. And the women are wrestling their stylists for that ultra-special ensemble; yes, dressing-up still remains priority. A mini-skirt with a tube top to a movie? Really? Nah! The couture really always depends upon the destination.
Cup of coffee
So you're skirting the line between friendship and love or it's just the very beginning in the dating process, and a brew is all you want to share for now
Lady: Well-fitted capris under a 3/4th-sleeved kurti or printed tee, a glam belt, kitten heels, a skim of kohl and a dab of gloss.
Lad: A bright coloured tee or a short sleeved shirt over casual anti-fits, loafers and understated shades.
The talkies
Need reason to hold hands but still can't do so in public? Pick a lovey-dovey flick and head indoors. No good releases? The city is dotted with plays that give you an interesting watch
Lady: A layered skirt with a puff-sleeved dressy top looks trendy yet casual; if you're the kind who gets cold in the theatre swap the skirt for denims and carry along a stole or a button-up shrug.
Lad: This is one space that no one is going to be bothered with your attire; so just choose what you're most comfy in. So if basic shorts or overalls are your thing, just go with it!
Play-time
If your partner is the hyper-active kinds and back-to-back activities is your perfect V-day; opt for something crazy like paint-ball or go-carting, something adventurous like rock-climbing or just plain fun like a dirt-bike rally!
Lady: Ok, you're gonna be a mess eventually so there's no need for an elaborate get-up but still it's V-day so you can't be a total slob either. A dark-hued ensemble; black cods and a black shirt or jacket which can hide the stains are your best bet. Tie your hair up and scarf it up, keep the face clean minus accessories. A full-length jumpsuit is another option.
Lad: The boys too need to pull on something they don't mind getting dirty in sombre shades; cover up so that your skin remains stain-free at least. Both should carry a change for a post-action drink.
Candle-lit
It's that very first Valentine; the epitome of romance, the amour just doesn't quit and what you have laid out for the celebration is a fine-dining meal at a top-tiered resto all with champagne and caviar?
Lady: Bring out your finest silk or have one made just for the affair. A Swarovski- studded empire waist knee-length silk dress or a flowy chiffon ankle-length one with a deep side slit. Team that up with delicate heels and a fancy clutch. Add diamond drops to your ear as a finishing touch. Ditch the trousers here; nothing casual. Go all out for this one! Curl your hair up to show off that neck and shoulders and tuck in a flower (he's sure to bring a bouquet) behind your ear
Lad: A suit is always a preferred dashing pick, but if that sounds a little over-the-top replace the trousers with white linen straight fits, but keep the blazer on; it will also come handy in case your lady feels chilly later. Some gel in the hair and a trim frenchie will certainly help your cause.
Twinkle toes
Bitten by the dancing bug are you? The ideal celebration is an evening twirling on the dance floor
Lady: First dance floor rule; no body-hugs – you don't need peek-a-boo mishaps in your movement fervor. So a snug short-skirt or a mermaid cut one (hugging till the knee, flowy down) with a funky halter/strapless top. Heels are must to show-off those salsa moves. Keep the accessories minimal.
Lad: Loose bottoms (no rip/tear escapades needed when making an impression!) with a classy well-fitted studded cuff-link shirt. Formal shoes are a must (most night-clubs have strict rules and you might be restricted entry otherwise). A splash of spicy cologne spells class.
Experts pitch in
Style
Uzma Poonawala, Pune's young and spunky stylist dishes some V-day tips: “An ideal V-day ensemble would be a red dress with a huge bow or flower on a side; stylish yet cute. Team that up with stilettos and a clutch in white and accessorize those strands with a cutsie red hair band with chrytals or else simply wear a real red flower on side. If red is just not your colour, you can try pink.”
Accessory
Rutuja Baravkar-Dumbre of the designer store, Iris: “Necklaces are huge this season. Even if you're dressed under-stated, you can draw glances with an interesting neckpiece. Velvet adds a lot of class and aesthetics. So experiment with it in any form; be it in clutches, shoes or bags.”
Hairstyle
Reena Popat of B-Blunt: “Short hair can be accessorized with butterflies, flowers or hearts. A sun-kissed tussled look is a sure head-turner. Curl those strands into an updo and show off those shoulders and neck. Play peek-a-boo with bangs that are so in this season while curls continue to dominate the scene for the ones with their tresses long. V-day is the prefect opportunity to play with colors; so go bold with pink or glam with red and weave that into your hair for that oomph factor.”
Make-up
Sabah Poonawala, make-up expert: “Use colours that are muted for Valentines Day. For make-up ignorants, just pick up the MAC studio fix compact which instantly hides blemishes. Light lustrous shades like peaches and pinks work fab for your gloss. A quick eye-trick is to use a double shade of eye shadow and darken the crease area of your eye. Add drama to those peepers with mascara. Highlight your cheek bones, but be careful not to go overboard and look clownish. If the MAC price tag makes you balk, the LAKME-9-5 lip collection is a great alternative.”
