A fashionable girl should have these...

A fashionable girl should have these...

Fashion experts list out eight basic, essential wardrobe must-haves to look your best this season

The guy you met the other day has asked you out for dinner. But you realise that you don't have anything good to wear for the occasion. Don't freak out. All you need to do is refresh your wardrobe with a few basic and essential must-haves, from which you can pick and choose in a jiffy.

White shirt
A crisp white button-up shirt is a wardrobe essential. Being a neutral colour, it can instantly help you carry a neat and sophisticated look, irrespective of the occasion. This style staple can be paired with myriad items in your closet. "Team it up with coloured trousers or pencil skirt and blazer for official meetings, with minimum or no accessories," suggests Sushmi Siraj, fashion designer. For parties or evening outings, go for bright hues. You can wear short skirts or jeans with a waist coat or a chunky neckpiece, says Sushmi.

Blue denims
Nothing can replace a well-fitted pair of blue jeans. Fashion stylist Semu Bhatt says, "Be it for a casual outing or a party, you can wear it for style and comfort. All you need to do is team it up with a good T-shirt or a top, according to the occasion, and you're set to go." Today, the market offers a variety of jeans — leggings, skinny, slim, straight, boot cut, and even figure enhancers — to help you sport a look that speaks volumes about your style and attitude.

Black leggings
Black translucent leggings come as a lifesaver when you have a big party and have no time to wax your legs. "This can be teamed up with long or short tops, according to the body type. Black will suit almost everyone," says Shilpa Sivadas, a fashion designer. Wear an ankle-length or knee-length boots to complete the look.

Blazer
It's time to take out that glossy tank top that has been sitting in your closet untouched. A classic black blazer can camouflage any flaws. Qatar-based designer Soumya Sajid says, "Blazers lookfabulous on all body types. However, choose one that is well-tailored, which accentuate your shoulders and waist." It can be worn with almost anything from trousers and jeans to dresses or skirts. "Accessorise your look with a long chain and a chunky pendant," suggests Soumya.

Tote
A good handbag is said to be a girl's best friend, especially one that can accommodate almost everything that she would use on a daily-basis. "A nice leather bag, preferably black or white, can go with almost any attire," says Shalini James, a Kochi-based fashion designer. You can also accessorise it with funky or printed scarves or colourful tassels.

Ethnic wear
Indian celebrities like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra have walked the red carpet flaunting a sophisticated desi look at various international festivals, only to grab the limelight. Chennai-based designer Jules Idi Amin says, "A sari is the perfect choice for an evening do, as it gives a woman an elegant look. A georgette or chiffon sari can suit any occasion." A neatly embroidered and designed anarkali, kurti or patiala pants are other ethnic options.

Little black dress
This is one staple outfit that every girl would swear by, no matter how lean or otherwise she is. "Alittle black dress adds to your glamour quotient. The dark hue conceals the flab and adds a curve to your body," says Sajita Salim, a Dubai-based fashion designer. You can accentuate your look either with an accessory, a waist coat or a shrug.

Stilettos
A pair of glossy black or red stilettos is a must in every woman's closet. Experts insist on buying a branded one though. Fashion consultant Malavika Mohan says, "Heels accentuate your curves and enhance your sex appeal. It can go with any outfit that you choose." Stiletto platform shoes, stiletto pumps, boots or sandals; there is a variety of options to suit your style
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