Colour, colour, what colour?

Denim is no longer boring blue and black. Hot candy colours are what your legs need

Eons ago when we bid adieu to baby pink and red as the only accepted nail polish colours, we welcomed a host of eye-popping shades from neon blue and psychedelic pink to raspy orange and moss green. Then came the perestroika of funky coloured footwear and lingerie. And while not many thought the candy-colour trend would go any farther, we were introduced to the world of coloured denims.

The one fashion fixture in everyone’s wardrobe has undergone quite the glam makeover and celebrities like Fergie and Victoria Beckham have been forerunners in endorsing the trend.

While the ubiquitous indigo jeans cannot and will not take a bow, candy-coloured jeans pan varying shades of the rainbow’s different hues. “Coloured denims are definitely ‘in’ this spring,” says aspiring model Akshata Rao. “I have jeans in bright red, olive green and even marigold yellow! The trend is for the perky and experimental and is doing just as well off the ramp, as it is doing on it.”

In terms of colours, as long as it’s bright, it’s in, but with regard to cuts and styles, it’s strictly skinny! “Baggy doesn’t do the trick, irrespective of the gender of the wearer,” points out stylist Manva Singh. “Cropped pants are also an option.”

Choosing the perfect colour is one of the most daunting tasks. “Always choose a colour that complements your skin tone,” Manva advises.

One’s body size is also an important determinant. According to Manva, “If you are on the heavier side and blue skinny jeans don’t look good on you, there is very little chance bright hued pants would suit you.”

Another challenge comes in the form of coordinating this look. “Plaid shirts go well with candy-coloured denims as do plain tops or tees. Since the bottom is already bright, wearing a contrasting, neutral or subtle shaded top is advised. In terms of styles of tops, you can opt for anything from a three-fourth sleeved pristine white shirt to a sleeveless Lycra top, a floral blouse or even a one-shoulder ensemble that goes well with your entire getup,” elucidates fashion design student Ritika Kalra.

Accessories play a vital role. Thin belts in metallic colours are quite the rage. While with jewellery most women prefer to go chunky, it makes sense not to overdo the bold look. Footwear depends largely on the time of the day as well as the occasion. Wedges are a hit currently and are considered casual-chic. Mary-Jane shoes, ballet flats and peep-toe pumps in contrasting or neutral shades are just as popular.

Flip-flops, thong sandals and canvas shoes are other worthy options. For a casual look, sling bags, satchels and totes are your safest bet. A more formal bag or clutch is suited for an evening do.

Now that you’ve got your fashion fundas in place, it’s time to bring in some colour to your wardrobe and flaunt the right attitude when you don your favourite pair of candy-coloured denims.

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Are You Too Old for a Bikini?

Can you wear a bikini over 40? That is the question.

Fashion stylist Jacqui Stafford and author of the upcoming “The Wow Factor” feels your pain.

At 20, a little yellow or red bikini was your fashion statement. Now, it’s bathing suit season and you start planning that move to the outer reaches of Alaska.

Jacqui says that all of us over 40 not only have the right to bare arms, but also we can even rock a two-piece suit this summer.

Can us ladies of a certain age go bikini chic?

“You can absolutely wear a two piece suit if you’re over 40,” she says. “It all depends on your inner confidence.”

In order to give your inner confidence a big booster shot before you hit the beach or the pool, I sat down with Jacqui to ask her for help choosing the perfect summer suit including a bikini.

Q: What are the rules in general when looking for a swimsuit over 40?

A: “As you get older look for suits or pieces that have more structured, molded cups rather than soft cups for the top. You want to go for the shape. Make sure the suit is not too skimpy. And look for a higher rise in a bikini bottom. I love to show my over 40 clients a tank-ini, which is two pieces, but just shows a sliver of skin in the middle. It gives the illusion of a two piece, which is fantastic.”

Q: What if you have a few weight issues?

A: “The most important thing is to highlight the parts of your body that you DO love. Take into account your body shape. Do you carry your weight in your tummy area? Maybe over 40 your tummy is not quite so toned. If this is the case then you want to look for a one-piece suit with ruching (gatherings)or sheering. A cleaver fabric will camouflage your tummy. Draping around your midsection will make you look slimmer.

Q: Do women over 40 have to go for boring black bathing suits?

A: “Absolutely not! Red is such a fabulous color when you’re over 40, but I also love purple, coral and turquoise. I love the vibrant colors. You don’t have to stick to boring black. Women make the mistake of thinking black is slimming, but that’s not always the case. I also love the softer colors for ladies over 40 like a charcoal, blue or chocolate.”

Q: Now let’s hit some body concerns. What if you’re too much in the hips – or you perceive it that way?

A: “To downplay heavier hips and thighs look for pieces with wider straps on top. You want to draw the attention upwards, by creating broad shoulders. Bring the eyes up!”

Q: What if you have too much on top in terms of your breasts?

A: “Buy separate pieces to get the exact right bust size. The brand It Figures really specializes in fuller busts. It’s important to look at pieces that offer specific cup sized bras in the swimsuits.”

Q: There are so many women who would like to give their arms up for adoption. Any advice? Can we wear a shrug on the beach?

A: “No, you can’t wear a shrug! Again, divert the attention. If you don’t like your arms then keep away from one-shoulder styles that draw attention to your arms. But you can also invest in any one of a number of fabulous cover-ups out there. And look for a suit with a wider strap to balance out your arms.”

Q: No one ever gives advice to women who are small busted.

A: “It’s true that this is also an issue. If you’re small busted then go for details like ruffled fabrics or embellishments or prints to give the illusion of more volume. Victoria’s Secret has great push up pieces for those who want more structure.”

Q: You’re also a spokesperson for Slimfast. What do you love about the product?

A: “I love Slimfast for six weeks to boost your confidence. It’s easy and convenient, plus tastes like a milk shake. You will shed weight and then go to the beach or the pool. It’s not about having the perfect body. It’s about you emanating confidence, which is just being the best you that you can be.”

Q: Do you think women stress too much about bathing suit season?

A: “Women stress about things that no one else notices. If you can walk on the beach and honestly say, “I feel fabulous” then that glow will show. That’s the wow factor. It doesn’t come from being the skinniest or the prettiest girl. The women who walks into the room with the most confidence is always the most attractive.”

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