INSTEP Magzine

With so many television channels, magazines and websites solely dedicated to fashion and glamour, there really isn't an excuse to commit the grave fashion mistakes that one sees everyday on the streets and social pages of magazines in Pakistan. Instep presents a list of fashion don'ts that one hopes are obliterated from memories everywhere altogether.

Ban the stretch bands: We're in the midst of - and up for - a sweltering summer that has left countless people dehydrated and cursing KESC and WAPDA. And yet it baffles one how the 'stretch' factor is still playing in tunics. Those elasticized bands that have appeared on the hems and bodices of tunics since last year may have been snug and comfortable in winter but now that the temperature is soaring, they are more of an eyesore. Let yourself breathe by donning clothes that don't fit like a glove - let loose!
Don't over-accessorize: On a recent episode of

Oye It's Friday, Priyanka Chopra was asked for styling tips that she's gleaned after her glamazon makeover in Dostana. She had one line to say on the subject: "Poori dukaan ban ke na baahir jaayein". (Don't go out looking like an entire shop on display) What the Desi Girl means is that one doesn't need to wear matching earrings, bracelets, bangles, necklaces, anklets and toe-rings to accessorize an outfit - in short, not the entire contents of your jewellery collection should go on display. Wear one piece, and wear it well so that it's noticeable and not lost in the massive bling display. Plagiarism requires common sense: With all the must-have look books doing the rounds from this summer's lawn collections, one wonders why they have not been of more help to women. There are some atrocious copies of the designs created by designers like Sonya Battla and Sana and Safinaz for the lawn collections floating around. If one must copy it: either copy it to the letter or take some creative inspiration from it. One copy spotted of a Sana and Safinaz lawn design had white crochet appliqués on the border - making no sense altogether on a predominantly black outfit. Ladies, give your tailors more credit and trust them with copying it properly - your creative input seems to have gone haywire.
Dress your age: This is a lesson that perhaps cannot be repeated enough times. Whether it's Sherry Rehman, Maheen Khan or Bunto Kazmi in Pakistan or Michelle Obama in the US, these women all represent how you can look incredibly stylish without being inappropriate. And that is the same for the younger lot as well: sixteen year olds must remember that they are teenagers and will have plenty of years up ahead of having to blow dry their hair straight and wear make-up as a necessity. It's just disturbing to see teenage girls look like over-made, over-styled dolls while they don't have to be. Enjoy your youth, girls, these years of perfect skin and tousled hair won't come back!