Put some thought behind your appearance

It doesn’t take much time and effort to dress up well and look good... says wardrobe consultant and stylist Varsha Bhawnani.

How important is the role of a personal stylist today?
It’s varies really, for me, a personal stylist is your best buddy who knows the technicalities of fashion and would give you unsweetened advice about what works and doesn’t work for you. Some of my clients are quite conscious of their personal style and impeccably dressed themselves, however, they still insist on a personal stylist to help them revamp their look from time to time. So, the role really depends on how much energy one can spend on their appearance, which according to me is something that is extremely important.

How much importance do people pay towards their personal appearance?
It matters at some level or the other to everybody I have ever known. I have noticed an upswing to the whole concept of looking good every day, which is such a relief. Lot of people put in effort to look good on certain special occasions, but I believe personal style is developed when one makes an effort everyday.

Why should one develop their own personal style?
Because that is what sets one apart from the rest and it’s absolutely fun. I think people need to have fun with fashion. Don’t make dressing up routine like the rest of the mundane activities, put on some music in the morning while dressing up and try different combinations. If you’re wearing a shirt and a pair of trousers to work, try tucking the shirt in, team it with a nice belt and a scarf. How much time does that take?

What are the various factors that contribute towards creating one’s style statement?
Some factors would be to understand your body shape, facial cut, comfort level with trying out different things and lifestyle. What’s really important is being comfortable with what you wear, that’s where confidence comes from.

Which section of people are opting for the help of a personal stylist and why?
It’s very diverse; we have people coming in from all sections. A lot of women want to learn about what kind of look works for them and how they should update their wardrobes and so on.

What advantage does one who is dressed well have over someone who lacks a personal style statement?
It says a lot about a persons’ personality and how they perceive themselves.