Ami Patel: The altering & accessory game

Here’s how you can continue to flaunt the clothes that don’t fit you with a few tweaks and how you can add a few basic touches to improve your look

Fit for purpose

Our expert gives tips on fitting into your clothes and accessorising properly

I’ve gained a lot of weight during the pandemic. How can I tweak my clothes to make them fit?

—Ishani, Via email

It’s fantastic that you’ve started your fitness journey. You can rejig your wardrobe in multiple ways. 1. Layering will give more structure to your body and vertical lines and panels give the illusion of a lean and tall figure. 2. Invest in shapewear. 3. Add a belt to your dresses at the narrowest part of your abdomen to look leaner. 4. Alter your tighter clothes if they have margins. Add a matching triangular piece to the thighs and waist of your denims. Add an overall vertical panel near the side-seams of your straight kurta or dress for a colour-blocked revamped-wardrobe.

Accessorise right

I am not one for accessories as I hate wearing things on my hands and neck. Any basics I could keep handy?

—Jyoti, Via Instagram

Accessories aren’t a must but they elevate your overall appearance. Sometimes you can completely transform a bland look just by throwing on some statement accessories! So, invest in some chunky hoops, both small and medium sized. These days, hoops are trending big time. Different shapes, thickness, colours and sizes of hoops can make you stand apart!

If you like wearing a watch, just stack up a few bands or thin bracelets. You can also try beaded statement hairbands and clips. Even colourful scrunchies are a thing these days.

Ami Patel is a celebrity fashion stylist, image consultant and faculty with the Art of Living

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