The traditional saree has taken a backseat, while lehengas are becoming the rage across India, specifically at weddings and receptions. Eager to please their customers, famous fashion designers, such as Neha Agarwal, Sabyasachi, etc, are continuing with their experiments on the lehenga-choli! The latest in line is the crop top lehenga, which is becoming a common sight at wedding receptions, sangeet ceremonies, Mehendi rituals, etc. Outlined below are some tips that might come in handy, if you are keen to show off your shapely silhouette at formal social events without causing a scandal!
Show off your Figure
True, you must have a reasonably good figure, if you wish to team a crop top with your lehenga and dupatta. This style will not suit an obese personality. At the same time, you would do well to remember that you are attending a conventional and traditional social event, wherein you will find all kinds of mindsets. Therefore, ensure that you keep your outfit stylishly elegant, yet classily conventional. Towards this end, you could have a lehenga (skirt) which fits firmly around the waist, such that the naval is not on public display. Just let the well-toned midriff be on the show. As for the choli or cropped top, keep it slightly loose, such that it appears to flow freely over your upper torso. You might even cover up the top with a net jacket, thereby revealing as little skin as possible. The dupatta will take care of the rest.
Experiment with Necklines and Sleeves
If you are vacillating between ‘should I’ and ‘should I avoid’, since you will be attending a pre-wedding ritual, a wedding ceremony, or a wedding reception, give some thought to experimenting with the neckline of your choli. However, do get an idea of what will enhance the looks of your short, long, slender, plump, etc, neck, first! The options for necklines include square, boat-shaped, v-shape, round, halter style, u-neck, spaghetti straps, etc. Opt for tiny camisoles underneath, lacy embroidery on the necklines, etc. In fact, be as creative as possible, to gain that all-gorgeous look!
As for sleeves, cap sleeves are most suitable for certain necklines, specifically U or V shapes. Then again, you might prefer long sleeves, especially if you are going in for embroidered necklines and chunky jewelry, especially necklaces. This will bring the right balance into your ensemble. You are bound to look real cool and chic!
Choose the Right Colours
Now, whether you are the bride, bridesmaid or guest, you would like to appear your best. Therefore, go for vibrant hues, but not colours that would look garish or guady. In general, pastel shades, bright pink, peach, deep maroon, Marsala, sea green, golden, etc, look glorious. They complement any kind of skin tone and complexion. However, you should keep your makeup as natural looking as possible. In fact, if you are skilled, you will even appear nude, which is, devoid of any kind of makeup! Wavy hairstyles, hair flowing down the back, etc, are good, too.
Matching Crop Tops to Body Frames
Considering that this is one of those few occasions, when you desire to look as glamorous as possible, restricting the crop top lehenga to certain body shapes would be cruel! There are ways to ensure that you realise your dream by making a few modifications to your dress. Here are a few tips.
Petite Figure – Ensure that your lehenga has a voluminous flare, after beginning with a straight cut. Another option is to have a straight cut with lesser pleats. Keep the crop top free flowing and relaxed. Do not load your dress with heavy embellishments. If you are lucky enough to have a flat stomach on your petite frame, you are bound to stun the audience!
Column/Rectangular Figure – Obviously, your bust and hip seem to be of the same size! Therefore, you require ‘creating’ some curves. It would be good to have a low neckline on your crop top. Alternatively, you may have a buttoned jacket type of crop top, which ends slightly above your waistline. Take care to choose the right fabric too.
Apple Shape – You are rather heavy about the hipline and bust line. Therefore, go for a short-sleeved or sleeveless crop top. Keep the lehenga weighty, and in a contrasting colour.
Plus-sized Body – Your crop top must end at the middle of your rib cage, and not go below it. This way, you will appear slimmer. It is best to opt for a sleeveless top with a rounded neckline. At the same time, let your crop top reveal a relaxed look. Your lehenga must be able to swirl comfortably around your figure as you move around.
Summary
The modern woman is fascinated by the combination of crop top-lehenga-dupatta. Fortunately, innovative couturiers have come up with crop tops suitable for all body frames.
