Who says everyday dressing has to be predictable?
Your day out -- at work or for meetings, to go shopping or to the movies or just hanging out with your family and friends -- is your ramp.
After all, style is intensely personal. It reflects who you are. And, without saying a word, it sends a message to the world about you.
Haven't you, during the course of a busy day, paused for a second to look at a well-dressed person?
Don't your eyes light up with admiration when an elegantly put together colleague walks in?
That why we are introducing Everyday Glam, a series that celebrates Your sense of style. We'd love to see how you use style as a form of creativity, how you transform what you wear every day into a moment of inspiration.
If you would like to feature in this series, please send us your photographs (at least 6). Tell us about yourself and what you do in around 500 words. Do also tell us about the role fashion plays in your life. Mail us at getahead@rediff.co.in (Everyday Glam).
Meet Dr Akanksha Mantri, who proves that style can be elegant, experimental and full of personality no matter the occasion.
A dentist with a master's degree in healthcare management from the Alliance Manchester Business School, UK, Akanksha is also associated with Bollywood choreography and the entertainment industry and is the founder of Elysian Evenings, a curated events and experiences company.
With a wardrobe that moves effortlessly between crisp linens, statement saris and glamorous evening silhouettes, she believes the secret to great style is knowing what to wear, where to wear it to and, most importantly, how to make it your own.
Dress for the moment
Akanksha doesn't believe in putting her personal style into a neat little box.
Her philosophy is simple: 'When in Rome, act like the Romans.'
For her, dressing is about understanding the moment, the people and the place while still adding her own personality to the look.
What works for a casual day out may not work for a celebration and that versatility keeps her wardrobe interesting.
Saris are always a good idea
If there's one fashion trend Akanksha can't get enough of, it's the sari.
She particularly loves south Indian bordered saris for their ability to look traditional, modern, chic and elegant all at once.
For her, a sari has the power to define an entire look without needing too much effort.
Comfort meets fashion
Akanksha likes her fashion with a generous dose of comfort.
Loose linen trousers, easy shirts and block heels are some of her favourites but she never stops at the basics. A bold oxidised neckpiece or statement accessory is often added to give the outfit that extra edge. For her, comfortable dressing is never an excuse to compromise on style.
Her no-brainer fashion formula
When she's rushing, Akanksha keeps things simple with high-waisted loose trousers, a snug-fitting T-shirt tucked in and a good pair of earrings. It's her fuss-free, no-thinking-required formula that still manages to look polished.
Her wardrobe MVP
If Akanksha could recommend one fashion essential to everyone, it would be linen.
Whether it's a shirt, a pair of trousers or a dress, she believes the fabric can be dressed up or down while always looking classy.
Comfortable, chic and endlessly versatile, it fits perfectly into her approach to fashion.
Her style inspiration
When it comes to celebrity fashion, Akanksha looks to Priyanka Chopra Jonas for inspiration.
She admires how Priyanka can effortlessly switch between her desi-girl aesthetic and high-glam international looks, always knowing what to wear and how to carry it without making fashion look forced.
Statement jewellery seals the deal
Akanksha is firmly in the statement jewellery camp.
Pearls are a particular favourite, with oversized pearl earrings complementing closed-neck outfits.
For deeper necklines, she prefers a striking neckpiece that makes an impact without looking overly party-ready.
Fashion is about experimenting
Fashion disasters are part of the fun for Akanksha.
She has experienced both overdressing for ceremonies and underdressing for supposedly casual evenings, along with a few questionable colour experiments.
Rather than regret them, she sees them as lessons in finding what works.
After all, stepping outside your comfort zone is what keeps fashion from becoming boring.
Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff
