Look 1:

This floral off-shoulder top from Aeropostale is one of my favourites because it is both versatile and flattering. Be it a casual gathering with friends or a formal dinner on a cruise, it fits right in. I also love the fact that it takes the attention away from the belly area and highlights my shoulders and collar bones, which happen to be well-toned 😉

Here I’ve teamed it up with a classic pair of black ankle-length trousers from Charter Club and comfortable black sandals from Clarks for an easy-going yet formal look. Since I find it difficult to carry large, heavy earrings, I wear my hair short and jazz up my outfits with statement necklaces, scarves and bracelets. This silver neckpiece was picked up from the street markets of Bhutan. Also, I wouldn’t be caught dead without a bright lipstick. The one I’m wearing in this picture is a beautiful pinkish-peach shade by Estee Lauder called ‘Rebellious Rose’.

Look 2:

This look has an interesting story behind it. The orange and gold banarasi brocade dupatta was a gift from someone, and I completely fell in love with it. The floor-length anarkali gown was custom-designed by Alka Anokhi Designer Studio in Aashiana, Lucknow to go with the dupatta. I needed something nice for a winter wedding in the family, but I did not want to wear the clichéd winter colours—hence the choice of soft pastel green in cotton silk. The golden chequered fabric was patched on the cuff to break the monotone and make the outfit dressier. Since the colours are vibrant, I have gone easy on the accessories and thrown on a simple 18-carat necklace in Italian gold. The pinkish-orange lipstick (‘Jealous’) by Estee Lauder completes the look.

(Archna Singh, 59 is a pathologist, trained classical singer and a fitness enthusiast)