It is that time of the year when you essentially feel good. The string of festivals waiting in the wings call for a festive wardrobe. So what are the must buys to make you stand out in a crowd? Ritusmita Biswas finds out.

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Whatever you buy this autumn for the forthcoming season of festivals starting with Durga Puja make sure that they are colourful. Colours are back with a vengeance and the hot colours this year are dusty apricot, old gold, mustard yellow, honey, yellow gold, bright pink, dusky pink, hot fuchsia pink, chilli red, burgundy etc.

And then there’s green. Since last year, the colour has been dominating the fashion scene. In fact, there are so many shades to choose from that every skin tone can find a green to suit it. But the colour story does not stop there; Metallic Colours are hot for Autumn 2005. Says designer Amita Sharma: “Metallics and more metallics will shimmer and shine on many diverse materials. Coloured tights in copper and other metallic tones will be a happening look for the next few seasons.”

A market survey reveals that this puja bright colours at times combined with embroidery or zardausi artwork will steal the show. This is the time when almost everyone prefers traditional clothes. Though the Bengali traditional weave taant remains the eternal favourite, yet like last year, there is an increasing craze for chiffon, georgette and crepes with embroidery or zari work done on them. In fact, the typical bahu look that is light sarees with heavy zari work (both gold and silver and oxidized ones), beads and mirror works paired up with costume jewellery and glass bangles are again among the top favourite looks this season.

In case of cotton saris, like taant or Tangail or printed ones, there is a trend of hand paint and threadwork. The weaving technique also displays the blending of traditional Bengali motifs with that from other parts of India.

As to salwar kameez suits, another traditional dress that almost everyone buys during the pujas, the favourites seem to be those which are heavily embroidered or are hand painted. Short sleeves are slowly giving way to three quarters. Though the latest trend in salwar is a loose form called Patiala cut or a looser one called Afghani cut, the tight churidar will retain its position to a large extent.

Also this season decorum in dress is back. Trash dressing is dead - ladylike is the mood of the moment. Chic and refined, polished and dignified, graceful and groomed is in. Skirts are back in a big way for women opting for western clothes. Women from 14 to 40 are swearing by A-line or uneven cut skirts that add an aura of femininity to their persona.

Prints have been dominating the fashion scene for quite sometime now. And it is not only the conventional mix of solids with prints. In fact, well contrasting prints complementing each other –like checks with rosy impressions, plaids with graphics, stripes with bird motifs, will be hot this coming season..

Even in case of men’s fashion there is a marked dominance of prints as more and more young men, while choosing their party wear, are opting for prints, at times floral prints in so called feminine colours as fuscia pink. Says designer Sayantani Sarkar: “Men of our age are adventurous and willing to experiment. Printed shirts in crepes or chiffon are hot this time and a must have in your wardrobe.” Monochromatic shirts are also happening. T-shirts vary from full sleeve to short sleeve and from collar to collar-free varieties. Jeans redefine fashion trend this year with boot cut, wash varieties, imported light varieties as well as khakis. Trousers will be available in both pleated and plain cut side by side with the chinos.

Matching accessories and loads of them are a must for the fashion conscious. The gypsy look the in thing now. Fusion is happening and so team up your western dresses with Indian accessories. Bangles are back with a bang and so ensure that you have loads of them stocked. They need not be matched because the mismatched look is trendy right now. So try mixing bangles of all sorts of shapes and sizes. The bigger, the funkier. If big bangles are not your cup of tea go for thin rubber fluorescent ones or for minakari glass chudis. Do not keep a count; just add on as many as you can. They will go really well with your short faded denim dress. You could also try wearing chunky beady necklaces around your hand and it’s sure to make heads turn.

For dressy occasions, this season women can go in for light hoops and earrings. Short bags, especially in square shapes, should be appropriate for all occasions. However, it is important that you concentrate on the kind of shoes you are wearing. Front open footwear in bright shades will add that essential spark to your attire.

On cosmetics, the ideal look this season is shimmery eyes and light lips. Eyes should be made bright, subtle and sensuous. The pink and blue eye shadows have made a comeback and so have colours like fluorescent green. Highlights are a strict no-no and matte is in..

Doll up as much as you would like in the festival times but as always do keep in mind your age, skin and suitability factor.