Red, she said

Shibani Dandekar and Farhan Akhtar at their wedding. Pic/Instagram

At her recently-concluded nuptials, all eyes were on actor-singer Shibani Dandekar's mermaid-style lehenga-gown. Crafted in red French Chantilly lace layered over a nude-pink base, the ensemble was a refreshing take on wedding couture, with its corset-style blouse and trailing red lace veil. With her outfit selection, Dandekar demonstrated how those who shy away from bright, bold colours could incorporate them into their wardrobes, even for dressier and more formal dos. Fashion stylist Mitali Ambekar and image consultant Greeshma Thampi elaborate further:

Mitali Ambekar and Greeshma Thampi

>>Break it up: Pairing red with a neutral, like Dandekar did, helps to create a more balanced look, says Ambekar. Using more delicate fabrics such as lace instead of heavier satins and velvets can also enhance the overall appeal.

>>Choose the right red: Make sure the shade you're wearing matches your skin's tone and undertone. "While brighter reds suit paler skin tones and cooler undertones, deep reds are best suited to deeper skin tones and warm undertones," Ambekar explains. Thampi points out that warmer tones of red such as ruby red, burgundy, crimson and mahogany complement Indian skin tones.

>> Use smaller proportions: Red accents, in the form of a blouse or shirt worn under a saree or a jacket, are great ways to incorporate the colour into your workwear. You could also brighten up a neutral outfit with red nail polish, lipstick, a bag or shoes, says Thampi. "There's a reason why the statement red sole of Christian Louboutin shoes is so iconic - it lets you add some vivaciousness to a more formal look, without overwhelming it completely," she concludes.