The festive season is upon us yet again - which only further lays the groundwork for a whole lot of shopping! Replenish basics, but, with an infusion of colour; opt for knick-knacks to enhance your wardrobe and include a sexy separate; or just revamp your personal style with mature sensibility. It's time to go store hopping...

THE ITEM NUMBER: EMBELLISHED CHOLIS

Gemstone and pearl encrusted blouses adorning simplistic saris have paved the way for a style reversal, turning 180 degrees from what has been the norm so far. A welcome twist to stir up the festive fiesta.

HOW TO

If you belong to that lucky club of 'washboard stomach' women, your choli should speak volumes. Try an elaborate version and drape your sari to bare - either by taking the pallav around the neck like a stole, or, tied tight across your waist à la yesteryears Mumtaz, with the ends trailing through your fingers. For the not-so-lucky, but normal Eves, some behind-the-scenes detailing on the choli (crystal doris dangling down your back, a gold necklace pinned vertically from blouse to sari, or just a mish-mash of gota, zari and Chantilly lace borders patched on), will effectively move attention to this sensual area.

Stone-worked t-shirts, beaded halters, ruched tubes with sequins can all ably substitute as cholis, so you don't necessarily need to make a brand new purchase - however, if doing so, a multi-coloured version is a good option as it can be paired with any of your pure chiffons. Cholis and saris are no longer stuck to the hip like before, experiment and pair the former with long, open jackets and snug pedal pushers (See page 153) for va-va voom allure.

Any old swatches of brocade, maybe some ghungroos tucked away, dried flower stems sprayed in gold etc. can be fashioned into an interestingly styled bodice. After all, nothing spells 'one-of-a-kind' better than a personally designed original!

Go for it: Tabu, Madhu Sapre, Pooja Bedi.

Collections: Tarun Tahiliani, Pallavi Jaikishen, JJ Valaya, Ranna Gill.

THE APPEAL: GROWN-UP GLAMOUR

Shed the baby-girl, peaches and cream, sugar doll image for a more adult, sophisticated, but in-your-face persona. Go slinky, go lacy, go roller-set hair and defined eyes, go confident and self-assured - fashion for women has come of age.

HOW TO

The 'secretary' look that has pervaded international trends these past few months proves that hi-fashion glam needn't restrict itself to elaborate evening gowns only. To be stunningly irresistible during the day, team an ice-blue satin shirt (with a couple of buttons undone) with a pencil thin grey skirt (in blended wool, and some soft layers on one side for the added edge), casually knot up a rose cardigan around your neck, strap on a pearl watch (Christian Dior has a multi-purpose one), pull on skin-tone panty hose, slip into maroon feathered pumps and set the 'wow' limit to its maximum!

Does the Chanel influence work for you? Costume brooches, trimmed tweeds, fitted waist-length jackets and sassy berets are the way to go. Not your cup of tea? Try Roberto Cavalli's way - detailed, uber sexy dresses in a riot of colours and fabrics, complemented with impossibly high heels. Shahab Durazi and Suneet Varma fit in as Indian counterparts respectively.

The best way to achieve grown-up spunk is to correctly visualize what elements are indispensable to the statement…a singular piece can sometimes create a magical impression that an entire outfit may not…keep those Pucci print scarves handy, along with a chunky suede choker and a vibrant bandhini lehnga to act as sensational transformers. And always, always remember to accessorize!

Go for it: Karisma Kapoor, Rani Mukherji, Nawaz Modi Singhania.

Collections: Monisha Jaising, Versace, Dabiri, Carolina Herrera.