SURPRISINGLY SMART: THE SHIRTDRESS
Varying in style lines and cuts, the shirtdress makes your wardrobe as versatile as can be - from pleasantly peasant to dramatically double breasted, your options are numerous, and no matter which version you choose, the shirtdress is 100 per cent girl in all its guises...

Styling Mantras

• Printed and embroidered in floral, paisley and abstract motifs, belted at the hip; ruched; buttons and seams askew; wraparound, bib-fronts; sleeves rolled up - there's loads to pick from this monsoon favourite. Team with cropped denims, linen capris or embossed net churidars.
• If you're one of those boho chic followers who have lamented the ouster of the peasant style, there is good news for you - puffed sleeve shirtdresses are very de rigueur right now. Combine a laced up white creation with a printed or tiered skirt swirling at the ankle. Add a trinket belt or an obi sash for some funky oomph.
• The shirtdress makes for a perfect office get-up as well. Try a wide collared, charcoal pinstripe, straight fit with a pair of cigarette pants for that important board meeting and just lose the bottoms for a quick evening transformation!
• Slip on a PVC rain slicker in electric pink, yellow, blue or orange to suffuse an oh-so-gloomy day of showers with a dash of bright colour. Couple with a contrasting neon bag that screams style. For a late night soirée, opt for a shimmery, embroidered trench (probably your best buy for the season) as your choice of scintillating ensemble.

Go for it: Parmeshwar Godrej, Ramona Vadhera, Nina Manuel.
Collections: Sabyasachi, Maheka Mirpuri, Louis Vuitton, Mango.