My office is about 30 km from where I live.  Like many others I travel by Metro.  It is quick, saves time, money, hassle of getting bored in traffic jams and is fully air conditioned unlike tube in London.  Apart from what I've mentioned above Delhi Metro is a big source of inspiration for everything I do.  People from all walks of life travel in Metro, and believe me if that diversity doesn't inspire you nothing else will.  From students to professionals, from businessmen to senior citizens, for me, they are all an inspiration in their own way.

It was a girl reading a book that inspired me for this article.  Without a doubt it was her pretty face and the bracelet on her left wrist that caught my eye at first.  'You are beautiful' was what I wanted to sing to her, luckily I know my limitations when it comes to singing.  My head was shouting over and over again.  Break the ice, say something! Something smart!  It was then I noticed a book lying gently on her palms, as she turned the page some words just fell out of my mouth. 

'What are you reading?'  I asked!  She looked up through her black and gray Armani spectacles (I noticed the color and the make of her frame).  'Three mistakes of my life' she said with a sigh.  Interesting?  I asked.  'Can't say, only started reading last night.'  what followed was a long silence.  Not sure if we were waiting for either one of us to start some small talk or maybe she just thought of me as some weirdo trying to chat her up.  She must've had many of them I am sure. 

Anyway by now I had already drifted away from her beauty and voice to the world of fashion.  That title gave me an idea for my next article.  The one you are reading now.  I write on fashion and style and sometimes it annoys me to see people commit fashion suicide.  Everyday I see someone ruining an otherwise perfect look with an accessory or a jacket even better by wearing socks with flip flops.  Arghhhh.... These are as I call them “School boy errors.”  In other words they all add up to the 'Seven Deadly Sins Of Style And Fashion.' 

I don't think that dressing is rocket science.  Then why do I still see many get it wrong?  I don't want to beat around the bush and be nice to you.  I just want you to know that there are some things that will always be wrong when it comes to fashion.  This time all I want to write about is 'how to look good' instead of talking about a single new look.

Sins of style

Just like seven deadly sins in Bible, I have broken up fashion and style disasters in to seven deadliest sins.  I use the word 'deadliest' because they really are fatal.... actually suicidal may be the right word.

Somewhere between my subtle outburst on suicidal fashion and school boy errors, I broke the chain of events that inspired me to write this article.  So this girl in the metro (I won't disclose the name as I never asked) was without a shadow of a doubt beautiful and her entire look!  Fair to say that I have seen a few carry a camisole top the way she did complementing her top were her ankle length denims slightly ripped from the knees. 

I believe I have already mentioned her bracelet and matching beaded necklace, even the colors were coordinated.  It was then.... I saw a flash in the sky and looked down at her feet!  Yes the flip flops with white socks.... repeat Arghhhh 'school boy error'.  She was a fine example of style suicide.  A simple mistake that turned in to #1 style sin.

Sin #1:  Getting the details wrong

Just like that girl in the metro, there are many others who ruin an otherwise perfect look.  Just because they got the details wrong.  A well chosen outfit can be marred or improved for that matter just by paying attention to little details.  I believe I have spoken before about the importance of attention to details and there is a reason for that. 

The human brain makes most of its judgments visually.  We form our impression of people within a few seconds of meeting them.  There is a possibility that later interactions may change that impression but the brain will continue thinking that a quality dresser is a quality person.  Just like in this case that girl committed a murderous sin just by getting her shoe wrong.  She could've done with some nice slip ons or ballerina shoes, moccasins even the flip flops would've done just fine if not for the socks!  Maybe it was just one off or maybe it's no big deal to the people she hangs out with, but seriously?!

She isn't the only one.  Just now while writing this article I saw a colleague of mine wearing black sports shoe with yellow and white Punjabi suit.  Huh!  Well hellooo....  why would you do that?!  'They're comfortable as I have to walk a lot' was her answer.  Yeah I know they are but then why not wear them with denims? 

This doesn't end here.  It is not just the shoes that come in this category.  A headband, scarf, bracelets, jackets, denims, belts.... You name it and we have this penchant for turning ourselves into walking fashion disaster.  What would you tell a man wearing a green belt with black trousers and white shirt?  Now top it up with some regular Nike Air.  How about that girl wearing a bright yellow top with blue denims and red shoes?  Come on people just a little attention to what you wear ain't gonna hurt you.  At worst it will make you look good, better than usual maybe.

I see dressing well as an act of personal transformation for example:  I style myself in a suit because that makes me feel powerful.  I might chose a style that looks more responsible or  younger or relaxed or artistic and dress accordingly.  Looking good always translates into feeling good for me.  Perhaps dressing well and paying attention to minor details can be a habit which will make you a cleverer and more observant human being.  This is something that cannot be taught unless you try this yourself.  By avoiding this first sin of style and fashion you will at least be taking a step in the right direction or so I believe.

It is always good to learn new things and be open to accept the abundance of knowledge.  I do it so I can help you with your appearance and honestly, if I can make a difference to anyone of your styles, I will take it as mission accomplished.  Remember I too need to update my knowledge on styles and fashion everyday.  Such is the world of fashion. 

You can keep yourself updated on the same.  Keep visiting my page.  I'll do the hard work, you can use it to your benefit.  Want me to talk about something in particular?  Just shout it out on our website.  Next week I will talk about the second deadly sin of style.  Any guesses what it might be?

I am C.a.sh your helping hand in the world of fashion and style.