Deepika Padukone sets trends faster than we can keep up with, but the one fashion fact we love most about the star is her nose for super cool colour combinations that really play up Indian skin tones. So if you’re tired of playing it safe with navy blue and white, or black and white, or navy blue and black with the occasional red thrown in for variety, you should pay attention. Here’s a colour-coded breakdown of Deepika’s photogenic wardrobe choices, dreamt up by superstylist Shaleena Nathani which you should shamelessly steal.
Hot pink and purple
Yes, we can hear you murmuring, “but won’t I look like an mutant baingan?” Not if you contrast textures, play with dramatic silhouettes and keep your hair and make-up look minimal. Confidence is key to pulling off any look, and the only person you need to convince is the one staring back at you from the mirror.
Red and hot pink
We’re seeing Deepika’s predilection for pink, and we can’t blame her. The heart-stopping shade — referred to as rani pink in your local cloth shop — was basically invented to pop on dusky Indian skin, which explains why it’s a de facto part of any Indian bridal trousseau.
Gunmetal and olive green
Olive green makes desi skin glow like you’ve given yourself an hour-long (olive) oil massage. Choose gunmetal instead of stark black to bring out the softness of the hue.
Blush and maroon
Blush is the new neutral, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
Camel and mustard
Nope, not the name of an alt-rock band. That camel trenchcoat is the perfect foil to a tone-on-tone mustard ensemble paired with caramel leather shoes. Deepika looks like a freshly baked Danish pastry and we are hungry and here for it.