Real style tops

Jennifer Aniston topped a best dressed poll for her natural style sense. Time to get practical about what you wear?
It pays to be natural. Jennifer Aniston would know. Last week, the actress topped a People Magazine poll of best-dressed women of 2006 precisely for her ability to dress that way. Picked by online readers, Jen came out tops for a 'natural fashion sense', which largely includes jeans, T-shirts and blazers, as also an accessible evening style.The magazine's executive editor, Elizabeth Sporkin, was quoted as saying that Jennifer, "Dresses like a regular person, and her evening wear, if you were going to an event, you would think you could really dress like her."
With work hours blending into nightlife and even models like Kate Moss thriving on the whole cheap chic look, you no longer have to spend a million bucks to look like a million bucks. According to fashion store manager Vandana Mudkani, the jeans, tee and blazer look can take you a long way.
"It's the complete look; especially if you're in Bangalore — where you have four seasons in the day. The tee is perfect for the morning, and for a formal lunch or a nippy evening you can always throw on the jacket." And just like it is all about being practical and comfortable for Jennifer, it's the same for Vandana. "You don't want to be stuck in a tight dress or wear painfully high heels for three hours; especially if you're on your feet all day. Smart casuals are trendy yet comfortable," she adds.
Fashion professional Wendell Rodricks adds it's important to dress both natural and funky and over the top. "Some days you need your confidence from your clothes and some days you can shine on your own. In Aniston's case, people perceived her for the roles she's been playing. If she had to do a Sex and the City, I'm sure we'd see her in Manolo Blahniks — she would be looked at differently," Wendell says.
Model and music professional Kay says Jennifer deserved to top the best dressed list. "Her style is practical with a touch of glamour. And it's not the sort that can only look good on her." Kay says she herself doesn't buy brands. "For me it's about fits and materials."
And dressing practical is great on your pocket too, says model Anushka Sharma. "If everyone wears a nice pair of jeans, and a smart top, they can all be well-dressed. If being best dressed was about dressing expensive, then we'd all be wearing only designer clothes!" She feels her style is quite similar to Jennifer. "I live in my jeans but I make it look stylish by accessorising," says Anushka, adding that a metallic bag, a funky belt or hair pieces do the trick for her when she's going straight from a shoot to a party.
But fashion guru Prasad Bidapa doesn't think Jennifer's well-dressed. "I think Gwen Stefani's more stylish — she's vibrant and street smart; Jennifer's more preppie. Even a Padma Lakshmi is well dressed." Prasad says that being stylish to him is about being individualistic and not natural. "Your wardrobe should have influences from all over the world. Jeans and tees are fine, but you have to go over the top with bright colours and different silhouettes."
kanakhirani@indiatimes.com