The idea of hitting the gym is to sweat it out, lose some kilos and maintain a fit and great figure.However, that doesn't mean that you have to step out looking drab after an extensive workout. While basics like having a shower, or at least washing your face, neck and hands before stepping out of the gym is a must, it is also important to know some quick-fix solutions when you want to look hot post your gym workout.

WIPE OFF THE FLUSH 

With the increasing intensity of your workout, you will be left feeling flushed.“For many women, redness of skin is a constant irritant.The best fix for that is to splash cold water on your face,“ says beauty expert Salma Khan.“Always carry a cooling mist, prefer ably rose water, in your gym bag. Spray some on your face every half hour after wiping off the sweat. This will keep your skin from clogging and also prevent itch ing and redness,“ she adds.

Use wet tissues to wipe your face instead of a towel as it might harm the delicate facial skin. Wet tissues not only cleanse your face, but also leave behind a whiff of fra grance.

Says Salma, “Many think toner and cleansing milk should be applied only in the morning or just before you sleep.But, they come in handy when you are done with your workout too. Just wipe your face with water, and apply some toner or cleanser. This will completely absorb sweat from your body . But if you are using cleansing milk, remember to wipe that off with a small ball of cotton after application because it will make your face appear oily.“

KEEP A MASCARA HANDY

Always carry waterproof mascara with you. “The biggest problem with mascara is that it gets flaky after a while. To avoid that hassle, apply a minute quantity of face powder on the lashes after using mascara. It helps, especially after you finish gymming, when the chances of your mascara running down are more,“ adds Salma.

If you are one of those people who go to the gym with basic makeup on, then it's advisable to carry a few soft car wipers with you. “Wet them and just pat it on your face after workout. It absorbs sweat and leaves the makeup intact,“ says Anahita Shetty , a CA student.

TIE UP LOOSE STRANDS

How you wear your hair during a workout goes a long way in determining how your hair will look after the session.Says Anahita, “I always wear my hair in a high pony and plait it. This way , my hair doesn't fall on my face while I'm working out or form a wet lump on my back. Tying up your hair also means no tangles by the end of the session.“ She adds, “Wearing a headband also helps.“

Has your hair become wet and sticky from exercising?

One of the easiest ways to dry it is by placing your head under the hand dryer in the bathroom. Madhavi Devi, a gym instructor, say , “Ensure you don't stand too close to the dryer. You don't want your hair sucked in! Meanwhile, keep detangling your hair with your hand to acquire a wavy , tousled look.“

On the other hand, if you want to smooth down your hair, just wet your palms and run them through your hair.“Water reduces frizz and gives lustre to your hair. You can apply a mild hand cream on your palms before smoothing your hair. Spraying a toner will give your hair a rich look,“ says Salma. 

POWDER YOUR FEET

Your feet are as important as the rest of your body. “As soon as you remove your gym socks, wash your feet with antibacterial liquid and pat them dry completely. Apply talcum powder or moisturising cream on them. Spraying foot deodorant will not only kill the bacteria, but also make your feet smell good,“ says Madhavi.









REGAL REVIVAL

Festive dressing for guys gets a vintage upgrade this season, with revival silhouettes from Mughal history.

There is more to men's traditional wardrobe than a simple set of pajama kurta or a stiff s h e r wani.Rework iconic stylish cuts like jama, angarkha, bandi etc. Revisit history for style tips; think Bajirao Peshwa or refer to Maharana Pratap's paintings.Tip: Keep the colour palette muted and neutral. Add a punch of pop in the form of a shawl on your silk, flared angarkha. This style works best for guys with great physique and height as this and height as this body type makes the pattern look more masculine and stylish.

MAXI ANARKALI

Yes, it's the answer to all your prayers for versatile and not-too-blingy style pieces. The plain black torso allows you to experiment with lay ers of glistening gold chains and chandelier ear rings .

Attending a close friend's wed ding? Put on your heaviest kundan neck piece for the ultimate ethno-mod ern look. For a not-so-festive outing, throw an oversized black button-down shirt with vintage gold enamel brooches on pockets and a metallic black waist belt.

Tip: Let one chunky jew ellery add to the glamour quotient.

SHEER PLEASURE

Rock the sheer trend by implementing it in unusual ways. Ditch that fancy, heavy dupatta with latkans and trip ping borders and sport a short tulle cape instead.

Invest in a heavily adorned corset blouse; it is a versatile piece that's modern yet Indi an in its soul. This decon structed saree avatar resembles the classic Valentino saree gown sported by former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy in the 1960s.

Tip: Take the pastel route to make sure it looks princely.

MAHARAJA ANDROGYNY

If you're tired of flared anarkalis and messy pleated sarees, it's time to raid your better half's wardrobe.

Think androgyny the maharaja way. A well-cut and beauti fully-constructed sherwani suit works amazingly on the amazon ian body type.

To look leaner and taller, go for the placement of vertical embellish ments with tone on tone colour.

Tip: For a Rajputana chutzpah, accessorise with a Rajasthani bor (ornament for forehead) and complete with classic leather oxfords.

BLACK IS THE NEW BLACK

Time to rethink our traditional colour palette and infuse some offbeat and bold colours, which are often consid ered less auspicious. For a showstopping look, create styles with offbeat place ments of grand, contemporary motifs. Balance the black as well as the opulence of the state-of-art flare by opting for a self-tonal golden body.

Tip: A bold maroon bindi with a pair of delicate chandbalis and a high bun with fresh jasmine gajra will complement this look perfectly.

MIX AND MATCH

Youthful and experimental men today are daring to try new styles and silhouettes. Layering is the key to suc cessful dressing.

Modify the stiff sherwani into a short coat and team it with a classic kurta and silk dhoti.

To make this mix-and match per fectly fall in place, focus on the unique equation of colours and avoid too many embell ishments.

Tip: Restrict the detailing to the sleeves and place the embroidery in a sporty, striped design as shown in the pic.Complete the look with classic tie-ups.

YOUR CRASH-COURSE TO CHIC WEDDING DRESSING

It's time to pull out those textile treasures and flaunt your heirloom heritage. To wear them with a twist, team a classic gold Kanjeevaram saree with a polo neck black blouse.

Matching sets are passé. Mix jewels to create unusual layered looks. Team diamonds with oxidised silver and matt gold jewels with timeless temple jewellery.

Oxfords with sarees is bold, daring and quirky. “Make custom lace-up shoes in brocade and silk; they add an element of surprise to the otherwise traditional saree. For that ex tra punch, team them with chunky tribal anklets,“ says designer Aniket Satam.

Nothing defines festivity like a bunch of fresh flowers in your hair. Couple marigold with dainty yellow floral buds to convert a simple chignon into a perfumed hairdo. Think pastel chrysanthemums with pearl pins.

Anarkalis are done to death; it's time to go back to the classic kurta-churidar look. Think 60s sheath and shift kurta silhouettes with aligarh pants. Go OTT with 80s style XXL kalidar kurta with gussets. Try Pakistani kaftans with culottes.

Like anarkalis, even lehengas need to go back to fashion cemetery for some muchneeded rest. It's time for leggy shararas and ghararas. Skirts are now replaced with bifurcated palazzos and elephant pants that have the grace of flare with the ease of movement.Team them with ditsy blouses instead of the usual kurti.

Men need to get out of their comfort zone and experiment with fabrics and layering.“Bandi with flared angarkha and pencil churi dar is cool so is the khadi bomber jacket over simple chikan kurta worn with linen pants,“ says Satam.

Dress your gadgets in desi attire. Invest in pop kitsch phone and ipad covers to complement your outfits. A sleek metallic cover goes best with everything.