Fashionista’s cut

If yoursquore on Netflix itrsquos hard to ignore Malcolm amp Marie on the homepage Sam Levinsonrsquos black and white film is visually stunning but what also stays with you if you love fashion or Zendaya the lead actress who essays the role of Marie is the dress she wears through a major part of the movieZendaya wears a custommade silk lameacute gown by Aliette in Malcolm amp Marie PicFacebookStyled by Law Roach and designed by Jason Rembert of Aliette Marie dons a metallic silk lame cutout gown Itrsquos a daring choice if yoursquore not living in a Levinson film but if you want a go at it anyway we invited citybased stylists Kayal Parakh and Shivani Patil to show you howShivani PatilDonrsquot cut off comfortThe first thing to assess when opting for a cutout dress is the number of cut outs on it ndash and how comfortable yoursquore going to be with them In the one Zendaya is wearing for instance there is a significant portion left bare from the bust towards the midriff coupled with a halter neck and a thighhigh slit ldquoBut there are many different variations to a cutoutKayal ParakhNow you can also spot the style in Indian wear particularly cutouts on the side and the waistline in anarkalis If you are heavier on the sides or arenrsquot comfortable showing that area off play around with the neckline and go halter Else the easiest thing to do is choose a dress with a small triangular cutout under the bustrdquo Parakh suggests while Patil adds that such a design works well for women with an hourglass pearshaped figureItrsquos best to leave your neck bare and keep your makeup minimal like Parakhrsquos styling for these models for the label ZwaanAlways check the inside and outsideUnless you donrsquot wish to conceal lingerie you will need to pick your innerwear based on the placement of the cut out For instance if the back design can accommodate a bra then opt for a strapless one If it canrsquot and you donrsquot want your bra interfering with it then you can try a stickon bra nipple stickers or breast lifting tape that Parakh points out Kim Kardashian made famousIf your dress has a cutout in an area where it might be difficult to conceal your innerwear like Kareena Kapoor Khanrsquos opt for a stickon bra nipple stickers or breast lift tapeThe stylist also states that flowy fabrics like satin georgette or crepe work best with cutout designs ldquoStiff fabrics even a thick silk wonrsquot give you a dramatic feelrdquo says Parakh ldquoDo not wear a cut out dress in knit fabrics Make sure the fit is right If the cut is at the front of your dress it is essential that it fits aptly to the bust to avoid an lsquooopsrsquo momentrdquo adds Patil Keep accessories to a minimum too leave the neck bare and pick earrings bracelets and rings instead For shoes stilettos are the best option but if you prefer flats gladiators and laceup heels are your best friend