I have been traveling a great deal lately to India (Pune and Bombay), as I have recently opened another consultancy there, while continuing to manage my client base here in the US. This article has been inspired by my travels...as always, please feel free to call, write or comment if you wish – and don't hesitate to ask if you have any style or trend questions!

Indians in general are some of the most intelligent, warmest and friendliest people I have known, and are completely open to new ideas and thoughts, while still respecting their old values and traditions. For the most part, they have managed to bridge old and new, and East and West, very gracefully. The only inconsistency I have noticed recently however, is the awkwardness when trying to incorporate Indian and Western style into their clothing!

Here are some things I have noticed of Indian people, that should be avoided in order to keep their natural grace while utilizing Western styles:

1) Unnatural hair color - men and women have been dying their hair in name of vanity for thousands of years, and with Indians, henna is very popular. However, if your hair is completely white and you are using red henna, hair will turn an unnatural burnt orange color, which is not attractive on most people, but especially on those with darker complexions. It will make your skin look orange, like you've been eating too many carrots! Switch to black henna or put tea grounds in your regular henna which will darken the shade and make it more natural. If you get highlights, PLEASE don't get them done too light!! Blonde or light caramel color tends to look very washed out and unnatural on Indian skin. The Indian sun tends to bleach your hair further, so if you do have highlights, you will have to get lowlights (darker streaks) periodically.

2) Expensive clothes, cheap shoes – I can't tell you how many women I have seen, literally dripping with diamonds, and draped in the finest Satya Paul, but wearing pleather shoes from Payless! Culturally, jewelry and saris are investments into a woman's personal wealth, but please invest in your whole image as well, as your shoes will speak volumes about your personality. And if you do find a perfect pair of sandals to go with your favorite sari, do take a moment to pretty up your pedicure as well!

3) Too much is just too much...Indians tend to wear too much jewelry, too much makeup, and too many colors together. Try to tone down the jewelry and make-up, and learn the cosmetic colors that really work for your skin tone. Don't wear too many bright colors together – like a red shirt and yellow slacks – unless your style icon is Govinda. 

4) Bindis with Western outfits – some readers may not agree with me, but I truly feel that bright bindis don't go with western clothing like slacks or jeans. The bindi is traditionally worn by hindu women and is believed to protect women and their husbands. It symbolizes the opening of their spiritual third eye and is also associated with Yoga and Aryuvedic principles. It's definitely appropriate to wear with saris, salwar khameez, and other indian clothing, and I love all the newest styles and beautiful colors but when worn with jeans, a bindi looks clumsy and ungraceful – or like you're trying to look like Madonna or Gwen Stefani! If your tradition obliges you to wear a bindi at all times, make sure it is tiny and discreet when wearing western clothes. 

5) Western clothes instead of Indian! If we are Indian, why shouldn't we wear Indian clothes?

The most important thing to remember is that your appearance will play a significant role in your success in the corporate world, and if you're not sure of what to wear, dress up. As I always say, "No one ever got fired for wearing a suit".