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As Diwali signals the season of lighting up the fashion quotient, Dubai-based designer Reema Ameer shares some insight on how women can style themselves to stand out from the crowd.

LOOK 1: Less is more

Being the belle of the festive ball doesn’t mean your get up needs to shine the brightest in terms of crystals, sequins or jewellery — it’s more important to make a subtle yet unique style statement so different from the rest that heads cannot help but turn your way.

LOOK 2: Cut above the rest

I would advise women to pay more attention to the quality of the fabric and the cut of the garment rather than how heavy the crystal/sequin embellishment is. I chose subtle embroidery over Swarovski every time.

LOOK 3: Ethnic tie-ins

When in traditional wear, I would advise wearing ethnic jewellery rather than contemporary western pieces. Sweep your hair off your face and let a statement Kundan neck piece or a pair of Polki earrings do the talking. It helps keep the overall look together.

LOOK 4: Colour me pretty

Diwali is the festival of lights and as such there is a lot of colour involved in festive outfits. On occasions like this I personally like to tone everything down as I feel more muted, pared down colours will stand out more against a sea of colours.

LOOK 5: Make a statement

As much as I like to keep things simple, I do also love a smokey eye and a statement red lip. Diwali is a great time to try this look especially if your outfit is a little less bright and bold.

— After being a journalist for 12 years, Reema Ameer retired her Louboutins for a life with little ones. Two baby girls later she launched her eponymous label in October 2013 in Dubai.