If they are not knife- sharp, they will bulge and result in you looking like a lumpy bag of aloo's. Western women are worried by clothes that skim the ground, and tend to wear a sari - inelegantly - at ankle level, this spoils the line.The pleats that are tucked in at the front are another crucial area. The range of patterns, dyes and fabrics is fabulous - from ikats of the north-east to the rich warm silks of the south - and women look wonderful in them, gliding like swans. Wrap it round you though, and you'll see its simplicity really is an illusion First, the length. It looks extraordinarily innocent, this simple five yard length of cloth, and is utterly seductive as a garment. If you go out in a saggy sari or make an ass of yourself in a shalwar, then all the world - and quite a few Asians - will be there to see your shame.

So is there a clear road to follow that will help the non-Asian avoid danger spots? The first rule is to be wary of the sari. Elizabeth David introduced the aubergine, Kenneth Lo popularised the wok and Birmingham gave us the balti, However non-Asian women have been more nervous about trying out Indian dress than they have been in playing with spices This is of course understandable. Workshop 178a King's Road, London SW3;52 Bow Lane, London EC4M and 1 Cabot Place East, Canary Wharf, London E14.Call 0171-738 2525 for mail order and catalogue.. Multicultural society - we are frequently told - means that everyone has more options. Call 0171-371 5333 for catalogue.Workshop the specialist shirtmakers also do a nice line in simple linen tunic tops with matching wide-legged trousers. "Why not try something vibrant, embroidered, luxurious?" Mrs Khan couldn't have put it better herself.Egg, 36 Kinnerton Street, London SWI (0171 235 9315)Ritu, 16 North Audley Street, London WIY 1WE (0171 491 4600)Wealth of Nations' current mail order catalogue has several shalwar kameez-style options including a knee-length Punjabi coat (Choga) pounds 95, which looks great worn with wide pyjama-style trousers (from pounds 55); and Indian linen Kurta Pajama (pounds 110 for the pair).