Never one to sit out a chance to play dress up, fashion is a way of life for Sonam Kapoor.
Unlike most actresses who indulge in designer clothing to assert their star status, style for the Khoobsurat girl means expression, an extension of her vibrant, creative personality.
It may not always hit bulls eye but there's an element of fun and fearlessness in the manner she shows off her eclectic wardrobe and know-how of exquisite accessories.
Criticised for trying too hard and still Bollywood's most copied fashionista, we love how things are never dull around the queen of couture.
On her 31st birthday, we bring you Sonam's 15 most experimental avatars.
In fitting pants and ruffles shirt, Sonam elevates her chic monochrome with a retro updo in ways that would make burlesque star Dita Von Teese (external link) super proud.
The Neerja star is perfectly statuesque in her sequined peach Anamika Khanna ensemble that marries the grace of a sari and drape of a dhoti to exotic effect.
Remember the time we wrapped ourselves in mum's sari over a shirt or tee? Trust Sonam to create a trendsetting statement doing the same on the red carpet.
Chunky earrings, hair tied in a topknot, animal-print maxi dress, slick Sonam could well be on her way to Studio 54.
If Blair Waldorf made headbands 'in,' Juhu's answer to Upper East Side's most sophisticated inhabitant tries to work the nose ring like only she can.
Sonam Kapoor's 'bird' costume at Cannes became the butt of a million jokes but it sure lives up to the star's avant-garde reputation.
Ever the rebel, Sonam gives the sari a refreshingly sexy treatment pairing a classic red and white weave with an off shoulder, flared blouse and silver jewellery.
The Saawariya beauty is a vision making her Cannes debut in 2011 sashaying in tulle overlay Jean Paul Gaultier creation. The outfit aptly combines her edgy style and the classy vibe of the event.
Overwhelming as it is, you've got to admit Sonam radiates poise in her unusual take on the high-waist, low-neck take on black and white formals.
Where most stars are dying to flaunt their gym bodies in skimpy dresses, Sonam is only too happy to hop about in a Spanish-designer's balloon skirt and frilly shirt.
What happens when a powder blue silk robe meets a golden tissue sari half way? A compromise that looks rather dishy when endorsed by the high priestess of fashion.
Sonam easily pulls off the kimono-inspired pleated train of her ivory and silver dress.
Channelling her inner bumblebee or not, Sonam sure scores for not yielding to convention.
Proving that candy hues aren't limited to M&Ms, Sonam lights up the frame sporting a hip and colourful Manish Arora sari.
Love it, loathe it, the girl doesn't do run of the mill. Case in point: that quirky Sonam touch on a sharply tailored Antonio Berardi suit.
