Hard on the pocket is a passé and with price tags notwithstanding, the typical Madurai shopper seems to be finding fun and freedom through clothing. Lively colors, untailored feel imparted to the silhouettes, easy going fabrics, vibrant prints and loose fit with oriental overlaps form the highlights this New Year, as fashion also inches its inspiration towards nature.
This season is dominated by floral and botanical prints, pallid colors and a minimal look for men, though women are having a gala time. The winter collection in most stores consists of ready-to-wear smart casuals, the brand regulars and a large portion of knitwear. This time around, knits find ample favor among the fashion conscious. It also insulates from the cold weather and helps a relaxed look.
‘Underplayed’ in vogue
For men the major elements of style this season are the contemporary stripes, cross-checks in cotton shirts and Dobby patterns. The cow-boy cuffs and overlap shoulder panels are in, providing a strong underplayed impression. Supportive elements like metal buttons and heavy paneling accentuates a complete look. The color palette goes even more subtle than the last season, with tints of muted beige, mauve, sky blue and lemon green.
Other than the denims, the options for men lowers is exciting, with scrub style pants in chintz and mercerized cotton. Stone wash trousers and casual narrow fit pants are back in unusual hues of khakhi, olive green and bluish grey.
Corduroys in dark shades of purple, maroon and damp green are in vogue, adding an element of fun to the cotton and knit flooded collection. “I travel long distances for work and spend hours on construction sites, so I prefer corduroys. They are easy to wash and falls heavy on the skin apt for the misty mornings” shares, Mr. Vetri, a PWD employee.
In the section of knitwear, T-shirts with abstract graphic prints are available in similar shades of the shirts. The neutral colors are complimented by the attention-grabbing prints. Mundane black and dark browns are done away with.
“Knitwear like T-shirts helps in sporting a younger look with different style elements and urban prints. The full-sleeved ones are best during this season” swears, Muthukumar, a part-time MNC worker.
Winter wears
Woolen knit sweat shirts in full-sleeve, hooded winter wears with contrast piping and padded jackets with leather panels are available in dark organic colors.
“These outfits are usually worn with denims or tracksuits. Though not necessary for the Madurai weather, college students do opt for these for the style quotient. Apart from them, people who go abroad regularly pick these up every winter.”
Says, a store personnel, who deals with men’s wear.
The other ‘men in-thing’ is the mufflers in adorable solid colors with minimal check patterns. “Woolen knit mufflers though light weighted, serve the chill weather and are worn upon the casual shirts. But, we usually stock a very basic and simple design in minimum quantity as there are only a sorted section of people who prefer these in our city” He adds.
Happening big time!
On the contrast, the style scene for women is happening big time! It puts across a fragile and intense combination. The prints are predominantly floral and delicate in the case of dresses. Knee-length tunic tops are hot this season than the usual t-shirts. Puffed sleeves and collared necks are back in tunics. The parallel cylindrical silhouette is maintained with minor tucks and darts along the hip line.
“New Year fever is going to be there for some time now. So, the best option this time is exclusive party tops in satin or silk blends that might perfectly sit on a black laced legging or a formal trouser. Accessories like studded belts and dance shoes also form my party wear line.” Says, Ms. Beatrice, a MSc student.
T-shirts for women flash a bling appearance this time with pop art and cartoon prints in gold and silver. Straight fit denims in regular rise are here to stay but with girly inputs and minor additions like the glitter embroidery on the rear pockets and embellished with shiny stone studs.
Available in suede and napped fabrics, stoles come in vibrant colors and prints, stoles apart from the traditional varieties.
“Well, initially, I used to take stoles to suit the modest mode of dressing in Madurai, now I find it a style-enhancer in my clothing. Ethnic Stoles usually go upon kurtis or chudidhars and have been quite common recently.” Says, Ms. Gauri, an engineering student from Cochin. Thus stoles might help you in shifting visual emphasis and breaks monotony in the typical t-shirt & jeans combo.
Shopacholic!
“With New Year celebrations recently ‘Party wear’ was high hitting people’s ‘style needs’. For women, the party wear mainly constitutes of ethnic wear with modern finishes, like zardosi saris with brocade and chamki embroideries. But, other than these, there are also indo-western tops exclusively for parties, which people like to wear upon capris or ¾ pants,” says, Akalya, a store personnel, dealing with women’s wear.
For men, Suits and leather shoes, satin ties, collar bows and waistcoats are available along with casual party shirts in Hawaiian and floral prints.
“Nowadays the city’s shopping demands are very much like metro cities. People are also keen on adding accessories like thin party belts in golden or silver, sequined clutches and stylish shoes. There are also customers coming from the southern districts of Tirunelveli, Nagarcoil, Virudhunagar and Ramnad for fashionable shopping” she adds.
The Fashion availabilities are very much exciting in various stores of the city, attracting shopacholics from far off districts. But the stylish visibilities on the streets of Madurai still remain a future happening though claimed to be slowly increasing by various branded outlets.
So, if you are looking for a revamp of your clothing style, the trends this time are very much tempting. Plan the choice, grab it before the stock finishes and serve your winter wants!
