A few days into the New Year and the fashion conscious are already taking cues and clues to smarten up their wardrobes for the year ahead. Here’s a ready reckoner that tells you what’s in, what’s out, what’s hot and what’s not in 2014.
Designer Sanchita Ajjampur says, “One can expect to see the continuing influence of macro trends like luxe-sports, modern romance, boho-chic, geometric patterns and oxford shirting. These trends take on glamour with signature embellishments and luxe fabrics.”
According to designer Deepika Govind, “Digital fantasy, singular shades, minimalistic accessories, colour blocking, fade out stripes, ombre, fragmented designs, and rebellious graphic styles will reign in 2014.”
We will see a great deal of crop tops this year, predicts designer Anita Dongre. “Continued from 2013, we will witness layering with crop tops and also teaming them with high-waisted skirts and palazzos.” And while skirts are always a favourite, she says, “Mid ankle-length skirts will continue to be popular. We’ll see a lot more of cotton and voile skirts for Spring/Summer 2014, contrasting from the 50’s balloon skirts to the modern pencil versions.”
Thick, knit sweaters and turtle necks gave way to blazers. “From floral patterns to Aztec prints, the blazer is dressed down now with pop colours in cotton and other lighter fabrics,” says Anita. “I love that they bring some amount of crispness into Boho fashion.”
On the ethnic front, Deepika says: “Chanderi saris are here to stay and so are Kanjivarams and Banarasi Silks. Woven saris have gathered momentum too. While 2014 will see vibrant colours, the colour palette will still be controlled. Indian yellows, pinks and greens, though seen a lot, will be rather toned down. Women will be taking to kurtas a lot with bottom-wear variations. Wide legged trousers and dhoti salwars are in.” For skirt aficionados, the good news is that “long Indian skirts are still considered chic but will come with no embellishment, just woven zari buttis, and to be paired with long kurtas.”
As far as the colour palette of 2014 goes, Sanchita says, “This will be the year of tinted pales and candy-coated pastels. An emphasis on cooler sky blues and minty greens contrasted with vivid orange and yellows, makes for a colourful season ahead.”
Fabric wise, “Luxe fabrics are the way ahead. From sheers and lace to faux-fur combined with natural materials like linen, and gauzy cotton and leather, there’s much variety.”
Roomy silhouettes are in according to Sanchita. “2014 will see crisp, menswear inspired styles, relaxed silhouettes and an evolution of retro 1950’s- fuelled looks. 2014 will also be about a playful mix ‘n’ match, layered style bubbling up from the streets.”
Moving on to the trends that need to be trashed, Deepika urges people to desist from printed denim, checks, peplums, leather trousers and skirts. Anita says, “We’ve had enough of the peplum-styled dress. It is most suited for women with small hips and waist which is not how our Indian women are built. Our problem areas are our hips and waist, which are accentuated by the peplum blouse/skirt.” The wedge sneaker also earned Anita’s wrath. “You can’t wear them for a classy do, and they’re so weird for a casual affair!”
Coming to accessories, 2014 is going to be the year when they will be worn differently. Deepika says, “Clogs, platforms with studs, punk boots, and kitten heels are going to be quite the rage. And as far as bags go, patent leather is trendy.”
