The temperature is dipping but the good news is that with it, a whole new exciting fashion season is here. From trendy knits and smart jackets to dreamy maxi dresses and stylish woolen scarves, fashionistas say you have umpteen ways to look chic this winter.
According to Priya Vasudevan, fashion curator and owner of Collage, “We will be seeing very stylised, industrial and chicly done boxy dresses and tops. These can be complimented with colourful woollen shawls, mufflers, scarves, and boots. This is as far as western wear goes. Ethnics on the other hand are going to be teamed with the fabulous ajraks, worn over culottes, flared trousers, or skirts. One of the most prominent trends seen for this winter is comfortable soft silhouettes in wool, velvet in exciting neutral colours, with a dash of sparkling crystal jewellery and tiny trunk handbags,” Vastal Poddar, owner of Fervour, opines.
The handiest styling tip this season would be to cover up,” says stylist and fashion blogger, Pranita Mehta. “From furry jackets to textured knits, long capes to warm blankets, there’s so much to choose from.”
“Jackets have become sexier with a mix of prints from the 60s. Layering gets a twist with blankets and capes. The sweaters speak of the textured knits and there is velvet, fur, etc. for fancier dressing. Glittering gold is for the upcoming party season. Deep cherry, military green, monochrome and navy define the decadent winter colour palette while tartans, deep florals and 60s inspired prints work at their best to coordinate layered looks,” she says.
To layer up perfectly, we think casual layering works well this season. According to Pranita, “A bold tartan shirt over a neutral tee, gray denims, boots, and textured scarf with a statement messenger bag could be a fashionable and easy-to-pull-off look for the season. And if you’re looking for a party trend tip, a sparkly dress and maybe a fur coat or a textured knit sweater over it with high boots can work wonders.”
Come winter and one automatically associates the season with blacks, greys and whites but according to Fashion Designer Sanchita Ajjampur, “This season’s colour palette is vibrant and cheery with pink, bright blue, orange, red, and neon yellow. Jet black and inky blues mingle with reds, golden clementine, yellows and deep greens on clean yet bold colour-blocking techniques.”
Fabrics that are “easy-to-wear, lightweight, and soft brushed are trending. Luxe wools, glossy leathers, jersey, and knits that give one multiple styling options, are perfect for winter,” she finds.
As far as cuts and silhouettes go, “Panels in graphic blocks of colour provide simple shapes with interesting new dimensions. Fabric piecing continues to gain momentum.
One can see a movement of muted minimalism where the designs retreat to the beauty of the bare necessities. A-line, trapeze shapes, and high waisted empire lines are prevalent and are flattering for all body shapes. The must-have item for the season is a tunic dress, cut slightly closer to the body and worn either as a mini dress or as an essential layering piece. Embroidered, printed or cut in simple sheaths, floor-sweeping maxi dresses add a sense of romantic drama. The fit-and-flare dress continues for winter in flattering feminine cuts and luxurious materials,” Sanchita points out.
Making a fashionable comeback this season are “the trench coat, shawls around the neck, stylish boots, winter colours like berry and grey will be popular and yes orange is the new black this winter 2014,” Priya informs while Vastal finds that “military inspired trends and colours have returned this season.”
Accesorising is imperative so for winter 2014, Pranita prescribes “fur collars and boots of all lengths (from booties to knee high boots) which top the charts. Statement messenger bags have replaced the statement jewellery trends of the past. Then there are luxé sports-inspired sneakers to be on the move fashionably. Blanket scarves are another addition.”
So with that it looks like you’re all set to take on winter in style!
