With the temperature dipping, it’s time to fish out those heavy knits and thick woollens from your closet. Winter is here and the good news is that there are umpteen ways of looking haute in the cold!
A slight change in your wardrobe and a few tips from designers and stylists is what it takes to look chic, yet keep warm this season. Speaking of her personal style mantra for Fall/Winter 2013, stylist and fashion blogger, Pranita Mehta says: “I’d opt for a regular pair of well-fitted denims, tee under a leatherette (faux leather) jacket/shacket (light-weight shirt jacket), knee-high boots accessorised with a beanie over the head, scarf around the neck, and a big bag to carry all the winter essentials – going head to toe is the fashion trick this season.”
Remember how boyfriend jeans made quite the statement a couple of years ago? For those of you who liked it, this stylist asks you to embrace the trend again. “Kill it over with size! We don’t care if the shirt is your boyfriend’s or not. Just get into it anyway. Pair over-sized shirts with printed leggings and lace shoes to get the perfect look.”
While winter is usually associated with cold colours like grey and black, according to fashion designer, Sanchita Ajjampur, “This time around, one can experiment with a fantastic colour palette comprising plum, oxblood, ice, violet, forest green, charcoal, heather and ebony.” Pranita feels: “Pale pink, emerald green and cobalt blue must also find a place in your winter wardrobe. Also, prints are in. After flaunting digital prints all summer, it’s time to come back to the basics. Tartans, stripes and animal prints are definitely on the list.”
If you’re a fan of floral prints, you needn’t worry about ditching them this winterAccording to freelance designer Anupama Shreyas, “Going regal is in. Whether it’s flaunting velvet in shades of deep purple or burgundy, wearing mosaic dresses or even brocade pants, there’s an air of royalty that’s floating this winter.”
As far as fabric is concerned, Pranita suggests to go in for layered organza, leather, fleece, cashmere, velvet, silk, woollen knits, gauzy wool and satin. While Sanchita says: “Tapered silhouettes offer the ultimate in luxury and effortlessly blur the line between day and evening wear”. Pranita finds: “Textured silhouettes will be seen around a lot. Look for textured wool or embellished drapery. The silhouettes can be ultra-feminine, throw on some pearls, maybe.”
Slits and slashes are in and you can decide whether to wear the trend in the form of ripped jeans or mid-thigh high slit tunics/skirts. Coming to accessories, you might want to hinge on the perfect balance of cool blues and balmy neutrals. Accessories are going to be more functional this season. Pranita says: “Beanies, ear-muffs, scarves, knee-high boots and duffle bags are definitely a few key-pieces. Pair your winter dresses with bright leggings to create some pop in your style. If you love wearing jewellery, metallic spikes or bright statement neckpieces can pump up the darker shades of winter.”
And with so much said about winter fashion for women, here are a few tidbits of advice to men. Go monochrome this winter. Take to leather jackets and trench coats. Also, the newsboy cap is extremely hip. Hiking boots and rain-proof outerwear are a must-have.
