Do we like our winters better than the harsh months of Indian summer? Well, winter gives us the chance to unfurl those treasured scarves, heirloom sweaters and sport trendy coats. But, looking trendy in the colder months could be challenging.
It’s easy to drown under all those layers and end up looking frumpy. The wrong hem-length or a passé print could be one’s undoing.
The recently concluded fashion weeks tell us that while comfort dressing is all for the fall months, a little shimmer with metallic accents is the way to do glam for the cold nights. Here’s the trend report.
Cosy upStay warm and cosy in easy and fluid silhouettes that allow you to layer up. Comforter wraps, oversized sweaters, checked blankies and OTT coats paired with warm booties or wellies are prefect for winter this year. Pair them with fitted pants or tea-length skirts to channel the androgyny-meets-normcore look that was a big hit on both Indian and international runways. Knits are also a big trend with Stella McCartney and March Jacobs doing the soft, fluffy look in wool.
Keep the tones neutral and if you’re feeling experimental, throw on an eccentric fur à la Roberto Cavalli and Alexander McQueen.
Oh! So sixtyAs one of the opening designers for the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2014, Masaba Gupta captured the spirit of the season – retro. Big, floral prints and exaggerated sleeves brought back memories of a bygone stylish era. On the international runway too, Louis Vuitton’s structured A-line shifts and Valentino’s bright printed tunics revived the 60s with a twist. So, bring out those long silk dresses, pair them with knee-high boots and XXL coats and get winter ready.
Shimmer and shineAfraid the cold winter won’t let you dazzle? You couldn’t be more wrong. Glam up in floor-sweeping gowns and cocktail dresses that are all about sequins.
Kiran Uttam Ghosh showcased a range of elegant metallics at the recent fashion week. Shimmering fabric in beautiful shades of copper, dull gold were given form to in saree-inspired dresses – prefect for the festive season too!
When it comes to accessorising, the gold rush is the way to go. Gold accents are sure to brighten up any winter outfit and even the dull days.
Fringe benefitsGet your dancing feathers on for the roaring twenties are still a big trend. Ostrich plumes, soft and light add a touch of elegance and swish to evening wear.
Lanvin, Alexander McQueen, Alberta Ferretti channelled the twenties with structured fringes and shredded edges.
Breezy and light, these will serve as a reminder of the warmer months that are not too far away.
Colour and printsMarc by Marc Jacobs and Manish Arora’s ready-to-wear collections tell us that there’s no reason to shy away from colour this season. Psychedelic prints and patterns usher a new wave and the striking neon colours of summer have been replaced with a more subdued, but bright, palette.
Red is a big colour this season as well, epitomised in Dolce & Gabbana’s flowing, printed blood-red maxi that took on the fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood. Back home, crimson served as a favourite shade for Shantanu & Nikhil, Nikasha and Kallol Datta as well.
However, another colour making its presence felt this winter season is the military green.
Sport it in khakhi and not only will you be doing warm desi style, but also sporting a look seen on the international runway.
Structured silhouettes that take inspiration from the soldier’s uniform, channel the army’s rigour and bring forth a disciplined glam.
