Style check the world over (those experiencing the cold that is) is singing only one tune; winter revolution! Every fashion channel is buzzing with 'winter lines' paraded by designers; both glorious and local. Mags rave and rant about the 'winter look' and your waiting to go out there, get your hands on a basketful in order to flaunt your version of the winter silhouette! There's just one teeny-tiny problem; we don't really have a winter, do we? There's a barely noticeable nip that doesn't subscribe even to a little shrug, let alone all those tempting woolies. So do we give up on that winter bonanza entirely? Nah my fashionistas! We just fake it; simple!
The Grand 'Fur'y
Ofcourse we don't mean animal fur; that's just anti-PETA and besides it's illegal. Synthetic fur is easily available and what's better is that it ain't as warm as the real deal; which works just right for us! What you do is instead of those overwhelming fur jackets just get a fake-fur stole that goes around your neck — oh-very-Madonna; stylish yet not too suffocating. Pair it with slim jeans tucked into boots and a plain black top; so naturally your stole has to be in fussy colours!
‘Sock'-it-in-the-face
We mean the sock trend; and no, not those that you wore in school. Leg warmers are socks that start at your ankle and end wherever you'd like to from the calf to the knee - you just fold them to your desire. Skip the woollen ones and opt for the Turkish/cotton blend (look at the tag) Please don't wear them on sneakers! Heels, preferably high, are its coolest team-mates. So what you do is wear peep toes (not the strappy ones) and keep the shoes in solid colour — black, white, grey and the warmers in stripes, abstracts or design. Don't match; make crazy combinations — green and orange for example.
‘Cap'tivate
Winter = dry strands = frizz = bad hair days. Sports caps are extinct. Bring those winter beanies out, ladies, but not the regular ones that point outwards. Snug is in; get the ones that fit your skull well; so that your head is covered entirely while your soft curls stay loose. Men can try this one as well. Gloves are a global code for 'fine couture'; get a pair for those formal evenings, even if you have to take them off later. Form fitting ones that slide up to the elbow (remember Kate's in Titanic) spell chic.
Fake the make
The one winter aspect you can do full justice to is the make-up department! Great news; the season is screaming for over-the-top - 'less is more' left with the last season! Do away with boring pinks and browns and paint those lips in scorching reds, hot pink gloss or even Gothic black! Eyes go dramatic; add that turquoise mascara while the shadows for the lid are done with deep gold or metallic silver; red carpets seem to be endorsing this look in full glory. The 1970s elongated almond eyes are back; spread that black liner beyond the eye line and experiment with colour on the kaajal. Nail art is doing a lap again; but don't go for the standard flower-leaf-petal designs. Get naughty with patterns of skulls, a string of suggestive words or stick- on crystals.
‘Leather' chain massacre
Leather lovers needn't fret; so what if you can't go all cowboy with the jacket, boots, hats et al. Let's show ‘em how's its really done, shall we? What's ruling the leather-loot is those cropped well-fitted vests (you know the kind guys wear underneath their blazer on a suit) with V side ends — a crisp white collared shirt underneath and you'll have the temperatures rising; this one goes for the fellas too. Ankle boots are just the worst thing you can do to yourself; any pairs sitting in your closet - donate them! Big manly leather belts with bold buckles are your belt choice; girly thin loops no longer do it. But leave the usual black and loop a funky red one around that waist.
