We’re almost through the first month of the year and with winter not showing any signs of bidding goodbye, it might seem as if fashion wise, we are still wearing the best and the worst trends of 2018. If, however, you are looking to revamp your closet for a fashionable 2019, here’s a cheat-sheet you could go by.
Freelance fashion designer, Niyati Manoj feels, “Women will find love in the form of silk and satin tops that were a staple in the 2000s. Be it button-down shirts or drapey tops, the trend will also bring to light interesting silhouettes. Micro pleats will be a huge hit this year especially in the form of mini and midi skirts. They can be dressed up for work/an evening out or dressed down for a casual daytime do. For sleeves, this year, we will be taking inspiration from Bollywood’s yesteryear’s actresses. Puffed sleeves are in vogue again and mainly work well with square necklines on feminine outfits.”
Functional clothing will dominate 2019 so bring out those cargo pants, sweatshirts, roomy t-shirts, and comfy yet statement sneakers.
“Handloom has never been more fashionable,” observes Ankitaa Sengupta, owner of an online fashion boutique, adding, “From silk and cotton silk saris to cotton dresses and linen pants, there are so many interesting ways to stay stylish and support local handicrafts. And if you’re a fan of tie-and-dye outfits, this 60s trend is back on the circuit. Wear it in the form of a sarong or a sari, and you are sure to have heads turning. Hand-embroidered pieces are a must-have.”
While the Pantone colour of the year is Living Coral, ad stylist, Trupti Nambiar, feels, “We will also see neon hues becoming popular all over again. Zesty shades from lemon yellow and electric blue to bubble gum pink will all have their time in the sun.”
Embellishments-wise, one can expect to see fringes on pretty much everything from jackets and handbags to skirts and pants. Also, sequins have never exited the fashion scene but this time around we will see gentler, beaded-styled sequinned garments make a statement.
Coming to men’s fashion, according to fashion designer, Raghavendra Rathore, “Must-haves for men this year include a bandgala waistcoat, an outdoors map pocket jacket, Jodhpur flying shoes, a stylish watch, a dark navy (non-faded) denim, and a crisp white shirt.”
He adds, “A dapper man must have in his wardrobe customized printed shirts. Men should not accessorise themselves from head to toe. That could be a fashion faux-pas. One key accessory can make all the difference.”
“Menswear will experience something new with colour-blocking making a grand appearance. Colours seen will be bold and won’t just come in solid blocks but in the form of subtler options such as checks, stripes, and miniature prints in these colours,” Tanya says.
In terms of accessories, Jay Lakhani, co-founder of the label, Deepa Gurnani, says, “This the year of layered bracelets. It’s all about stacking them together and rocking some great arm candy. Both women and men can stack as well as share their bracelets. Too much is never enough when it comes to this trend.”
“Hair accessories are making a huge comeback this year. Women are in love with oversized turbans, crowns, bobby pin sets and scrunchies. It is all about fun, flirty and whimsical hair accessories,” he informs, while Dilip Kumar of Hidesign, says, “Belt-bags, headbands, big sunglasses, rucksacks, mini box bags or miniature bucket bags, big bags, and cross-body ones are headed for a comeback this year.”
