Stay snug & stylish

Gurnaaz Kaur

Floor-sweeping coats, puffer jackets, winter dresses, thick knits, turtlenecks, cable knits, long sleeves, scrunchies, knee-length boots, there are a number of options for you by the best of designers

As the temperature dips and winter starts setting in, just the mere mention of dressing up for a party becomes painful. But what if you could look cool while keeping yourself warm? Here are the trends that will not let your wardrobe take the cold-weather hit. Floor-sweeping coats, puffer jackets, winter dresses, thick knits, turtlenecks, cable knits, long sleeves, solid necklace, scrunchies, knee-length boots, there are a number of options by the best of designers with which you can make a statement. Now, this is not about simply revamping your wardrobe but more about reassessing it to find that bit of inspiration. 

It’s all about layering 

Beginning with AND from the House of Anita Dongre, its spokesperson Kavindra Mishra, says, “If I were to simply put it, layer your knit tops with a puffer, distressed denims and printed scarf, and you are good to go for that nightout with friends.” 

If you are someone who likes to keep it dressy, here’s the tip. “Team your knit dress with stockings, ankle boots and a tote bag to fit your essentials.” Yes, that’s about it, and you are ready to rock.  

Get those accessories out

Fashion is all about identifying which trend resonates with you, once that angle is sorted, then begins the journey of rightly teaming it up with accessories.

Take for instance award-winning duo Pankaj Nidhi. For this brand, winter is all about, “voluminous overlays and skirts, wide sleeves and scalloped edges. These are some of the elements we’ve worked with for the autumn/winter collection. We have also created a lot of separates. These can be styled independently and add to the versatility of the collection. We simply love modern-luxe silhouettes.” 

Take it as a hint or your cue can be Ritu Beri’s chic Indianised collection. For this ace designer, winter fashion is as much fun as summer. “A long jacket, thigh-high boots, chunky neckpieces, puffed hair bands and your look is complete, the occasion can be any.” 

Ritu further explains, “Try out more with layering and accessorise the look as much as possible.”

For Ritu what brings a party alive is, a “well-embroidered Indian jacket with a splash of colour.”

Bold and quirky

“Be bold with your choices. You can opt for pants with sequins; it can also be in leather to lend the right amount of bold to your outfit. If that’s not you, then play around with quilted fabric. Shimmery fabric for the night is a personal favourite for us,” says 

Aina Mahajan, founder and creative director of pret wear brand Mellowdrama. 

Aina says you can never go wrong with a skirt paired with a leather jacket, be it as a work wear or to pack a sartorial punch for that cocktail hour. This sleek ensemble when clubbed with a pair of chic sunglasses and knee-length booths qualifies as a party look. 

A mention of party for Ritu Beri means, “A classic dress with long sleeves styled with tights and boots. This should be layered with a fancy cape or a sassy jacket to complete the look.”

More the merrier is not just apt for winters but also a hit-party mantra for Pankaj Nidhi. “Embroidered and embellished overlays can dress up an otherwise muted outfit. Looks with exaggerated sleeves or wide A-line skirts are also perfect for a winter evening out.”

Agreed, no one minds a quirk in the cozy drapes. That’s what Global Desi promises with its winter collections. 

From timeless dresses, snug tunics and kurtas to cozy jackets and accessories, the designer studio has on offer all.

“This time jewel-tone colour palette has been curated in acro-wool, suede, roma and flat knit to name a few. You’ll find shades of plums, teals, mustards, ink blues and a lot more,” says Global Desi’s spokesperson.

Colour palette   

Drapes of the cold need not be muted. As for Ritu, the shades need to vary between warm, bold and bright. According to Pankaj and Nidhi,  “winter months call for darker colours; and this season, navy, olive wine shades are doing the rounds.” The options don’t end here.

Agreeing to the fact that winter has its own palette, Mellowdrama has focused on a lot of blacks, shades of blue and muted salmon pinks for 2019. “This combination of black and salmon pink has been a hit on the runway.” AND votes for frosty grey, green olive, cranberry and evening blue.

Choosing the right fabric

But what to do when it comes to fabric? AND’s answer to this is printed suede. While suede is big this winter, Ritu Beri says, “Always go for pure wool. You could also team cotton and wool or cotton with leather.” If you are someone who likes a refreshing twist to your winter garment, take the advice of Pankaj and Nidhi. “We love silk velvet and rich taffeta. Elements of organza and sportswear mesh also lend a twist to a regular piece for this season.” As far as Mellodrama is concerned, its first choice is co-ords.

For an all-time look, you can never go wrong with high-waist, wide-legged pants. According to Pankaj and Nidhi, “These pants or denims can be paired with a ruffled evening blouse or an embellished overlay and be dressed up and down with ease as per the occasion. If you want a sign of winter 2019, pick a voluminous coat with big sleeves and wide silhouettes. Our collection is heavily inspired by the art of origami and scissor-cut petals and discs, squares and trellises in fabric and metallic faux leather heavily embellish these pieces.” The idea is to be comfortable yet edgy.

Accessorise 

Nude heels are a classic, staple accessory. Small bags, both  clutches as well as waist bags, are a great accessory for this season. These can be paired with a wide range of looks. 

Your daily appearance can be accentuated with printed scarfs and sunglasses. Don’t forget to wear those chunky neckpieces and puffed hairbands.

Ready to party

Embroidered dresses, tiered maxi gowns, printed velvet gowns, shimmer dresses. These are not just perfect to bring out glamour to all the parties, but are also effortless and cosy.

Classic staples

• Black (faux) leather jacket.
• Puffer jacket.
• Nude sweater.
• Smart hoodie.
• Knit dresses.
• Knee-length boots.

Coats & more

• Trench coat.
• Belted-style coat.
• Toggle-style coat.
• Plaid coat.
• Double-breasted coat.