Warm up!
Layered clothing is in this winter. And the best part is that it’s androgynous
We may certainly not be residing in Drass, the second coldest region in the world, where temperature plummets to -40 degree Celsius in winter, but come December, chill starts setting-in in other parts of the country too. As we can’t afford to hibernate like some
animal species during the winter months, we need to provide enough external warmth to keep our blood flowing well. “Dressing in layers is the best way to keep warm and still be trendy. As the day advances, one can discard layer by layer,’’ says Mumbai designer Sonya Vajifdar, talking about the trend this winter.
Of course the number of layers one wants to sport depends on one’s age. An older person with a rotund figure can’t afford to be swathed in too many layers. If s/he did so, gunny bags would become a fashion statement! For such people, two layers – a thick sweater/coat plus a shawl – is more than enough. For younger people, especially teenagers, layer is the trend. A good warm trouser can be topped with full sleeved T-shirt. Over it, one can wear full sleeved warm shirt, a sweater and a jacket. The thickness of the jacket will be commensurate with the region you’re residing in. The best part is that these trends have become almost unisexual or androgynous and is the in thing.
Divya Gupta, designer for Yell, says, “Women should enjoy essentially long coats with short dresses as one doesn’t get this opportunity in summers.’’
Coats do have a stylish edge. You can never go wrong with the long sleeved, lined, double-breasted wool coat with a notched collar and self-belt. Cape coats with buttons and detachable buttoned strap at foldover collar and welt pockets at hip and elbow-length flutter sleeves are also hot this season. Puffer coat with faux fur hood, military coats, Pom pom coats, leather trench coats, long knit coats are trendy too. “In less colder regions like Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata etc., women can
opt for light weight fabric, preferably in cotton, linen and terry rayon with round or high neck or raised collars,’’ advises Gupta.
Men, she suggests should opt for slim fit trousers. “For daily wear, use sweaters. You get sweaters in varied designs and colour options, which is not available in jackets and coats. For neck, cravats have taken over from scarves and mufflers.’’ In India, men don’t dress up so formally to wear suit on a daily basis. It is a preferred outfit of the top bosses and worn at parties by others. People prefer tweed coats to suits. Last year’s trend of military style coats and jackets as well as accessories still continue to woo the fashionistas. Along with these features, single and doublebreasted jackets, pleated trousers and bold pocket square are the high points. Another major trend, thanks to Rahul Gandhi, is the resurrection of the Nehruvian style of bandgala jackets. “Bandgala jackets have always been in fashion. Till a few years back it was worn only by the bureaucrats, whereas now everyone swears by it. It has been very popular at weddings these days and you can see a lot of adaptations of the original Nehru design. Suitable for all body types and age, one should be able to carry it well,’’ explains Gupta.
Also for men who prefer casual and comfortable style, peppy fashion is in vogue – in bright hues. Of course, gray is the classic colour for men which can be worn with black and white or mixed with bolder colours. Another carry over trend from last year is velvet besides other luxurious fabrics like cashmere, fur, leather, and calfskin. Velvet jackets, coloured leather, fur coats and calfskin form trends for outermost layer. Chunky knit sweaters in bold colours as well as sweaters with Nordic motifs can be worn inside these jackets in super cold regions like most of the northern belt – Delhi, UP, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, etc.
A spokesperson for India Mango suggests that for women, a pair of good fitting trousers is always great as they perform the twin functions of fashion and protection from cold. “They go well with tunics and jackets and are great to line those delectable legs. Opt for wide legged denim pants, leggings to go with brogues or skinny jeans with monochromatic tops,’’ is the advice. Vajifdar says, “My style for women would be drapes for evenings. As it has more fabric in style, it helps in keeping warm and also is the trendiest outfit.’’ Another added factor for women is that they can go for as much bling as they want to. Bling and monochromes are the big things this season.
