Cool looks for winter

It's time to upgrade your wardrobe and get set for winter! The autumn or winter clothing this year is defined by performance sportswear detailing, outerwear and updated basics in clean-cut silhouettes for winter layering.

Of late, both menswear and women's wear has seen strong urban sportswear influence along with fast fashion that has been building up from the last few seasons. With the 1980s and 1990s style making a comeback, traditional winter wear is redefined through plaids, 'punk' details and outerwear made of heavy fabrics.

So instead of bundling up to keep yourself warm, do it in style this season and step out in jackets, boots and warm sweaters. This is your chance to experiment with silhouettes and materials like denim and leather.

We have analysed the hottest trends ahead of the season so you know what to look out for. Here's a list of a few absolute wardrobe essentials with tips on how to style them:

Statement jackets

Winters are pretty much an excuse to wear stylish jackets. There are so many options to pick from! Street wear continues to lead the way with urban sportswear and skate references that influenced the urban 90s. Bright colours and sporty outerwear drive the trend. Leather jackets will never go out of style. You can put on a plain T-shirt and pair it with a bomber jacket or a leather jacket. Quilted and down jackets look sophisticated and are good insulators, keeping you snug. Inspired by the great outdoors, jackets featuring performance detailing such as drawstrings and toggles are trending.

Sweaters and pullovers

Updated basics such as chunky knits and military pieces are redesigned in refined fabrics and a warm neutral palette. This makes for a great semi-casual look. Layer a v-neck pullover over a plaid shirt and keep it casual with a pair of jeans and sneakers. For women, it's all about long coats with exaggerated shoulders, statement waist details and pleats. Shawl-collar sweaters are fashionable this season and look uber cool when styled right!

Ruffle tops & dresses

Ruffles and frills are one of the key trends this season. This flirty, feminine detail can placed on necklines, sleeves, at the hem or across the body. Ruffles help accentuate and add volume to where you're wearing them. Balance it out by keeping the rest of your outfit simple and straight with basic accessories.

Lounge pants

Reflecting the need for comfort, wide-legged bottoms like kick flare jeans and boyfriend jeans are a popular choice. Paper bag waist pant is a new update on stylish lounge wear while joggers are the ultimate sporty casual wear for the season. Denims in dark colours like blue, black, indigo and brick are the ones you should go for.

Boots

Boots keep your feet protected and warm and can also be a major style statement, as it adds an edge to your look. As a versatile footwear option, you can dress it down with jeans and a flannel shirt or glam it up with a short dress for a night out. You can get waterproof and insulated boots for extra comfort. Women can opt for ankle-length zipper boots or thigh-high boots. If you are picking tall boots, wear skinny jeans so it's easy to fit in. Suede is the go-to material during winters.

Scarves

You can contrast the dull, muted winter tones with scarves. Bright scarves in different patterns can add some colour and charm to your overall look without being too bulky. Not only are they functional but you can also try out different knots and drapes to make basic outfits like jeans and a T-shirt look stylish. Even if you casually throw it over your shoulders or wrap it around, you will look effortless and chic.

Neutral handbag

With this season being all about warm, neutral tones, you should have a go-to bag that can go with just about everything and hold all your essentials. This can be your staple, everyday bag. Get a structured hobo or tote bag in colours like black, grey, tan or nude. The sleek and structured bucket bag with drawstrings will give you a sophisticated winter explorer look.

(The author is  creative director, Amazon Fashion, India)

Trends to look out for

For this year's autumn/winter trends, designers have broken down the boundaries of what can be considered of-the-moment. Keep reading to know about the  essentials every girl will want to have in her wardrobe this season:

* Revamp your denim style by adding pockets and trying different washes. This season, wear  denims in  the form of A-line dresses, blocked shirts or faded jeans.  Long-sleeve baby doll top  or  volume sleeves  give you a chic look. These tops look great with skinny trousers, shorts skirts and denims, so you can try out a range of styles as per the occasion. Go for light-weight soft fabrics like viscose.  Soft-touch structures in dobby weaves and micro jacquards, add an element of wonder.

* The asymmetric ruffles look  fantastic for a day look. The perfect ruffle look flows from shoulder to under the arms and on waist to hem to give a fuller look.  Snuggy fabrics  like  jersey and knits are ideal. Fresh terry looks are created with nep, slub or bouclette yarns in cotton and linen, sometimes with printed elements.

*  A plunged-neckline maxi dress gives a sleek elegant silhouette and is a wardrobe staple for most of us during the spring and summer, but they can also be worn during winter too.  Dresses  in fabrics like crème satin are smooth, feel soft and give a premium look.  If you haven't bough one yet, you can always create one.  Add open-back details, leg slits, lovely straps and a fitted-waist detail  for a sleek shape.

* For formal  wear,  watch  out for fabrics like worsted twill, gabardine and herringbone wovens  to create  a grittier urban look. Tuxedo dresses  give a feminine yet formal touch, as they show just the right amount of skin, making you look subtly sexy. It's tough to find a pair of retro trousers that are classy enough for the daywear, casual enough for a night out, comfortable enough to keep on, and sleek enough to want to wear. Slim-post retro  trousers hit on all four of those aspects at the same time. You can pair these with a polo, tank top or cape shirt to attain maximum appeal.  A  boxy pencil skirt with front slit should be sported when you want to look modern and a little bit edgy, patched pockets and seam stitch details being the key.  

(The author is head of design Birla Cellulose)