JOIN USWhat to wear this season
Winter is here and one’s fashion needs have to be updated now. From wearing layers to pairing accessories, Metrolife consulted city-based designers and fashionistas to understand the different styles for the season.
Top of the world
The first thing people usually notice is your top, so pay special attention to that. Designer Shammy C suggests long shirts and tunics made of blended wool for the late evenings and short tunics for the daytime. “Outfits in blended wool and silk are good choices,” she says.
Princess-cut shirts and closed neck shirts in pastels, reds, black and white and floral prints work well. “Shirts with bell sleeves and mandarin collars can spike up your wardrobe,” she says. Sweatshirts work well in the city’s chill, says fashion designer Alok K. “Sweaters are a big no-no; you will feel like you’re being cooked alive if you wear a thick woolen sweater,” he says.
Hot prints on shirts and tops with geometrical patterns and animal prints are popular, he adds. “Mild florals and abstract prints always work,” he adds.
Bottom’s up
Layered trousers and draped pants work great for the mild winter that Bengaluru experiences and can be experimented with a lot, says designer Sanjay C.
For women, skirts are an obvious no-no. “Even the most fitted ones won’t be warm enough. Indo-western tops can be worn with palazzos and slim pants, while one can team up a tunic with dhoti salwar for a traditional look. Slim culottes work well during the day,” says Shammy.
Slim fit, cigarette pants and bell bottom pants (not flared) are trending. “Bottoms in earth tones and black are a favourite,” she adds.
Layer by layer
Layers are a must to fight the chill. For a smart look, men can sport woolen bandhgala jackets, says designer Lokessh Ahuja. “Silhouettes are getting slightly roomier nowadays. Oversized sweatshirts and jackets are the need of the season. Cashmere sweaters also work,” he says. The bandhgala looks great with a shirt and works well for the season, he adds.
Layers in blue and black work best but people are also experimenting with wine colour and emerald green. “It doesn’t work for everyone though,” says Lokessh.
A double-breasted suit is yet another chic look for the season. Stylised jackets and zipper concepts give a casual look, say stylists.
Designer Sanjay says that asymmetrical jackets are a rage this season. “We have worked on our designs with zip patterns.”
Floral-printed bandis or sleeveless jackets on a matching shirt and polo pants can be a great look for the season too, adds Sanjay.
From colourful shrugs to capes, the options are aplenty for women to layer up. Akshata Shetty, freelance brand and fashion stylist, says, “Shrugs with bead or embroidery work; denim jackets, ponchos in plain, chequered patterns and geometrical prints and graphic-printed hoodies can complete the look.”
The best add-ons...
Scarves or cravats can be great add-ons for the winter look. Beanies, oversized printed scarves and stoles are popular accessories during winters. Sanjay reckons, “Cravats help you fight the winter chill. Warm options for footwear include boots, custom-made brocade or suede shoes with embroidered monogram.”
Stylist Rakshi Ponappa adds, “Snazzy sneakers with a bit of bling can add a zing to the otherwise dull season. Covered slip-ons and boots are other favourites among women.”
Do not do this
- While prints and patterns can be exciting for the season and will uplift one’s moods, do not mix and match anything and everything. If something doesn’t look good, it probably isn’t.
- Do not try thermals in Bengaluru. The unpredictable weather can make it difficult to wear an undershirt itself.
- Do not mix and match varied coloured scarves, beanies and jackets in the same look.
- Do not overdo a look. An all-denim look does not work anymore.