How to to spruce up your winter wear

LET’S move into the w i n t e r groove. Of raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper bells and warm woollen mittens… worn with capes and velvetty jackets, if you please... These will be a few of your favourite things this chilly season. This winter, individualism is the buzz. If you love colour, who cares if black is the new black? It’s about how you weave black into your winter wardrobe. But yes, there’s a blackout on the catwalk. Even Donatella Versace has sobered up this winter. Here are a few style tips which you can incorporate seamlessly into your wardrobe:
THE MILITARY JACKET I Join the fashion army with a military defined look. It’s a quirky take-off on this season’s uniformed mood. Even Gucci is marching straight to a military look. Keira Knightley has two military jackets, so do Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett. The celebrities have all enlisted in fashion’s new craze: the militiaman’s coat. Most of the military coats are quite straight and semi-fitted. For those with a smaller body shape, single-breasted versions with a straighter silhouette are flattering. However, these coats are very ofthe-moment and will start to look dated by next year. Says designer Ravi Bajaj, “The military look is really hot… jackets worn with belts and big pockets. I’ve combined the military look with jacquard silk and belts to give a stylish uniformed look.” Designer Puja Nayyar agrees: “The military look has a wintry appeal. I’ve done military jackets, which look great worn over Jodhpur pants. The military look is complete with big boots and big bags.”
THE CAPE I Modernise your wardrobe, with cashmere knits with a cape. Be it Dior, Issey Miyake, Louis Vuitton and Givenchy, they’ve all caped in. The cape evokes an androgynous spirit. Says Nayyar: “Knits are really sexy. If they’re caped and worn with high boots over jeans, they’re the coolest winter look. Gap’s new range of fine Vneck knits in black, dove grey and purple have a slinky glamour and look great with tweed pencil skirts and slouchy trousers. To show-off a well-toned body, try a knitted look.”
THE BOOT I There are court shoes, loafers and ’40s-style platforms, Maryjanes, brogues and dancing shoes, but the most versatile footwear is a pair of boots. Slouchy, military, embellished, embroidered or simply plain tan leather – the boot is an all-rounder this autumn and therefore the best possible investment. “There’s nothing more intense than a sexy pair of boots,” adds designer Suneet Varma.
VELVET WINS I There’s nothing more luxurious than velvet jackets. A velvet piece is also a wise buy and will add some Bohemian luxe to your wardrobe. Velvet can be worn over anything, from jeans to a printed dress, and look bold and attention grabbing. “I think velvet is big this winter. Velvet jackets texturised with satin, technique-driven, while velvet tie-anddyed shirts give a unique interesting look,” says Varma. Try some velvet dresses in rich blue, silk velvet cropped jackets, which are more feminine. Velvet can be dressed down with some denim too. For that Gothic look, try sumptuous dark velvet over a cream silk blouse. For a coquettish feel, black velvet dresses look stunning. There are multiple reasons that make velvet, worn with cashmere knits with a colour-drenched crocodile belt, downright edible.
JUNGLE RULES I The mood is mosaic, animal stripes are again big this winter. Be it bags, coats, boots – animal prints are hot. The most extravagant version of the genre takes its inspiration from Africa and Russia, be it in embroidery, braid or faux-fur trims. Suneet Varma adds, “Animal prints and faux fur are a deadly combination. Be it zebra stripes, natural leopard or cow patterns – these animal prints are inspired by aesthetic African art, which incorporates natural mosaic motifs and textures.”

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