A sartorial winter’s tale
From coats to jackets, hats, scarves, beanies, and hoodies that will make you feel like you’re wrapped in a blanket, we’ve got you covered
Indian winters in every region are different, while a few states experience winter on an extreme level, others are moderate. Depending on the intensity of the cold, one can layer up or down and style classic coats, jackets, hats, scarves, beanies, and hoodies. Whether you are planning a luxurious ski vacation or hopping around town for winter brunches and dinners, the layers of warm clothing will come in handy when the cool breeze brushes you gently. And, for those who love this time of the year just for fashion, this is your time to shine with exciting looks.
TIMELESS APPEAL:
For a timeless winter wardrobe, there are no set trends and rules to follow. For designer Zubair Kirmani, the best fabrics and innovation for Indian winter wear comes from the valley of Kashmir, his homeland. The International Woolmark Prize winner and founder of the label Bounipun mentions the innovations in the winter wear segment, “If you are going for a handcrafted shawl or sweater, there’s no match to pure wool and pashmina blends. The lightweight tees and cardigans made from our in-house cashmere blends will keep you warm even in cold countries and are perfect for holidays. We are currently doing a collection using Kashmir’s signature Karakul embroidery and geometrical Khatamband motifs on shawls and scarves. Karakul is a rare craft that was once regarded as the epitome of luxury in Kashmir and is now banned due to animal cruelty. We have created a similar blend for a feel and texture to the Karakul fabric without harming the animal.”
ELEGANT WRAPS:
A shawl is no longer just an accessory to keep warm but also a fashion expression. These are timeless statement pieces. According to Jyotika Jhalani, founder of the label Janavi India, “From the Kani to the pashmina, the story of a shawl is sometimes the story of many generations woven together, making these pieces family heirlooms. Our latest collection is enveloped in cashmere and merino wool, with lighter frills of organza and silk. As the mood is celebratory, we see a lot of deep hues of burgundy, indigo, and gunmetal with crystal, metallic beads, and threads, sometimes garlanded with Chantilly lace. I see how styling a shawl may simply replace the classic jacket. And, this season we see the cape making a stylish comeback.”
INNOVATIVE TEXTILES:
Gen Z likes fun and experimental clothing, but relaxed easy wear. They are diverse and open to anything new, which is the most interesting. Keeping in mind the planet and guilt-free fashion, there are new substitutes for wool in the market. Urshila Rao Ganji, founder of sustainable label OG & Co, talks about the plant-based textiles that can keep you warm in Indian winters. She informs, “Hemp is the strongest and toughest fiber of clothing and our winter wear is all about that. Not only do you feel warm, but also get comfortable with the material being very light yet warm, which differs from most knitwear. Our winter essentials have hoodies and cropped hoodies that can be paired with a good pair of jeans to make it look dressy.
GET STREET SMART:
Whether you’re at a sneaker or comic convention or the hottest party in the city, streetwear-inspired looks are trending among youth fashion lovers. “We are seeing young consumers experimenting with outerwear options — knit cardigans with streetwear fits and graphics with beanies,” point out Meenakshi Singh and Bhavisha Dave, founders of the label Capsul. They add, “The oversize, boxier, crop fits
with irreverent graphics are super on-trend. Crop Sherpa jackets are another item that trendsetters are picking up from us, along with fleece-lined pants. Turtlenecks paired with a cardigan or quarter zip sweatshirt with wide-bottomed relaxed fit pants and a beanie is a trending winter fashion look.”
DRESS TO IMPRESS:
There are many winter trends for parties and dressy occasions that can be elevated from ‘desk to dinner’. According to Dhruv Bogra, country head at Forever New, “From longline coats to embellished jumpers to vegan leather biker jackets, vegan leather skirts and tailored blazers, there are plenty of outerwear options made from highquality materials. Choose statement styles in bold hues or opt for timeless pieces in camel, brown and black or add a tint of pop colour to the wardrobe.”
MATCH MONOTONES:
Diksha Gandhi, co-founder of the label Brick by Brick Store, shares some helpful tips to get the style right. She says, “Pairing black on black, or brown on brown or even styling with different shades of the same colour can be a refreshing choice. Placing details in unexpected areas of the look makes it unique, fresh, and highly attractive. Style an oversized hoodie with a track for a subtle yet bold monotone look. Pick a track or a pair of joggers that is plain in the front and has a prominent and brave print at the back making you just as daring and fearless as you would want to dress this winter.”