Fashion: Layer with flair

Don’t want to pack away some of your pretty summery dresses or short-sleeved tops? Well, don’t fret as you could give them a whole new look, thereby doubling the options you’ve got to work with for your winter styling. We spoke to experts on trendy ways to include old summer favourites into the new winter wardrobe.

“As the temperature drops, we all have the urge to throw on an oversize coat and call it an outfit. But just because it’s chilly outside doesn’t mean you have to give up on your style. Figuring out the right combination of proportion, colour and texture is the sort of fashion Rubik’s Cube that can delight your sartorial soul. Whether you layer to achieve a certain look or to just stay warm, it never hurts to have fresh combinations on hand,” says designer Priyanka Gangwal, adding, “A lightweight summer slip dress is an ideal option to add to your winter wardrobe as this piece of clothing can be very well layered up or layered down to create a wintry aura. A light slip dress could be worn over a fitted turtleneck cashmere sweater paired with semi-sheer stockings, knee-length boots, and leg warmers, just long enough to see a bit of them and below the knee-length wool coat to beat the winter. Summer cardigans have been played with enough over the past few years in the winter wardrobe, so this could be an interes
ting pick as well.”

According to designer Jyoti Sachdev Iyer, summer’s fashion favourite short skirts worn with opaque tights/stockings and paired with either a nice woollen sweater or a loose-fitted top with a leather jacket is a great option. “Maxi skirts that are usually considered to be summery outfits work equally well in winters too. Just layer them up with pretty hand-knitted sweaters and some thick leggings underneath. Also, you can pick up your summer scarf and add a pop of cool colour and texture to your winter wardrobe.”

Adding a few more options, designer Karn Malhotra shares, “Military-inspired suede jackets accented with gold buttons, chains and embroidery is ruling the fashion scene. So for the evenings, jackets with embellished metal or military inspired sequins can be paired with plain or floral dresses.”

“One can team up basic summer staples like a button down shirt, a gown or a free flowing palazzo with thick textured winter pieces like over-sized coats, snugly fitted leggings, boxy jackets and turtlenecks sweaters. The trick is to have a creative eye, balance of fabric weight, and just the right pieces,” explains designer Pallavi Mohan. She adds, “When it comes to jackets and coats, one can’t go wrong with the dramatic, oversized styles. Paired with slim trousers or leggings, this shape looks extremely stylish and is perfect for layering over knits. To make a quirky statement, mix and match textured elements by wearing a chequered suede jacket with 3D flowers over a well-fitted button down shirt and long velvet skirt.”