There’s something about asymmetry that always manages to catch attention. This season as the focus shifts to the décolletage, it’s the best time to flaunt the delicate details with an asymmetrical neckline. Necklines can change the look of the entire outfit, and can truly be a distinguishing factor in terms of the kind of look one wishes to create for a particular occasion.
This year’s winter/festive’19 trends are solely about bringing something new and refreshing to the table in terms of prints, colour palettes, and silhouette styles. Slinky and sexy silhouettes in diverse cuts and bright hues such as pineapple yellows and powder pinks, infused with innovative embroidery techniques and contemporary geometric prints are perfect options for a fuss-free look. Designer Arpita Mehta highlights the most popular necklines that are seen on many runway outfits, “The deep neck asymmetrical neckline can be seen as deep V or as deep square cut, both of which have a sexy and stylish appeal. The V neckline blouses paired with a beautiful scalloped lehenga in a blush pink tone can look stylish. On the other hand, a deep square-cut neckline can work well for a sari blouse to attribute an elegant and chic look to the silhouette. It is also seen on short kurtis or flowy tops with fuss-free palazzos or shararas. Round high necklines have also made a fashionable comeback and can elevate the elegance quotient of an outfit for a formal event. Whereas, heart-shaped necks and off-shoulder sleeves are more suited for the younger ones. The bandeau blouse with heart-shaped necklines is a big trend this season and is seen on ruffle sarees, lehengas, jackets, and two pieces.”
People are gradually moving back to classics when it comes to jackets, power suits and pantsuits that are quite popular this season. While highlighting the current trends like plunging necklines and exaggerated shoulders, Niti Singhal, founder and designer at a fashion brand, says, “Shades of red and yellow are the colours of the fall. Higher necklines and those inspired by the Victorian eras are also very in this time of the year. Jackets might just have some tweaks in the neckline, but bold exaggerated sleeves are doing the job, with plunging deep necklines. Big belts are definitely the major take on the season, but embroideries being classic will never go out fashion.”
We see volume in sleeves consistently for the last few seasons and fashion has lately been a lot about convenience, comfort, and mobility, easy fits even sometimes with preppy details for a more formal look, and interesting interplays of fabrics opines designer Nidhi Yasha. She points out, “Sheer layers, inserts for womenswear, shirt collars and band collars on blouses and dresses alike are popular trends this season. Also, V necks are big, as are boat neck styles and it totally depends on the consumer’s personality on what they chose to do with their neckline. Different brands are offering different styles, some with embellishments and some without, fabric manipulation around necklines is big, especially with ruffles and pleats. Again accessories can be bold to accentuate the simpler, more basic outfits, and delicate to complement the more complex ones.”
While a deep V neck is suited for a more casual occasion with a younger crowd, a high round neck can work well for a formal event. One can always add an element of drama and elegance to a neckline to make it pop such as encrusted cowrie shell embellishments, Ahir embroidery or detailed mirror work. Giving a V neckline a scalloped texture can also make the silhouette look unique and ravishing, believes Arpita Mehta. She adds, “For me, accessorising the outfit can make or break one’s entire look. If one is opting for a plain, non-embellished neckline, then adding bold, statement-making earrings can be a good option. Seashell and cowrie shell earrings are massive trendsetters today and can give an Indian traditional silhouette a contemporary and beachy look. I would suggest opting for great neckpieces if the blouse has a deep V neckline and a chunky pair of earrings for a square cut or high round neckline.”
