Ladies, make a statement
Winter is the perfect season to flaunt your fashion sense.
ISLAMABAD:
Did you take out your sweaters and pullovers and wrinkle your nose with distaste? Did the thought “that is so last season” run through your brain? Unfortunately, as much one would want to recycle one’s wardrobe, trends are changing and cash has to be spent.
Here are some tips on what is in this season.
Colours
This season is all about bright colours. So ladies, put away your dowdy old black and brown shawls and opt for sapphires, olives and pastels instead. Maroons and tans are also very hot this season. Also remember to put that extra oomph in your get-up by adding one colourful element, such as a bright stole, shawl, scarf or even a light colored cardigan, according to elle.com.
Cuts
Take note from the opposite sex in western wear. Button shirts, tapered pants and even boyfriend blazers are a big yes this season. But don’t overdo the look by adding too many ‘trend’ pieces to your look at one time and remember that sometimes less really is more.
“For eastern wear, A-lines are still in but with shorter lengths and narrower hemlines. Tapered trousers and churidars, and the sherwani look is back (inspired by the boys again),” says Pashmina Ahmed, a London School of Fashion graduate who also owns the Islamabad-based label Pash. “It’s all about the straight sleek cut this year as opposed to the flowy and feminine trends usually suggested for women. Coat-like shirts are also something you can try incorporating in your wardrobe.”
Shoes
Believe it or not, block heels are back this season. From chunky platforms to block-heeled boots, shoes this season are a tangible tribute to the 80s. “We’ve ordered block heeled boots in all colours, as they are really making a comeback,” says L’atelier CEO Zahra Raza. Ankle boots and knee-high block heeled boots are the essentials for a fashionista’s wardrobe this year. Instead of opting for your usual black boots, choose nude colours instead.
Coats
Tulip-shaped coats, clenched around the waist as well as the double breasted coats in dark blues, reds and tans are a wardrobe must-have for every trendy girl. According to vogue.com, long, floor-grazing coats with fitted sleeves are back with a vengeance. From the runways of Burberry to Michael Kors, flowy, long coats in nude colours are a hit.
Prints and motif
“Keep the linen and marina simple. Minimal design and bright colours in blocks is the mantra this season. Don’t experiment with print, leave that for the summers,” says Ahmed. Printed churidars with plain shirts are also en vogue this season. As for wedding wear, velvet is still going strong this season. Vintage embellishments (dabka, tilla) are the perfect way to decorate such regal fabrics, as shown in Gul Ahmed’s Winter 2011 look book.
Accessories
Big statement necklaces, chunky rings and diamantes, stud earrings are the way to go this season. But keep minimalism in your mind and try not to look like a deranged gypsy by stacking too many rings, necklaces or bracelets at one time. Cashmere ponchos and printed, retro scarves add a pop of colour in the grey weather and are easily available at any handicraft shop. Follow the faux fur and faux animal skin trend but try to put a lid on your enthusiasm and not overdo it; ‘as graceful as a swan’ must be taken on a metaphorical level only (Bjork’s swan dress worn at 73th Academy Awards anyone?). According to millionlooks.com, it’s not about total fur anymore, instead people should add little fur details to their ensemble, for instance, ditching a long fur coat for a short fur bolero.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 10th, 2011.
Did you take out your sweaters and pullovers and wrinkle your nose with distaste? Did the thought “that is so last season” run through your brain? Unfortunately, as much one would want to recycle one’s wardrobe, trends are changing and cash has to be spent.
Here are some tips on what is in this season.
Colours
This season is all about bright colours. So ladies, put away your dowdy old black and brown shawls and opt for sapphires, olives and pastels instead. Maroons and tans are also very hot this season. Also remember to put that extra oomph in your get-up by adding one colourful element, such as a bright stole, shawl, scarf or even a light colored cardigan, according to elle.com.
Cuts
Take note from the opposite sex in western wear. Button shirts, tapered pants and even boyfriend blazers are a big yes this season. But don’t overdo the look by adding too many ‘trend’ pieces to your look at one time and remember that sometimes less really is more.
“For eastern wear, A-lines are still in but with shorter lengths and narrower hemlines. Tapered trousers and churidars, and the sherwani look is back (inspired by the boys again),” says Pashmina Ahmed, a London School of Fashion graduate who also owns the Islamabad-based label Pash. “It’s all about the straight sleek cut this year as opposed to the flowy and feminine trends usually suggested for women. Coat-like shirts are also something you can try incorporating in your wardrobe.”
Shoes
Believe it or not, block heels are back this season. From chunky platforms to block-heeled boots, shoes this season are a tangible tribute to the 80s. “We’ve ordered block heeled boots in all colours, as they are really making a comeback,” says L’atelier CEO Zahra Raza. Ankle boots and knee-high block heeled boots are the essentials for a fashionista’s wardrobe this year. Instead of opting for your usual black boots, choose nude colours instead.
Coats
Tulip-shaped coats, clenched around the waist as well as the double breasted coats in dark blues, reds and tans are a wardrobe must-have for every trendy girl. According to vogue.com, long, floor-grazing coats with fitted sleeves are back with a vengeance. From the runways of Burberry to Michael Kors, flowy, long coats in nude colours are a hit.
Prints and motif
“Keep the linen and marina simple. Minimal design and bright colours in blocks is the mantra this season. Don’t experiment with print, leave that for the summers,” says Ahmed. Printed churidars with plain shirts are also en vogue this season. As for wedding wear, velvet is still going strong this season. Vintage embellishments (dabka, tilla) are the perfect way to decorate such regal fabrics, as shown in Gul Ahmed’s Winter 2011 look book.
Accessories
Big statement necklaces, chunky rings and diamantes, stud earrings are the way to go this season. But keep minimalism in your mind and try not to look like a deranged gypsy by stacking too many rings, necklaces or bracelets at one time. Cashmere ponchos and printed, retro scarves add a pop of colour in the grey weather and are easily available at any handicraft shop. Follow the faux fur and faux animal skin trend but try to put a lid on your enthusiasm and not overdo it; ‘as graceful as a swan’ must be taken on a metaphorical level only (Bjork’s swan dress worn at 73th Academy Awards anyone?). According to millionlooks.com, it’s not about total fur anymore, instead people should add little fur details to their ensemble, for instance, ditching a long fur coat for a short fur bolero.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 10th, 2011.