Life & Style

Accessorise, Berlin style

German fashionistas beat the cold and gloom by adding colourful accessories to their outfits.

Maha Amin October 23, 2010

BERLIN: Winter is just around the corner for Pakistan, but in other parts of Europe, such as Germany, the chill has already set in. While Berliners may have pulled out their winter coats, they opt to stand out by using bright accessories.

Germany celebrated the 21st anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall this year. Over the years, the city has undergone a huge change and is aiming to develop into an international cultural, art and fashion hub. Berlin Fashion Week has become a must-watch event for fans of avante-garde fashion.

In autumn and winter, an average Berliner will wear basic jeans, walking shoes and a thick sweater or a jacket in basic colours. But they are able to stand out in the crowd by adding colour to the standard black or brown coats and blue or black jeans. Be it a hat, scarf, leggings, gloves or accessories, they are all brightly coloured and aim to add some spark to an otherwise bland look.

Pakistanis can take note of this trend no matter where they live in the country or if they choose to wear eastern or western clothes. Autumn in Berlin is very similar to winter in Lahore and Islamabad and a chic knee-length coat with tights looks great, especially when paired with a brightly coloured scarf or bag. For those who don’t have to face such weather can follow the same look but swap the coat for a sweater and put on bright, chunky earrings for that additional splash of colour.

Designers who have made great use of funky, bright tights include Nomi Ansari and Maheen Khan at Gulabo. Stylist Asmaa Mumtaz put singer Sarah Waqar in bright yellow tights with a black-and-white top for the launch of The Dresser. Deepika Padukone pulled off the trend as well in Love Aaj Kal with her funky tunics and contrasting tights.

Essentials for wintry weather