Hello January! What took you so long? 2016 has just arrived, but we have already got our shopping carts ready to fill. With new prints, trends, colours, and styles on offer, you can’t blame us for getting greedy. As winter prepares to make room for a pleasantly cold springtime, choose from our list of everyday essentials—and party must-haves, if December hasn’t left you drained—for the transitional months ahead.
Men
Baggy pants
We are no fans of drop crotch silhouettes, yet our heart sings for relaxing, baggy trousers inspired by Nineties (a hot 2016 trend) street style. Think well-cut, roomy pants that score on both counts—comfort as well as style. It’s like your favourite pair of pyjamas, except you can wear these miracle pants outdoors and even to work.
Wallpaper prints
We dislike clothes that look like curtains (like the sherwani you bought last year), but there’s nothing tacky about these bold prints inspired by vintage interiors. From complex botanicals to porcelain prints, designers incorporate varied decor motifs in their fabrics. Complete the look with subdued accessories and oodles of confidence.
Cropped trousers
Because men can show off their stems too. It’s not for the faint-hearted or the conventional, but a pair of cropped trousers will elevate your dapper quotient by more than a few notches. We love this outfit’s potential for back to school looks. Keep your ensemble striking but simple to let the hemline stay in focus.
Velvet
One of winter’s biggest trends, it’s still not too late to wrap yourself in this plush fabric. Pair velvet separates with knits to transition party-appropriate pieces for a toned-down January. Yet, velvet is best suited to make a statement—opt for suits and dresses for the season’s many pre-wedding cocktails and receptions.
Women
Colour blocking
Clashing colours are an eyesore, but done right, multi-hued items are thoroughly impressive. It’s the art of colour blocking—chunks of aesthetically placed shades that contrast as well as complement. Whether you like monochrome or pop hues, you will find something to suit. Our favourite look: a neutral hue paired with brights.
Midi skirts
Eschew your regular pair of slim-fit trousers for a midi skirt in 2016. Their modest hemlines are perfect for work, with just enough to show off those toned pins. Mid-length skirts are remarkably versatile—wear with a white button-down for the day. Swap the shirt for a shimmering top and a statement jewel for an evening affair.
Sequins
Blame the maximalist in us, but we have a real weakness for glitter. Sequins make for standout ensembles but to stand apart from a crowd of sparklers, team them up with textures and prints. Think glitter with fur, chunky sweaters, or graphic stripes. Minimalists may eschew an outfit in favour of a sequinned bag or heels.
Turtleneck
Our (not so) favourite winter staple received a fashionable makeover this season as designer and high street labels experimented liberally with the roll-up neckline. With winter on its way out (in most Indian cities, at any rate), pick up lighter knits and sheer fabrics for a snug, yet more comfortable fit.
