Layering ideas for winter (Part II)

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?” – John Steinbeck.

Winters are reminiscent of flamboyant weddings, time spent with loved ones, smoky barbeques, sipping on steamy hot chocolate, eating to your heart’s content knowing that your layers of clothing will do their best at camouflaging any tell-tale signs, and most of all the sheer enjoyment of dressing up in almost anything, any texture or colour. Winter is a great time to pull out whatever is in your wardrobe, mix and match and make a fashion statement. Layering is one way to stay warm and look stylish at the same time. Last time we discussed how to layer with different types of jackets. We do not always need jackets to create layering, especially for our Goan weather. Other items of clothing will also do the needful, and this is how.

Button up shirt:

A button up is a great way to keep warm without seeming too bulky. It also is a good replacement for a cardigan or sweater which may be too warm for the Goan climate. You can wear a button up under a loose fitting crop sweater, a vest or a cardigan. Wear it open over a tee shirt, or belt it at the waist, or wear it over a dress and tie it up at the waist. If it’s particularly cold, you can wear a button up over a tank top, and layer the two with a cardigan. Keep the shirt and cardigan open and belt it at the waist. Try wearing a tank top over the said button up and accessorize it with a scarf or necklace. Pair up a button up shirt over a fitted polo neck top and wear it with a pair of shorts or a mini skirt worn over a pair of stockings.

Dress:

Make a summer dress work in winter by wearing a long sleeved top underneath and adding tights. You can wear a sleeveless dress over a shirt like a jumper. Wear a long sleeves dress over a contrasting long sleeves top so only the cuffs and collar of your under shirt can be seen.

Scarves/ Stoles:

Scarves and stoles make for awesome accessories. But in winter they can serve the dual purpose of keeping you warm, depending on the fabric and texture. You can wear it both on western as well as Indian outfits. Play around with various fabrics – pashmina, ahimsa silk, embroidered kanthas, ajrakhs, tie and dyed cottons. India has a vast array of fabrics and embroideries, and you can find a handcrafted scarf or stole from every state. Try out vibrant prints and colours over garments in neutral shades. Experiment with different drapes around your neck and chest. Wrap your scarf around your neck and tuck the ends under your shirt, or wear it as a tie.

Dupatta/ Saree pallu:

If you are looking to keep your neck warm in ways other than scarves or stoles, then you have options. You can even drape your dupatta around your neck and experiment with different drapes. Try draping your dupatta around your neck once and belting the ends at your waist. You can even try this look with light weight shawls. Similarly, you can play around with your saree pallu. Instead of letting your pallu fall over your shoulder, try draping the pallu around your neck and bring it in a straight line down the front or wrap it around like a scarf. Throw on a jacket and you’ve got yourself a corporate look. There is no need for a neckpiece, instead accessorize with big earrings or chucky bracelets.

Leggings/ Stockings/ Socks:

Leggings and stockings are a great way to keep your legs warm in winter and can be worn with both western as well as Indian outfits. Wear a colourful pair of stockings under a dress, skirt or shorts. Black stockings can be worn on formals if you want to play safe. You can create layers by wearing high socks over your tights, or ankle socks over high socks. You can team up a pair of leggings with a saree by trying a different drape with the saree that would expose your leggings. Not only would it help you beat the cold, but will also make a style statement. Opt for pumps or ankle boots instead of the usual sandals so that your feet are tucked away.

Boots:

Although it doesn’t make much sense to wear boots in our kind of climate, there is no doubt that boots are very fashionable. If you are not comfortable wearing high boots, opt for angle length. Boots look great if worn over a pair of stockings or tights. Try pairing your boots with your ethnic wear, but only if you think you can pull it off. Boots worn with a churidar or saree is a perfect blend of grunge amalgamated with ethnic.

According to Terri Guillemets, “The colour of springtime is flowers; the colour of winter is in our imagination.” So go ahead, set your imagination free and have fun with your wardrobe; but don’t forget to stay safe and stay stylish!