Fashion this fall

Cascading leather jackets, bags, and even shoes, tassels and fringes have been boho-ing up the Autumn/Winter Collection this year. And it wasn’t just a blink-and-miss-it kind of detailing; fringing was omnipresent — with full tasselled looks, or entire sleeve and leg lengths and hemlines.

Truth is — we aren’t complaining. Synonymous with the mid-60s and 70s, this detailing is reminiscent of the luxe hippie and has a nostalgic Woodstock vibe. The best part? It works for any size, age and occasion. Keep it minimal with a pair of tasselled sandals or go all out with a fringed mini. Better still, combine tassels with another staple — like a cape and you’ve got yourself an investment.

Capes

Give your wardrobe superhero powers with capes. A Parisienne-chic staple, capes have also made a contemporary appearance on Indian runways. As an over-the-shoulder choli with a sheer sari or an embellished one over dhoti pants, capes have been re-invented in an ethnic avatar. While all these options are equally cool and experimental, the best option is one in black wool or silk that works well over a cocktail dress or over shredded denims on a chilly winter’s day.

Embellished footwear

The best trend to come off runways this autumn? Minimalism or the absence of all jewellery. This means that we can have as much fun as we want to, with other accessories like bags and shoes. While an embellished bag is more of a night-time look, bold footwear is appropriate for any time of the day. Some of the key embellishments included our favourites — metal studs, jewelled brooches, faux fur and the best of them all — glitter.

photo: plus size bridesmaid dresses

Patchwork and tapestry

This season has been an ode to textiles with the fabric-focused patchwork and tapestry trends making their presence felt. Descendants of the bohème tradition, both styles have a part artsy, part vintage feel. Play with mismatched colours and textures — in this case, the quirkier the better. Typically, these techniques use heavy fabrics (velvet, corduroy and wool). Keeping in mind our weather, we suggest going for add-ons — vests, jackets, coats and stoles — separates that you can discount once the clime gets hotter. Go-to pantones: Deep, jewelled tones like marsala, redwood brown and forest green.

Statement earrings

Ultra feminine and glamorous, shoulder-dusting earrings are your answer to a night out. But please, at all costs, avoid clichés like the chandelier shape. Look for interesting motifs like art deco or tribal. Go chunky or experiment with textures and fabrics. Even for a traditional look like an ethnic sari, opt for jewellery styles like temple or jadau. For a more urban look, go in for bold lines and avoid too much intricate detailing.

Return of the waist

Indian women have been celebrating the waist and torso with low-slung saris for centuries. So, it’s not so much a new thing but definitely reaffirms our notion of ‘sexiness’. Yes we do love a straight-cut boxy shirt dress once in a while, but there’s nothing quite as feminine as a cinched waist. And you don’t even need Kim K’s curves to work this trend. A wide belt is great for curvy figures, whereas a skinny belt works well for petite frames. Speaking of the sari, add a belt to this traditional garb.

Depending on how experimental you want to be, you can go with an heirloom-inspired South Indian temple jewellery belt or be ultra-urban with a plain gilded one.

Long, sleeveless jackets

Another off-shoot of the athleisure or sporty trend, is the urban must-have, that is, the sleeveless long jacket. It is age-appropriate, extremely forgiving and can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. The key to working this trend into your wardrobe is

being smart about layering it. If you want to keep it simple, just throw it over a pair of skinnies, a cropped tank and sneakers. But if you want a more formal look, pair it with a pencil skirt, lace blouse and killer heels.

Draped trousers

This season’s must-haves are definitely draped trousers. Fluid trouser tailoring is not only form-flattering, but also gives you a polished look. Ditch the stern pencil pants for softer drapes. In ethnic Indian wear, this translates to the totally on-trend dhoti pant. Move over ostentatious lehengas and done-to-death salwars and churidars. Expertly cut, they are breathable and can be paired with kurtis, crop tops and embroidered jackets.

see also: purple bridesmaid dresses

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