Warm up trends for your winter wardrobe

There’s a definite nip in the air! As temperatures dip, they remind us of the exciting season coming up. The club parties and al fresco lunches; cocktails-on-the-lawn and destination weddings, musical concerts and DJ nights – the season offers many occasions and reasons to update your wardrobe.

So let’s see what’s trending in India this winter. Sleeves have definitely taken on a life of their own! Knee-length and floor-length sleeves are in as are voluminous sleeves that recreate the retro look of the 70s. Sleeves with slits, ruffled sleeves, layered sleeves, over-sized sleeves – you’ll find sleeves are adding a unique twist to every garment, whether it be the lehenga blouse, kurta, LBD or casual top on jeans.

The saree is being worn with churidars – either to match the saree or in the contrasting shade of the border and pallu. It’s a unique mix – perfect when you want to blend the traditional with contemporary style. So if there’s a DJ night or sangeet planned for your friend’s wedding, this is one way you’ll make a statement – and stand out.

For casual parties and/or wedding functions, women are flaunting their shoulders. Off-the-shoulder or shoulder cut-outs are the trend – on tops, cholis and blouses. Long kurtas continue to rule anddesigners are making them with front slits. Paired with lehengas, palazzos, bell pants and long skirts, these flowing ensembles are ideal for casual or dressy parties.

Another trend that adds style while protecting you from the winter chill is the jacket. But in a creative avatar! Plain, embroidered, and embellished jackets are paired with lehengas, sarees, and gowns. Contrasting colours look great and floor-touching, jackets paired with your gown or ghagra are the rage for winter weddings. Asymmetrical jackets worn on a tunic or palazzos add instant chic. Anju Modi, Manish Malhotra, Falguni & Shane Peacock, Jayanthi Reddy – almost every designer you can name incorporates this trend in their collection.

At Praan:t, a top fashion studio in Pune, designer Monika Chordia presents her own take on these season trends. Working closely with weavers, printers and practitioners of age-old embroidery styles, Monika Chordia customizes colours, threads and designs to create exclusive designer collections of dressy occasion wear and smart casual wear for ladies. Her bespoke apparel for women and traditional wear for men are stunningly stylish so you brighten up every social gathering this winter season.

Praant offers contemporary style women's clothes in traditional weaves and traditional wear for men.