Wel come winter in style | Fashion

ALL images: KIRAN PANDAY
Model: Reshu Basnyat
Winter is early this year, and the cold is already seeping in. While most stores in Kathmandu are still on the verge of bringing in their latest winter collections, some have already brought them in. WAVE hunted down a few stores in Kathmandu this month to bring you the latest trends for the coming months. Here's what you can snuggle up in this winter, keep warm, and still look a sizzle.

This winter's fashion is both contradictory and complementary. Both clean lines and ruffles are in and go together, and while the dominant colors are chic jewel tones which include deep violet, purple, black and maroon, there are the light eccentric colors as well. There are hints of military in most clothes this season, from tiny touches like brass buttons on a woolen sweater to more obvious inclusions.

Fashion designers were the most creative with sweaters and boots this season. Besides these, the pants become shorter (ankle-length) this year, and this fad continues into the winter. The waistlines also go higher up and you can choose from straight-legged, curved-legged, or wide-legged and drainpipes.

Sweaters

There are lots of sweaters around for you this winter. From dress sweaters to cardigans that look great when paired with slim jeans and boots. The colors are as varied and start from muted shades of pastel to the funky bright green ones at Baleno. Stripes are in too, especially electric mixes like yellow and green, or pink and grey. With the belt-fad still going strong, you can wear cardigans with form-hugging wide belts, or thread those thin belts around an oversized sweater.

Cowl necks are big this winter, as are large hoods. However, a V-neck sweater vest would do just fine layered with a full t-shirt, and a pencil skirt to match. Monte Carlo is stocked up with sweaters in a palette of colours all year through. Some of the designs that are fine choices this winter are the sweater dress turtlenecks, sweet button-down sweaters with jeans, and pull-over sweaters with long cuffs. Especially for the initial months when winter is still kind, a great look is a laced camisole paired with a cardigan sweater on top, for which there are great picks at Bossini, Darbar Marg.

For men, the cardigan-pulled-over-a-shirt look is still in from last year. But this year the colors are a step funkier. Sweaters, mainly in jewel colors like deep purple and black can be seen paired with striped shirts or can be bought attached with the cuffs pulled out. There are a great many sweaters like these to choose from at Benetton. Big zip-up cardigans, especially rough woolen ones, are hooded this season. However, even fitting sweaters, like those at UFO, are all over Kathmandu.

Hooded jumpers are also in this season. And sweaters, especially cashmere wool and lamb wool, available in stores like Peter England, are both sophisticated and keep you warm. Woollen coats are in this winter for both the ladies and the gents, and even an old-looking grandfather coat can look hot in the midst of winter. Men may have shied away from the accessories of winter during yesteryears, but no more.

Mufflers and woollen caps for men are definitely in. Fashion is becoming more practical for men, so being macho doesn't mean being cold (or not wearing pink, for that matter).
Model: Reshu Basnyat

Coats and Jackets

Winter is in, and its time for you to take out all those coats and jackets from your closet and flaunt it to the world. And, thankfully, there are some stylish and trendy options for you this season.

This winter marks the come back of stylish military inspired coats. Available in many colours and textures these coats can be worn over most of your dresses. These high waist coats with big buttons and large collar, when mixed with a pair of jeans and high boots will give you that chic, high-end look.

Another trendy alternative this season can be oversized duffle coats. The coarse texture of this coat can actually help balance out your look. Apart from looking stylish there is also the added advantage of feeling extra warm as these coats are made of thick woollen material.

If you are into the whole punk/emo bandwagon, plaid coats are the best option for you. Plaid refers to the checked or striped pattern on these coats, not their design, so you can find the one that match with your outfit. Wear them over your regular outfit and pair it with Converse shoes and you are all set to go. These coats when paired with smart tailored pants will look equally ravishing.

If you have the added advantage of being tall, you can opt for high waist, full-length coats. Available in many textures, these coats accentuates your waistline and gives them more definition. These coats can be paired with almost all of your outfits so you can go for one without any hesitations.

Shoes

Put away your sandals and forget about getting away with wearing socks with your sandals – or wanting to, because there are so many winter shoes to choose from! Boots have especially gone hotter for the cold months, and you can wear other designs including pumps. But after all's said and done, a warm coloured Converse with a pair of thick socks to keep warm works just as well.

But coming back to boots, even though the ankle boots or the 'shooties' (half shoe half bootie) are in with a blast this winter, knee length and thigh high boots are still fashionable. From pairing your shooties with ankle length trousers to tucking in a pair of slim jeans into a knee-length boot, to wearing a comfortable pair of flat riding boots, everything to do with boots are in. But a few of the chicest designs is the ankle length, slouch boot, made out of suede and with elastic banding on the top. If you're up to it, you can also pair boots with leggings during the warmer part of the winters. Wearing ankle-high boots with jewel-tone leggings and a dress on top could be one choice.

For men, the classic sport shoes made by brands like Fila and Reebok are getting sportier and more stylish by the day. But the classic Converse is the star, with higher and heavier designs just right for the winter. Previously neglected colours like fully black converse and camouflage are more prevalent.

This winter, jewelleries in more subdued hues of vibrant colours, like red and yellow are very in. Long beaded necklaces with irregular gemstones are in this season, so are large colourful rings with different patterns. The classic white pearl necklace with gemstones such as onyx and quartz can jazz up any outfit that you are wearing.

Winter Accessories

Probably the most important accessories in the winters are the woollen caps and mufflers. These winter fixtures are now becoming fashion accessories and more and more designs are coming into surface. This winter, buy one with bold patterns and colours. Scarves with a splash of bright colours can brighten up any gloomy winter day. Also in this season are scarves with a home-knitted look which you might already have in your closet.

As for caps, the trend is more or less the same as previous years. For men (or even the girls), the classic woollen toque with a single tone of colour is a must have winter accessory. These knitted caps are widely available and are easy on the pocket too. The guitarist of Irish band U2 is always seen sporting one so are many other international celebrities.

Over the years, the classic woollen caps have spawned many variations. Easily available around Thamel, streets get a facelift with splashes of colours of interesting caps and gloves come winter. They come at dirt cheap prices and when mix-and-matched with the right outfit, they will look as good as other branded stuffs.