Hibernate in style: 8 winter wardrobe essentials you cannot miss

As the city residents experience the transition from October heat to early winter breezy days in November and December, it is time to go back on fabrics that offer warmth and comfort for the coolest time of the year. As layering as a fashion trend gains momentum in India with unconventional and stylish designs dominating ethnic as well as indo-western clothing, the season's reserved for experimental clothing with cardigans, jackets and button-up items dominating the Indian street and online markets.

According to Anand Singh, fashion design manager at DaMENSCH, dominant trends that are making the cut this winter are transitional pieces featuring, innovative designs, sustainable fabric, and versatile apparel, which can blend effortlessly to provide the multiple outfits. Moreover, with preference for relaxed wear gains prominence among the GenZs and millennials, sweatshirts and oversized outfits continue to be the best bid for many, when it comes to statement outfits with a casual approach.

"Your wardrobe can be both sophisticated and laid-back with the right kind of clothing. Invest in interlock knitted raised-neck hoodies or muted-coloured sweatshirts. These high-quality transitional winter-wear staples will give you the best of both worlds - style and comfort," says Sree Charan, vice president, brands and Marketing at Birla Cellulose.

Moreover, as oversized garments would be a wardrobe staple this season, Himanshu Wardhan founder of The Vasa states there are many takers for relaxed fit kurtas too for casual day at work as well as for occasions. Layering Indian wear with padded and faux fur coats are also some of the fashionable choices people do not shy away experimenting with.

Go-to fabrics and colours for the season

"A majority of customers opt for clothing that is more robust and thicker to meet the chilly weather as well as darker tones to fit the holiday season. However, silk, cashmere, flannel, and other wools are the most popular textiles," says Charan.

More than often, people go back to their knitted clothes, perfect for the season, from previous years; one of the reasons why it is always helpful to invest in long-lasting seasonal fabrics. If you are looking to indulge in winter-shopping this year, Singh suggests opting for a versatile style that includes ingenious fabric blends and designs featuring interlock knits, superior-grade cotton, colour-retentive dyes, and more, which keep the style quotient in check and comfort at its peak.

As tattersall patterns and woollens take over season's mood, people are attracted towards earthy tones with a hint of red, orange, yellow, green and more. While muted solids and monochrome co-ord sets are also the season's most wanted, this year is also for sharper cuts, velvet blazers and pant suits, eye-catching floral designs, and uplifting colors. Experts Charan and Wardhan predict an uptick in the demand for floral patterns; these, however, in a deeper, earthy palette with neon or bright under-tones.

Experts Charan, Singh and Wardhan provide a handy guide on essential winter items one must have in their wardrobe to recreate multiple outfits:

1. Vests
Rock a knit dress and layer on your fur vest. This low-key look fits well with riding boots and a woolen fedora. If you live in a cooler climate, wear tights as bottoms.

2. Cardigans
A long cardigan is a cozy, must-have sweater for a winter collection. This cold-weather staple can layer over some simple outfits and transform them.

3. Turtleneck sweater and coats
A fit-and-flare dress could often give you the illusion of a skirt. You can top it up with a turtleneck and classic black pumps. It is a simple way to approach a stylish holiday look.

4. Blouse over a dress
A button-up blouse could do the trick for you this winter. It's the perfect layer under a simple black dress. Glam it up with a nice statement necklace, for a dressy day at work or parties.

5. Raised-neck hoodies
If you're looking to try something new, switch to raised-neck hoodies. Their accentuated design of half-zip will make you look uber-stylish and classy.

6. Muted hoodies
Turn up the chilly season in muted hoodies. Style them with muted joggers for a monochrome fit. Monochromatic sets are known for making a style statement wherever you go. For low-temperature style, pair your monochromatic set with denim jackets, this is bound to give you a superior stylish look.

7. Joggers
Get a pair of classic joggers that are made with superior cotton and are colour retentive. Not only will they last for a long time, but they can be paired with almost anything. Pair them with a classic white shirt and men's jacket that oozes comfort and mobility with ease.

8. Kurtas
A kurta is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing ever and should certainly be a part of everyone's wardrobe. It's a myth that kurtas are best worn when the temperatures soar, team it up with skinny jeans, boots and a leather jacket and see a super trendy winter look emerge. You can even add some chunky silver jewellery for that edge.

Also read: Layering is in vogue! Here are tips to sport the ethnic capes and jackets