Yay sweater weather. The season of warm drinks, cuddling up and yes winter fashion. Overcoats, blazers, sweaters, knee boots, ankle boots, scarves, oh the list is endless.
And winters come as a special boon for us South Asian women, because summer fashion trends are a bit, shall we say, revealing, and therefore we cannot follow them to our hearts content. But winter fashion is amazing! Wear anything and style anything, with the added bonus of no skin revealing.
This is the world of fast fashion, which means that the trends for what is in clothing change multiple times every season. However, every season there is a main theme that all trends are based on. 2021 has been a rather rough year and everyone wants this particular year to be done and dusted with.
Perhaps this is why there is a certain aura of nostalgia that is influencing the winter fashion trends for 2021-22. Let’s take a look at what is trending. They are in no particular order, so feel free to take inspiration.
Big and bold, the geometry untold
Take a gander at your mama’s or grand mama’s old pictures and you will find that they were big on geometric prints. And by big, it means slightly bats–t crazy, but you get the point. Overcoats and jumpers this season must feature colorful geometric prints, or else you really aren’t too cool (or warm) enough.
Go raid your grand ma’s closet or take a look at these for a brain wave. You can basically wear lounge sweats under these things and still stand out.
Plaids, checks and paisley
Plaid checks and paisley patterns are often considered to be a risky pattern choice, since they are illusionary patterns and can distort a body’s natural lines, but Gen Z have bought with them the much lauded revolution of body positivity.
People are now more willing to embrace different patterns and prints without the worry of looking too big for their size. Wrap around skirts and miniskirts featuring these bold patterns now have the potential to be a staple in your wardrobe this season. Style a colorful plaid skirt with clunky boots and you have a colorful steampunk take on cottage core.
Billie Jeans, or blue denim
There is a definite nostalgia in this year’s winter trends, and it evident by the comeback that denim outfits have made. Very circa 2000, all-denim outfits have been popularized by tiktokers, who have made it their mission to revive old fashion trends in their videos, and that has translated into the mainstream fashion consciousness as well.
The steam punk cottage core theme seems the main consideration whenever we come across denim styling, so style your denim dress or skirt with some minimal accessories like a simple scarf, and add a punch with chunky combat boots.
Puff, puff, puffy
You guessed it right. Oversized puffer jackets have been making it big in the winter season, with celebrities like Kanye and the Kardashians sporting these rather ludicrous looking jackets.
However, one has to concede that this trend does not sacrifice comfort at the altar of fashion. The wearer stays trendy and warm at the same time.
Faux Furrrrrrr
Who doesn’t want to luxuriate in the comforting soft touch of faux fur? Although in 2020 and 2019 it was considered tacky, faux fur has made a big comeback, again thanks to the nostalgia driven wave for things past.
Be prepared to see and wear faux fur everywhere. You would be best off in investing in one quality faux fur item, preferably a gillet because an entire coat would be too over the top, or not. Whatever rocks your boat.
Metallics and latex
Hail and welcome back the trend of shiny trench coats and latex pants, which is very reminiscent of the hold The Matrix had over clothing fashions when it was released.
Tight fitting faux leather pants, coupled with metallic finished outer wear would make it sure that you stand out among the crowd, or are easier to see in dim light. Sparkle on sisters!
The legging craze
Once worn under skirts, the humble legging was never made out to be a fashion standalone accessory, but that has changed. Paired with a long trench coat or a short one, leggings can add some much needed definition to another wise bundled up look.
Make sure to pair them with some funky boots and you are good to go. Leg warmers and leggings are making a comeback this year too. Does anyone remember Grease? No? Just me then.
Knit me not
Out with the new, in with the old, all knit has been seen making weaves, no, waves, this year. Be it from oversized sweaters to fitted body con dresses, you can count on seeing knit everywhere.
One of the best things about knit dresses is that they can be styled modestly too. Paired with a hijab and leggings, they do not look shabby at all, and can add some much needed western spice to the same old khaddar and linen dresses that we wear.
Wave me Moiré
Moiré is a wavy pattern that is very much like the tiger’s eye effect in quartz. It has been featured in numerous runway campaigns, most notably those of Tom Ford and Sandy Liang.
They are bound to show up on puffer jackets and fabric. Be sure to get your hands on one moiré item and make it a wardrobe staple this season.
Big accessories
Do not worry about looking like a serial killer while wearing faux leather gloves. Accessorisation is heavy this winter season, and there are so many items that you can add on.
From bulky fur scarves to furry gloves, huge knit throws and so many more. Break out all the items you thought were clunky and couldn’t be worn anymore, or simply buy new ones.
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[…] Yay sweater weather. The season of warm drinks, cuddling up and yes winter fashion. Overcoats, blazers, sweaters, knee boots, ankle boots, scarves, oh the list is endless. […]