Layer Up

Go beyond a shirt and jacket and be creative, advise leading designers

Dona��t let the dreary weather get you down. As the temperature dips, turn to layering. a�?There is a difference between piling on clothes, and layering. The most important thing is to get the basics right,a�? insists designer Rakesh Thakore of Abraham& Thakore. And even as a pashmina shawl, a French coat or a woollen stole are some of the best options to keep you warm, experts believe that they are monotonous, and outdated. a�?Dona��t wear more than three layers, and wear the thinnest one closest to the skin. Pick skinny trousers or jeans, or leggings as bottoms for when youa��re layering; they slim you down,a�? he adds.
Keep the coat on
Styled coats over pants, waist coats over kurtas for men and even women, along with a linen scarf are some of Anita Dongrea��s tips. a�?It is best to incorporate a mix of colours and textures when styling a layered look,a�? says the Mumbai designer, adding, a�?You can pair a statement dress with a subtly printed jacket and an elegant scarf.a�?
Colour blocking is another simple way to highlight an outfit. You can team a structured jacket, a contrasting bag and a printed stole for a fusion look. a�?Black and white is a staple combination. For an important lunch meeting, throw a solid coloured jacket on. The key is to combine overtly dressy elements with casual pieces,a�? Dongre adds.

Anita Dongre prA?t range
of jackets, capes and bandis start at RsA� 5,000. Details: anitadongre.com
Abraham&Thakore stoles start at Rs 2,000 and jackets at Rs 9,000. At The Collonnade, The Leela Palace. Details: 080 41329316
PA�ro by Aneeth Arora
coats and jackets start at Rs 5,000. Details: strandofsilk.com
Anand Kabraa��s collection starts at Rs 6,000. At Collage, Wood Street. Details: 080 25566818
Couture jackets at House of Three
begin at Rs 15,000. At Jeevan Bhima Nagar. Details: 9886212837
a�� Nandini Kumar