Jazzy jackets: Winter calls for smart layering

Any winter season is incomplete without jackets. This year these wardrobe staples are making a statement with their asymmetric cuts and quirky prints. On the global runways, a drama in all grey was created by Armani’s single lapelled flannel jacket over cropped pleated trousers. The stylish DKNY jacket underlined old fashioned glamour in powder pink and Gucci settled for pea coats. With the boyish cuts, prominent buttons and oversize collars in sage green, dusty pink, duck egg blue, these pea coats are hard to resist.

The Ralph Lauren Polo collection had a mix of blanket jackets, distressed leather bomber jackets and athletic outerwear in bright acid-coloured tones.“For jackets, the emphasis should be on immaculate cuts and structured silhouettes,” says designer Hemant Sagar, adding, “The focus on shape is reflected in our cocoon jackets. Laser-cut ruffle long jacket is another chic style that’s winning admirers.”

He adds, “Experiment with fabrics such as handmade embroidered lace, woven leather and silk. The colour palette can vary from ice blue, beige, purple, maroon and deep brown, however black and metallic grey dominate this season. Cutwork and 3D sequin appliqué embellishments add that essential hint of glamour.”If it’s a jacket it has to be printed, declares designer Masaba Gupta. Her A/W 2014 line showcases thigh-length jackets and short zipper jackets with bell sleeves accompanied by quirky prints.

“Go for unconventional prints, for instance, I have used prints of running water from a tap, on well fitted jacket monochrome shades, while the inner wear takes a neon route. Horn rimmed glasses, images of gramophone and plants are interesting too. Printed faces are making a big comeback. Also large sparsely scattered floral prints or trapeze prints that run uniformly on jackets and trousers is another style that’s worth trying, especially if your winters are mild,” she recommends.

For designer duo Pankaj and Nidhi, bolero jackets are the must-haves  this season. “Prints are definitely the ‘it’ trend in jackets,” adds Pankaj. It’s all in the fit, believes Vivek Goel, creative director of Zink London, and suggests that jackets be kept extremely straight and simple. He says, “The preferred fabrics are slightly heavy knitted fabrics which serve well for mild winters. Texturing is in vogue and so are abstract prints and fine checks. And nothing can top the season’s look better than a crisp military style jacket in olive green with a flashy button show, fitted to perfection.”