Bright and beautiful - pop colours in winter wardrobe (Fashion Trends)

When the sun is not shining bright and the gloomy winter weather makes you feel dull, add a dash of brightness and style with pop colours, balanced just right with the regular black, blue, beige and grey wardrobe items, young designers suggest.

People often tend to associate darker hues with the winter season as they absorb more light and keep one warm, but in the option of layering in winter, why opt for limited colours only?

"Winter is all about layering and mixing textures. Bright heavy knits teamed with a leather skirt can work as a day-night look. You can team it up with thigh-high boots to add to the glamour quotient. The same can be worn with shorts and a long oversized sweater," Kanika Goyal, a Gen Next designer of Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2015, told IANS.

Priyanka Lamba, another upcoming designer, suggests that balancing contrasts - heavy with light and soft with sharp or combining luxurious sheer clothing with warm woolens to lift the heaviness - can work wonders in adding a style quotient.

"You can pair a heavy cardigan on top and a sheer long skirt or wrap worn with leg warmers and leggings underneath," Lamba suggested.

Throwing in a Pashmina stole or shawl with an interesting print will add a dash of fashion too.

"Choose a subtle pastel tone to lend a pleasing view to the eyes. The soft texture and lightness of the fabric is bound to brighten your mood this winter," she said.

For those who like a snug and chic look, it's a great idea to wear an ankle-length coat, which is a rage this time.

On how to brighten it up, Goyal said: "To keep it casual and street chic one can team up black leather pants with a bright coloured sweater (yellow or scarlet red) and just throw on a grey or nude ankle-length coat over it. This will bring out the chic look."

Also, make the most of the array of ensembles as well as accessories available in pop colours in the market.

"Earthy or warm hued tones like ochre yellow can lighten up your winter look. You can also use pop coloured accessories in contrast to your clothing; for instance, yellow gloves or leg warmers against grey and black can never go wrong," said Lamba.

Pop colours in accessories are quite a hit! Whether it's a bright coloured scarf or a chunky knit stole - it will always work. To keep it elegant and chic, go for lighter tones as a contrast to the dark colors.

In terms of scarves, hats and shoes, go for colours like teal, emerald and mustard, suggests designer Manish Bansal.

For those who may be reserved about using neon and loud colours, incorporating deeper tones like yellow ochre and maroon is advisable as it adds colour to the outfit and still doesn't scream bright. The other bright shades that may be used are cobalt blue, scarlet red, salmon pink and orange.

Your look is not complete without giving a thought to your shoes. Snug fitted boots and Oxfords make for best winter wear, but thick-soled brogues are a favourite this season, said Bansal.

(Nivedita can be contacted at nivedita.s@ians.in)