Fashion Forward

The Little Black Dress is no longer the order of the day,say fashion watchers,who predict a little bit of sparkle in 2011. Waltzing into the limelight are sequinned shorts and shorter dresses,worn over leopard print stockings — the building blocks of a fashion forward’s wardrobe. “The emphasis is on layering. It is all about old dresses with stylish peaked jackets and embroidered belts. The trick is in turning around the outfit,” says Mumbai-based designer Tanvi Kedia,whose 2011 look book boasts of sexy tunics paired with waistcoats,skinny jeans and tight leather pants with floral-print tops.

Delhi-based designer Urvashi Kaur also suggests styling as the biggest star of the wardrobe. She swears by the cashmere Chanel coats,silky dresses and edgy scarves—a look that costs big money. But thrift stores around Delhi (read Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar) abound with pocket-friendly alternatives like gauzy skirts. “This chic casual can easily spill over to the night,” says Kaur. Also say hello (or ahem!) to short hemlines in this year. “Short dresses are coming back in a big way and it’s not just young girls who will be getting into these,” says Delhi-based designer Pratima Pandey. She advises style mavens to pair their short dresses with soft and feminine jackets and high boots. At Zara or Forever 21,you could take your pick of mini-dresses in bright colours such as teal blue,fuschia and red.

According to designer Nida Mahmood,it’s leg bling all the way. From shiny jeans for the bold and beautiful look to palazzo pants for the 30-plus experimental women,trousers will be everywhere in spring. “With comfort being the flavour of the season,most women are picking trousers over skirts. Loose trousers also give out the slack vibe,” said Mahmood.