Dressing Down

Be discerning and go for things which will take you through several fashion seasons.

2009 is touted to be the year that will test your endurance like never before. Designers guide us on five wardrobe essentials, to face the challenges, glamorously

Anupama Dayal
8220;Be discerning and go for things which will take you through several fashion seasons. Invest in a fabulous stole8212; a Pashmina, a Naga or a Gujarati one which will add a touch of character to your entire look. A great pair of slouchy boots is next on my list. In the West, the white shirt is a fashion institution, but it doesn8217;t work so well in the Indian context. Next in line is a great long jacket, preferably by an Indian designer and finally, the best, most flattering pair of jeans that you can find.8221;

Prashant Verma
8220;My list is more metaphysical. I would say the five fashion essentials for 2009 would be confidence8212;to face the upheavals we8217;re bound to see this year; and restraint, in how we spend. Masculinity, and not androgyny, will be in, for both men and women. People will dress more starkly and therefore, a more defined, tough look is in. So that8217;s third on my list. My last two essentials will include refinement where people will know how to draw a balance between simplicity and over-the-top clothes and hope, because without it, nothing is what it should be.8221;

Nainika Karan
It8217;s very simple. If you have a pair of platform boots, a nice trench coat, cashmere leggings, a couple of sweater dresses and big sunglasses, you are all set to wish 2009 a warm welcome.8221;

Varun Bahl
8220;Invest in basics. Opt for layering in a garment rather than layering with different items of clothing. Sheer clothing will be a wardrobe must-have in 2009. I don8217;t see too much of colour in the next few seasons, so invest in darker colours. Trousers are set to be back in a big way, so it should find prominence in your wardrobe. Finally, shorter length for most ensembles will be in.8221;

Ritu Kumar
8220;2009 will see recessionary trends and hence more conservative dressing. The first thing to go for is a good pair of jeans that you can team with tunics, kurtis or shirts. Scarves are a good idea because they instantly jazz up an outfit. Buy an understated silk sari8212; that you can wear to work or accessorise for a party. One of the foremost trends next year will be the resurgence of Indian or fusion wear. It would be a good idea to invest in natural fabrics like khadi and in colours like white.8221;