January 12, 2008

Winter in Pakistan brings many wonderful things, great hair for one. No more frizzy hair. Come winter and hair fall straight, they look smooth and freshly blow-dried even though we have just woken up.

The leaves are falling from the trees, the days are getting colder and shorter, and the shops are flooded with all kinds of snugly jerseys and big coats. Yep, winter’s is here. And with winter comes winter fashion!

Gone are the days when winter was considered boring because of sweaters and cardigans. Wave goodbye to the woolly mammoths of old because sweaters are now designed to make you warm and look chic at the same time! Even the most outsized slouchy pullover is designed in a trendy way.

After spending a Saturday evening in the markets checking out sweaters and cardigans, I realised we have a lot of variety this year. To my utter surprise there were different types of sweaters for everyone. It’s now time to revamp your wardrobes and get some new, trendy and chic sweaters for the season ahead.

Here is a look at the different types of sweaters available:

Pullovers

The pullovers available this year were in a lot of different styles, mainly the crewnecks, V-necks, turtlenecks and cowl necks. If you don’t know: crewnecks are pullovers that have a round closely fitting opening for the neck, turtlenecks have a high round collar, which usually folds over itself and covers the neck and cowl necks are sweaters with a large loose covering for the head or shoulders. They are available in almost all colours and can be worn over shalwar qameez as well as pants and trouser. They look equally good worn on either of them. The most attractive ones available are the sleeveless turtleneck sweaters available in different colours.

Long and lingering

As much as we have heard that short sweaters are very in, we cannot neglect the fact that long sweaters are in fashion too. Various shops have a huge variety of long and lingering sweaters that look great. If you are a bit heavy, these long and lingering sweaters will look nice and will make you look comparatively slim. Long sweaters are suitable for the working lady, the housewife and the college going girl. Wear them with whatever you want, shalwar qameez, straight pants or jeans and you’re goof to go!

Bolero sweaters

These are short sweaters that end above the waist. These can be worn over t-shirt and jeans to show off a great waist and can be worn with shalwar qameez to look just as trendy. After checking out a number of different shops I realised that bolero sweaters are in great demand, which speaks a lot about how “in” they are this winter. They are available in different styles; the ones with zips and buttons and full sleeves and sleeveless ones.

The bright stripes

Stripes have always been in vogue. They look particularly good on young kids and teenage girls. This winter also, the markets have a lot of different type of striped sweaters, both front open and closed ones. Also, they are available in a number of colour combinations. One basic advantage of striped sweaters is that they can be worn with different clothes since they have three to four different colours in them. Moreover, striped sweaters are always ‘in’ so if you get one this winter they can be easily worn next year or the year after that.

Ponchos and capes

For those who get annoyed by wearing sweaters and dupattas both at the same time, ponchos and capes are a good option. A poncho is a simple garment designed to keep the body warm; however, it is very different from a sweater. The good thing about ponchos and capes is that they look different from what everyone is wearing. Also, they come in a variety of styles, hence you can choose the one that you like. This

year too, the shops have plenty of ponchos and capes to choose from. All you need to do is just visit them and get the one that suits you.

Hoods

Sweaters with hoods are again very in this winter. They look great and keep you warm at the same time. They also cover your head when needed and give a very young and chic look. Young girls should have at least one sweater with a hood in their wardrobes. It is like a must have! Hoods with pockets

and a zipper are the most in demand this winter. They are particularly asked for from the shopkeepers and are available in different colours, mainly black, grey and brown.

Cardigans

A belted mid-length tunic style cardigan is the most versatile piece of cuddliness you can own, and it’s always in vogue. Wear it with just about anything — over shalwar qameez, a long skirt, over jeans and sneakers to play, or with heels and a bag to go shopping. Make sure you have one!

With all this great variety available in the markets, one can’t just wait to fill the bag with lots of cash and shop till they drop! Shopping in winter is a lot of fun too; just go in the evening or at night and take a hot coffee from the café nearby. After looking at the variety available this winter, I realised that bundling up never looked so good! So what are you waiting for? Just head to the market and buy the trendiest sweaters available. Wear them and enjoy the winter.