Finally, the most awaited season of the year has arrived — the lovely winter. Coffee stalls are springing up, jackets and mufflers are out of the closet and latest winter collections are in stores. Enter any boutique and you’ll find various bright and dull colours adorning the display shelves. Last winter, orange was the new black; but this time ‘Marsala’ is the talk of the town. Colours this season are quite gender neutral — both men and women able to incorporate all the colours on the palette easily in their wardrobes. Let’s take a look at the evolving colour landscape of 2015-16 and see how different shades can be paired to create a perfect outfit.

Marsala

This earthy maroon shade sets the tone for an exotic and rich look. It is best to save the colour for an outdoor evening; for set against the soft lights of the venue, you will exude immense confidence and radiance. Couple a Marsala shirt with beige trousers / pants and finish off the look with smoky eyes, neutral lips and beautifully contoured cheeks.

Biscay Bay

Biscay Bay is a cool and lush tone of teal mixed with green. It reminds one of the deep blue oceans and the serenity associated with them. The colour gracefully complements each body type and adds elegance to the overall demeanour.

Stitched and printed Biscay Bay mid-length shirts are abundantly available in the shops and can be paired with white trousers or leggings. Alternatively, you can match teal trousers with beige or plain white short shirts and a teal duppatta to accentuate striking contrasts in your attire. Besides dresses, Biscay Bay shawls, sweaters, purses, pumps and accessories are also trending this winter.

Oak Buff

A slightly dull tone of orange mixed with gold, Oak Buff gives warmth and glow to the eyes, adding a touch of playfulness to the surroundings. Oak Buff stoles, churidar pajamas, stilettos and clutches are the best options to integrate this shade in your outfit this winter.

Try going a bit bold by experimenting with an Oak Buff overcoat and combine it with forms of black, Marsala or dark blue to balance the colour scheme of your dress. Oak Buff nail polishes are readily available, however, the colour tends to give a sombre tone to the hands (considering our sun-kissed and tan Asian skin-tones) instead of brightening them, so be a little careful.

Orchid

This purplish-pink shade is the most sought-after colour of the season, especially by women and girls. It appeals to the eyes, is soothing for the mind. Used in combinations of black, maroon, white and beige, orchid is ideal for wearing at work, college, lunches or any activity that is taking place during the daytime.

Orchid shawls, coats, scarves and duppattas exude an aura of calmness and sensitivity along with provoking femininity.

Cashmere Rose

Cashmere rose is a beautiful baby pink shade that can brighten a dull, chilly morning on a typical wintry day. Timeless, cheerful and unisex, it can be worn by men and women on any day of the frosty season. Men can choose a Cashmere rose shirt and combine it with plain grey suit. Women can opt for a baby pink kurta with white pants / jeans, beige heels and neutral make-up.

Cashmere rose shawls, lipsticks and jewellery would also look good, as they’d subtly add some crimson colour to your cheeks.

Black

Black is back in demand this season. Smart and stylish, you can select short kurtis with black and white patterns and pair them with either white or black trousers / leggings. Besides this, you can stitch broad black laces, frills and embroidered motifs to your shirts for a chic and an appealing look.

A simple black shawl, plain black pumps or smooth black nail polish make bold and beautiful fashion statements; however, don’t overplay black, as the colour can look quite gothic.

Apart from these popular shades, a wide spectrum of different colours is also available and in demand this winter season. For example, tones of classic reds, soft creams, powdery pastels, stark silvers and dry greens are wonderful hues that would add flair to anyone’s sense of fashion. Try different and upbeat colours this winter and look fabulous.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, December 13th, 2015