Three young designers tell you what to look out for in the world of fashion this year
There are a whole lot of things to look forward to this new year—new resolutions, new opportunities, new careers perhaps, and of course new clothes. Velvet, hoodies, denim-on-denim, front-button skirts and ruffles were trending in 2016, and while you can still hang on to some of your outfits, there’s a bunch more to add to your wardrobe, this year.
Keeping it relaxed
Aquas and corals combined with basic shades—black, off-white, tan and charcoal grey—are the colours for 2017. College is synonymous with fun, and the athleisure trend embodies the whole to-go look. High-waist denims for girls are in and short jackets that come up to the high waist will be making a comeback. For your daily college wear, girls can pair high-waist athletic leggings with a white tank, denim jacket and sporty kicks. When it comes to partying, a black skater dress with a formal jacket or a blouse worn over it, is stylish and fun. Or pair high-waist shorts with a tucked-in formal shirt and boat shoes or kitten heel pumps.
For boys, a pair of black, loose-fit tracks paired with a relaxed-fit tee and a pair of vans or Adidas superstars should work for college. Chino pants and casual abstract-print light bomber jackets are also in. For an evening look, a pair of black, slim-fit pants; a basic-colour, narrow-fit shirt, which can be mixed with a bow tie or a solid vest is the way to go. Regular-fit denims with a classic white tee, paired with a faux-leather jacket and a sleek pair of shoes, is another option.
But be alert to what works for you; take a trend and make it your own.
—Dionne Claudette Alves, CEO of Claude & Claudette Clothing
Staying casual and comfy
Since most part of your day is spent in college, your best bet is something casual and comfortable. Layered blouses and frills are in for girls, but if you want to keep it simple, pairing casual clothes with the 80s basic choker (or even a thick black thread), adds style. The 60s-70s trend—denim skirts, high-waist skirts and bell-bottoms are what you want to invest in for the year. Button-down dresses and skirts, paired with sneakers are trendy and comfortable. If you’re looking for party-wear, well-fitting pants with a little flair at the bottom, a strappy top with a lacy bralet and a choker is stylish, yet not too formal.
Boys, keep it casual—a T-shirt with fun quotes and jeans, or coloured chinos with cotton T-shirts are you best bet for college. Torn jeans and a plain T-shirt or shirt should work for an evening look.
When it comes to colours, blacks and whites always work irrespective of the season or occasion. Oranges, pinks, burgundy, plum, earth tones and boho prints are the summer colours for girls,while boys should pick cobalt and greyish blues, mustard yellows and burgundy. For winter, earthy tones—brown, beige—cobalt blue and shades of grey are the way to go
—Maiti Shahani, Founder, Maiti Shahani
Going Green
2017 is all about the colour green. That, and pinstripes, which you can wear in a casual ensemble to college, or in an impeccable outfit for an interview as well. When it comes to college attire for girls, it’s all about Hawaiian prints, and ruffled and bell sleeves. Boots, shoes or sandals with ankle support are the trends that young college girls can wear. For parties, cut-out shoulders as well as one-side, off-shoulder tops and dresses are the way to go.
Boys can look at ankle-length trousers and bleached denims, while formal nightwear or athleisure clothes are a unisex trend to catch up with in 2017, if you’re not already into it. Stripes, the colour green, floral prints and khaki can work for both boys and girls too.
But when all is said and done, dress to your body shape, skin tone and the occasion. Not everything that is trending is guaranteed to look good on you. Pick trendy pieces that are versatile and look smart, not juvenile. Take the ruffle trend for instance, one ruffle in the wrong place and your whole look could go horribly wrong. The athleisure trend is exciting when you see professionally styled celebrities wearing them, but you could end up looking like you ran out of clean clothes. Go with the timeless aspect of the trend—a smart striped shirt, khaki trousers, a white ruffled dress, nice black boots—and have fun with your accessories—bags, scarves and jewellery.
—Karyn Martin, Creative Director, Karyn Martin Clothing
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