Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

Keep going back to the past
In this week’s fashion special the Mirror Magazine decided to find out what should be kept in your closet and what should be put away for future use (hopefully). Ishani Ranasinghe speaks to fashion expert, Poornima Abeyratne who believes the hippie look is still in vogue.

An old year gone, we have now settled into a very comfortable February as we slowly get used to the New Year that has just begun. But wait! Before you get too complacent, don’t forget that the world of fashion is one that is always changing. So read on. Find out about what’s ‘in’ and what’s on its way ‘out’ as Poornima Abeyratne, the designer behind the ‘Inspiration’ label, gives us a glimpse into what she thinks are the trends for the season.

Let’s start with the ladies. Guess what’s in store for you this season. Set the tone for the year with trendy 70s and 80s styles. It’s the ‘hippy’ look that is ‘in’ this season. So once again, it’s back to the back of the closet to dig out those bell sleeve tops because that’s the way to go about. Thinking about shopping for new clothes? Wondering what you should be on the look out for? Then kurtas should top your list.

Remember, the kind of top you would wear should be the kind that flounces around the hip, and also, don’t forget to look out for the tops that are elasticised around the waistline. Ponchos and bell-bottoms are also something that you should be seriously considering for your proposed ‘new look’. And, let’s not forget those uneven hemlines, because you know what, they are still a ‘must have’. What’s more, everyone’s favourite ‘mini skirt’ has made a comeback too. Shorter the better… and please note, those skirts with unusual lengths should be put away this season, especially the ones that are above the knee.

It’s even trendier if your clothes are heavily beaded or there is embroidery on it, or better yet, if there are geometrical designs on them. Oh and those of you who were planning on throwing away those beloved denims… don’t, because they are still ‘in’.

Moving on to the colours you need to pay attention to… you can go crazy with all the vibrant colours. Bright orange, green, everything that just shows that you are alive and happy. Here’s a tip, dress to kill, because that is what’s expected and most importantly pay careful attention to the fabric of your outfit, because, this season, even the fabric matters. So, what’s the trendy fabric to look out for? The soft, sheer and the clingy type that will dazzle the fashion watchdogs.

Trotting over to the shoe department (don’t we all have an obsession with them), it’s the roman sandals and the slinky delicate type that you should be seen wearing. And what should you be carrying to complete your outfit… bags of course. This season make a statement with the beaded bag that seems to be still very much ‘in’ on the fashion scene, with those envelope-like clutch bags once again making a comeback.

Want more jazz? Accessories really do complement your outfit and add to the ‘total look’. And the type that should bring out your outfit’s style is the delicate type. Beaded chains are very popular this season, as are those delicate bracelets, and of course it’s the very long, hanging earring that dominate this season.

So, now you know what type of clothes, jewellery, and shoes you should wear and the kind of bag you should be seen carrying. But there’s more to the ‘bigger picture’ than that. The tiniest of details count, and it’s those little ‘additional’ things that could change how you look.

Let’s talk hair shall we? Newsflash! Very short hair is no longer considered and thus is classified as a ‘no-no’. It’s the long hair that’s making heads turn, and those big curls. Bobs are also something you can consider when experimenting with your hair. Most importantly, it’s the natural look that should always be your priority, because the stiff hairdos are making an exit.

Something that should definitely not be forgotten is, make-up. If it’s for the day, remember you have to look natural. It’s the glossy effect you have to aim for, especially the lips. And for the evening or a night out painting the town red, ideally the eyes should have vibrant shades, and once again the lips should be pale and glossy. The natural shades or the earthy tones are tipped to be popular this season with the colours enhanced by the pearly effect also being opted for by many.

Now that the ladies know about what to wear and what not to be caught seen in, it’s time to move on to the guys. Brace yourself as we give you a few fashion tips (don’t worry there is not much for you to worry about!).

For the guys this season, in keeping with the ‘ladies’ look’, it’s the 70s style with its contrasting colours that seems to be making the statement. Fitted jeans and bells are once again ‘in’ for this season. And as for what to wear with them well the Indian influence seems to follow us everywhere. Kurtas are something that could be worn without so much as a second thought, or those shirts with the sheer effect. And that’s about it for the guys because, for them, there is no big difference from last season… huge sigh of relief for them.

We live in a world where first impressions can seriously make or break a person. Therefore, no matter what people say, what you wear does count. But also remember, most importantly, no matter how trendy your outfit is, you must be comfortable in what you wear. Why? Well confidence is what matters if you are really aiming to make a fashion statement. So what are you waiting for? Make that statement!

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