Wrap Up in Style this Winter

Camongo Shows How to Keep Chic and Cozy –

While fashion is – and must rightfully remain – a matter of one’s personal choice, it is quite true that most of us want to check if what we are wearing is ‘of the moment’. Yes, we do treasure our grandmom’s pure wool shawl with hand embroidery and our mother’s trench coat that she wore when she was studying in college in Delhi, but we would definitely like to style them in a way that makes us look fabulous. So, here’s Camongo’s round-up on what’s on trend this winter. It is refreshing to note that several retro and vintage styles from the 60s, 70s, and 80s seem to have made a comeback and the colour palette is distinctly muted in sync with Pantone’s 2024-approved colours. We also find a lot of focus on clean, clear lines and a preference for minimalist styles.

Basic Knit Sweater – A simple and cozy pullover or sweater that can be dressed up or down and styled as per your imagination. You can wear it to college, to your office, to a lunch with family or friends, or an evening movie date. The basic knit sweater has a variety of necklines from classic round and V to chic turtleneck (usually called “high-neck” in India). This sweater can be worn on its own or layered with a jacket or trench coat in colder weather. The preferred colours this year are cream, dusky rose-pink, a range of browns and earth tones, light to dark grey, blue, plum, tomato and orange red, olive and fern green. All of them are lovely colours and if you notice they are all derived from nature. We feel they are here to stay and can go effortlessly with most garments.

Ski-inspired Sweater – If you ask your mom or grandmom, they will tell you how big this style was in the 60s and 70s. Every screen hero was wearing them whether they went skiing or not! The knitting magazines and books had at least a couple of these designs. Made of materials like wool or acrylic and available in a variety of styles – turtleneck, crew neck, half or full zip depending on the level of cold – the ski-inspired sweaters are quite the in-thing right now with several high street brands already declaring they are out of stock. We think they keep coming back in style again and again because of they are so versatile.

Cable-knit Sweater – Didn’t we tell you that so many vintage styles have made a comeback this season? Yet another entry is the cable-knit sweater. Your grandfather probably wore it on repeat back in the 60s and 70s. This year, we see a unisex comeback with a shorter, cropped silhouette for girls. Also, we find the pattern has been mixed up gloriously all over. It flows over the arms, at the back, appears both vertically and horizontally and even in patches. But the unmistakable pattern gives its unique good old-school vibe when you wear it.

Fleece Jacket – Wow, someone give this style an award for sticking around so long. The ‘fleece’ is artificial, of course, made of a synthetic material that creates the softest, fluffiest feel and looks close to sheep’s fleece. This magic material is super soft, breathable, lightweight, and perfect as winter outerwear. It keeps you cozy while looking ultra chill. The fleece jacket is good to go for your outdoor adventures like hiking and camping in the mountains as it allows moisture to escape, keeping you snug and comfortable all the time. It also withstands fairly-frequent washing – more than wool, in any case – and is easy to maintain. They come in a variety of lengths and can be styled wonderfully for outdoorsy activities.

Corduroy – Here’s another retro trend that seems here to stay. The cords, as we call them, seem to have solidified their position in fashion charts as they have been seen on runways of top designers over the past few seasons and have definitely got a new lease of life with a burst of new chic silhouettes in blazers, jackets, and wide leg pants. The colours are mostly dark and timeless classics – dark green, olive green, browns. These are pieces that promise to transcend seasons. While the current trend is mostly baggy and slouchy pants, you can always go for a fitted look if you prefer.

Trench coat and long overcoat – Can you think of a single recent winter when trench coats and long overcoats haven’t been in style? We can’t, and that seems reason enough to believe that this preferred winter wear is going to be very much around in this season as well. It works wonderfully in colder climate where you can use it for layering. Watch out, it is easy to go wrong here. We suggest you do it with a little caution and flair to add to the sophistication of this very classic and chic garment. These days, trench coats of lighter materials are used where winters are not really harsh. Good for all of us!

Shawl – Timeless heritage styling comes with shawls. A thoroughly versatile and comfortable winter garment accessory, we are lucky to have a range of shawls in India from the delicate Kashida or Sozni Kashmiri embroidery ones to vivid colour-blocking textiles of Mizoram and Nagaland. Shawls can be worn during the day or evening, for a casual occasion or for an utterly formal event. They work as fabulously for the office as the wedding invitation. Perfect for layering in colder weather, select yours from an elegant monochrome to bold multi-colour statement pattern. They are cozy and practical and can be taken off in a jiffy if the weather gets warmer without affecting your entire look in the least.

Cape – Fashion pundits are predicting that statement capes will be one of the biggest trends of 2025. Perfect for winters when it doesn’t get biting cold but you want some extra cover, you can turn to the cape to add some extra flair to your outfit without looking too theatrical. A great finishing touch to a winter style, capes are, in fact, yet another retro style that have made a comeback on runways of top designers across the world. We are seeing several free-flowing styles that might or might not be suitable for everyday wear but are delightful all the same. You can always choose the basic, simple style for yourself if you prefer. Bottomline: Now, you don’t have to be a superhero to wear a cape this winter.

Utility Jacket – When you wish to look casual, chic, and totally outdoorsy, a utility jacket is a sure-shot way to spice up your style. If you are a fan of workwear-inspired fashion, this one will steal your heart with its easy flowing style, uber comfortable cut, soft material, super-sized pockets that stock up a lot of stuff while providing the right amount of warmth. It looks and feels so functional and stylish all at once.

Denim Jacket – You can compare a good denim jacket to a good wine. It simply keeps getting better with time. This is a timeless staple we keep seeing all over the world, year after year. Considering the sheer lifespan of a great denim jacket is positively in decades, it makes sense to devote a fair bit of time when you are selecting one. Try spending that little extra on it because you can be assured that it will never go out of style. A denim jacket is incredibly versatile and can be styled in a zillion ways while exuding the ultimate cool and laid-back vibe.