FOR MEN
Deconstructed luxury
Rules are being bent. Don't be afraid to pair formal wear with denim. Faded, stressed, torn denim trousers can now be worn in the boardroom, but with two caveats: They should fit impeccably; and go with sleek/minimal shoes, a smart shirt and a well-cut jacket. You'll also find more clothing where the elements have been taken apart - collars, lapels, pockets, linings - and subjected to a different treatment than the rest of the garment. You'll see a lot of mismatched layering, too. Combine checks with stripes, or two opposing bright colours, or ethnic patterns with classic or contemporary ones. Each outfit will become your personal signature.
Patterned everything
Plaids, checks, argyles, and Madras checks will all be big this year. Bright and colourful checks are a great addition to any outfit (checked shirt, scarf, jacket lining, socks, or pullover). Patterns are sure to appear in bright colours. Just don't let the checks overpower the overall outfit; balance them with more solid colours and materials like tweed and suede.
The Nehru jacket
The Nehru jacket has suddenly become a must have for every male wardrobe. And it's got a lot going for it: The mandarin-style collar; the fact that many well-off Indians are now comfortable in a garment that has a (pseudo) historic past; the ease with which you can switch it from a formal to an informal one depending on how many buttons you choose to do up. Playing around with the cut and fabric can make it classic, contemporary or minimal.
Slim suits
If baggy pants and over-sized jackets are occupying space in your closet, get rid of them. The Edwardian look is big, and with it comes the fitted, slim suit. This means a suit with broad shoulders, slim waist, slim shoulder and wider lapels. Even if you're not in perfect shape, a well-fitting suit will always trump a baggier one.
FOR WOMEN
Colour everywhere
Designers aren't agreeing about much this season, except colour is back. After the recession doldrums, women are ready to welcome colour back into their life, rather than the reliable old little black dress. And this includes work attire. Women in Paris are carrying off a leaf green jacket or an onion pink suit without sacrificing the professional look. Carry off something seasonless and timeless; combine neutral classic colours with fresh ones such as "tomato puree", "Tuscany" and "eucalyptus".
Dandyism
2010 sees a kickback to a time even earlier than the 20th century, the dandy years. Think Oscar Wilde and Beau Brummel. The tailoring is sharp, and masculine clothes are cut to accentuate the female body. Don't be afraid to incorporate ruffles, cropped jackets, brooches, high collars and big sleeves.
Constructed look
This year, get ready for a blend of functional, resolutely modern designs in structured shapes. The strong shoulder is back! Remember this 80s trend? Huge shoulders, peaked shoulders, power shoulders, shoulder pads? Peaked shoulders are an absolutely suitable ready-to-wear trend. It is ideal for formal jackets, dresses and blouses. Add assertive footwear such as slim leg over-knee boots, studded footwear, ankle boots or flat brogues.
(Compiled by: Elizabeth Flock, Shloka Nath, Nilofer D'souza, Rohin Dharmakumar)
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