This season, not everything walks straight and narrow — asymmetric is the talk of the town. Whether its hemlines, one-shouldered pieces by way of precise tailoring through tucking, folding, or draping and pleating to create new dimension.

The fashion sentiment is to fall in line with new diagonal dressing. Colours always get richer, but this time it is specifically favouring mustard/marigold, burgundy, blue and army green. Asymmetric has given fabrics the freedom to flow and drape breaking the mould of symmetry.They are bold, experimental and add newness to an otherwise structured frame. Let’s look at a few key trends for this winter season.

Twill weaves, gabardines, and mid weight fabrics facilitate structure in asymmetric cuts. As the trend progresses, fashionistas opt for blending this fad with a feeling of comfort, which comes through fabrics that are drapey. A more premium and polished finish drives the consumers to opt for such trends. A good example is LIVA fabrics, which emulate the perfect look with their Modal and Viscose offerings, which are enhanced by faceted, crumpled or pleated structures.

Asymmetric ruffles: From time to time, they make their way back in style. This flouncy, pleated detail that originated in the 15th century appeared chiefly as decoration on cuffs and hems. Though, ruffles have been popping up in all kinds of shapes and form, and this coming winter they’ll again be given a place of pride on blouses, asymmetric dresses, sweaters and trousers across a range of collections.

The ruffle is frequently used as a detail and many times even as a layer to build depth in a garment. For a cocktail night, asymmetric ruffles look fabulous on wrap skirts because they do a really good job at highlighting the drape of the fabric.

Opt for Viscose skirts with a bigger ruffle trim to bring out your inner salsa dancer. As for the top, a casual fitted shirt or bodysuit will work in your favour to give you that hourglass silhouette. Prepare to have all eyes on you. For a casual day out, pull on some wrap skirts of the asymmetric or hi-low variety as they are a great option if you’re looking to show off some leg. By adding a wedge sandal to it, you will indeed get those “legs for days” that you’re looking for or pair with something atypical like an over-the-knee boot or a flowing, feminine skirt just to mix things up a bit. A loose blouse goes perfectly to keep things comfortable yet chic in the warmer weather.

For a formal look layering would make an ensembles look streamlined and neater. A cropped jacket would be an apt choice for a slimmer waistline, while a denim shrug will make the look more chic and effortless.

Floral is a great way to maximise the movement of a wrap skirt. You’ll want to keep things a little more muted on top; pair with a solid colour cami tank top to let the floral print stand alone. You can replace your work-a-day midi skirt with a fresh ruffled update.

An asymmetric or offbeat hem is a statement of intent; likewise an unexpectedly crisp fabric gives a feminine touch to the overall outfit.

Kimonos:

These are on a high rage in summer, but they’re paving its way for fall. This is a version of the long jacket that drapes nicely over body-hugging pieces and adds a unique flair, a perfect style co-ordinate in Liva fabric. Kimonos in Liva fabrics lend the feminine touch. Pick up kimonos in a flowing sheath design. Such outfits can be jazzed up for a party with dangling earrings, heels and a statement chain or can be toned down with sandals and a printed scarf for meetings. Two birds with one stone.

High-low skirts: Here is another trend which is inspired from summer. It will take on a new shape for fall and be filled with bold details like asymmetric ruffles, textures and embedded designs. Fluid modals and polymodal blends have a sumptuous after-dark allure in jewel tones. Look out for asymmetric skirts with subtle glitter finishes, tonic effects, ombré gradations and shadowed stripes which gives richer and softer look with a better drape. High low skirts are a fall must-have staple. Some accessories like bag, shoes and sunglasses will make your outfit more chic and fashionable.

Jackets: Winter shouts out loud for the jacket. It’s actually a must have piece year round, but this is the time to pull out the stops on the best jackets designers have to offer. Jackets stray from the fitted ones of last season and are a little bulkier and loose which makes comfort an important factor. The key features of the Liva fabric is that they are appropriate for comfort in structured cuts, bright deeper shades and have a smooth touch on the skin.

In the ever growing need of sustainability, LIVA offers natural fibres which stand true to their initiative of causing no harm to the environment. Natural fabrics are skin friendly and provide utmost comfort. The best part about the season is that you get to be creative and put on cozy layer over your favourite summer pieces, and you can get away with mimicking the fall colour scheme. Experiment with different materials this season so that you can update your look but stay true to your style.

(The writer is head of design, Birla Cellulose)