The year 2018 saw the rise of an oxymoron - ugly fashion (Style trend: This year, fashion wants to be ugly). The year’s over and hopefully, so is the trend. In 2019, many roads may lead to sustainability. The ‘woke’ and the ‘desi cool’ are likely to stick with organic, eco-friendly options. There are some more detailed predictions to sweat over below. Select what suits you.

Year of powdery pastels

2019 will see Pantone's colour ‘Living Coral’ dominate fashion dynamics. The cross shade between orange and pink derives its inspiration from the coral reefs facing extinction.

“The colour will make its presence felt everywhere – maxi dresses, brunch dresses, blouses and accessories such as gemstone necklaces, chokers, bracelets, and belts,” says Designer Ranna Gill. She adds, “In 2019, powdery pastels and flowery hues will be prominent. Other than coral, neo mint, sakura pink and purist blue will also be in.” Google the colours, if you want to know them better.

Stay Rooted

Incorporation of a craft or textile in the Indian fashion, occasional or not, has been the trend in recent years and the year 2019 will see this segment growing multifold. “Khadi will live on. Ikkat, Chanderi, khadi and cotton silk for Spring-Summer and loom-woven woollens of Uttarakhand and Himachal for Fall-Winter will see a push from Indian designers,” Gill says.

Handloom textiles such as silk, brocade, and Banarasi will make a strong presence on and off the runway, predicts Delhi-based designer Deepa Sondhi. “Silks layered with hand-embroidered motifs, foil painting and handmade designs paired with classic drapes will get quite popular,” she adds.

Comfort cuts

For those giving the frills a pass, comfort is also on the annual agenda. Expect a mix of easy fits and athleisure in daily wear. “Relaxed silhouettes will be preferred and A-Line skirts and dresses will be the summer favourites along with crop trousers and culottes in organic fabrics,” says Designer Narendra Kumar, Creative Director at Amazon Fashion. High-waisted pants and paper bag waistlines make a comeback. For menswear, suits will be replaced by blazers and sports jacket. Bomber jackets will drive a lot of the sportier looks.

Prints

“The prints that will follow through to Fall-Winter could be smoke, slogans, animal, dystopian finishes and darker tones of flowery and pastel colours,” says Gill. Corrosion patterns, repetitive motifs, ditsy and tie and dye, are slated to make a comeback.

Nostalgia

Gill also says the year is likely to be associated with nostalgia. On the one hand, there will be laces and crochet and, on the other, iridescence and distressed finishes will take us back to the ‘80s and ‘90s. Ruffles and cascades are still going strong but their placement may change. Princess gowns with diamantes, sequins, and crystals with a hint of something that makes them stand out - a cascade dupatta, cutouts or asymmetrical neckline - will be the choice of fashionistas.

Layering

Mumbai-based designer Suman Nathwani foresees layering as a strong trend for 2019. “In 2018, people were being partial to dressing in monochrome and numerous one-tone gowns and dresses, but the year 2019 will see trends like over-sized shoulders, contemporary cuts, quirky constructive designs, and gender neutral clothing,” she said.

Ruffles and cascades are still going strong Image: Rina Dhaka on Designer Boutique at Amazon Fashion

Layering is expected to be a global trend Image: Saaksha and Kinni

Crop trousers and culottes will be in Image: W for Women culottes on Amazon Fashion

Living coral, the cross between orange and pink derives its inspiration from the coral reefs facing extinction Image: AND

Think repetitive motifs and ditsy Image: Ranna Gill