We have been on the outer boundary of winter for a long time. It’s

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high time we plunged right in.

Now that we finally have, its time to pull out all those beautiful coats and boots that have been sitting in the closet waiting for the lovely winter to set in.

All of us have our own take on winter fashion but a few favourites always rule the roost. Perhaps, you have already pi­cked out your favorite trends for this winter but I can tell you these six picks are a must have this season.

Boots rule winters: I love boots and I feel they are here to stay for a long time. Loose slouchy uggs, high stiletto boots, ankle length ones, thigh high ones, heavy punk boots, you name them and they are in style. But the coolest bet this season is the thigh high ones. Experiment with colours. Go wild with colours like scarlet, mustard yellow, electric blue, obergene purple, mint green. Solids are in vogue in a big way so explore and find your colour!

A cape or a woolen poncho teamed with skinny jeans and boots is a great look to sport. Binge in on woolen ponchos with fringes. They have a stro­ng bohemian feel. Look for ones which have slots for belts. These are very cool this season. Belted on regular high waist is the new version of ponchos for the season. In fact, coats must be tied with belts and not buckled for that cool new look.

This winter you must get your self a couple of trench coats, which are a hybrid of tunics with coats. Interesting collars and sleeve details are what you must go for. Look for solid colours in neons and offbeat yellows, purples and reds apart from our safer neutrals.

A trend that is still going strong since last season is smart semi-formal fine wool tunics in neutral colors teamed with bright coloured stockings with scarves and mufflers. Again, go for solid colours this season as opposed to the usual prints or neutrals.

An interesting trend that has surfaced in the last two seasons is power dressing. Strong shou­lders and sleeves are a characteristic feature of power dressing. Elements of the same have trickled into clothing off the ramps.

It could be fun to explore garments with padded shoulders and interesting sleeves. Clenched waist will add that spunk to the look.

In the midst of the festive season, I would suggest you to go with the anarkali silhouette.

Try Pakistani pajamas with kurtas. Phulkari embroidery can bring in that whiff of fresh air in the midst of the usual gold embroideries.

You can also experiment with placement of embroidery. Try heavier embroidery on the shalwar and churidar in contrast to the kurta.

It can be interesting to team up the top and the bottom in complimenting contrast colours as solid blocked colours are very much in trends.

The writer is a fashion designer and an artist