Winter saree with a cardigan

Layering the winter saree with cardigans, sweaters and coats without adding bulk is all about playing with length and proportions …

 

Photos: Vincent Boyer (Say hi on instagram @vincetravelbook)

A handblock printed saree worn with a merino base layer, sweater and long waterfall cardigan, along with sheepskin insoles for my slip-ons all combined to ensure that my winter saree style was not only fun but comfortable.

Bundling up for the colder months and adding layers doesn’t have to add bulk! Cropped sweaters, chunky cable-knits, duster coats, waterfall cardigans, v-necks and striped crews to turtlenecks, oversized cardigans and merino base layers have all helped me continue wearing sarees as the temperatures drop. Examples here, here and here.

I have written posts about wearing sarees in the winter and staying warm here, draping the six yards in the snow here, I have worn it with jeans for winter here and about the unstitched cloth being the ultimate all weather garment here.

When it comes to dressing for the chillier months, it’s all about combinations. Knowing which silhouettes compliment each other and layering my favorite pieces means so many more outfit possibilities than most people can imagine.

A chic knit or the right jacket is the perfect way to upgrade an outfit for the chilly weather as one braves the elements. From bright turtlenecks to patterned pullovers to leather and denim jackets, I’ve rounded up my favourite winter wear that work as wonderful stand-ins for saree blouses while battling a nip in the air.

Sweatshirts: Fleece lined sweatshirts by themselves or over merino base layers work wonderfully with sarees in autumn/winter. Case in point here.

Cropped sweaters: I love wearing my stash of cropped wool sweaters with interesting sleeve details with my six yards and remain forever on the lookout for a perfect vintage piece with fun buttons. A previous example here.

Long cardigans: Wool cardigans of varied lengths make for interesting layers during the colder months. Streamlined or bulky, I love these on their own or under jackets to add dimention to my outfits while staying toasty.

I have a fun collection of duster cardigans in brights as well as neutrals to have fun styling stuff in the winters.

Waterfall cardigans: I love flowy silhouettes, fluid lines and slouchy styling that truly convey the laid back, touseled vibe I like. Knits with interesting details in the front combined with a scarf fashioned out of my pallu is all kinds of fun.

Turtle neck sweaters: Oversize able knit turtle necks are my favourite for work or play and pair beautifully with the unsticthed fabric to create unique looks every single time!

Leather jackets: I believe that a worn-in leather jacket is a versatile piece that can be worn at all times of the day, for any occasion and in nearly every season.

It is a great piece for transitional dressing and layering saree blouses or sweaters in the fall with a leather jacket is the perfect way to tie my outfit together in a fun way.

Denim jacket: I have a thing for oversize, distressed denim. They are fantastic to grab and go plus work wonders with sarees for an understated, casual look.

Striped knits: Nautical or vibrant colour block lines, stripes go with a plethora of patterns and are a great way to elevate one’s cold weather saree style.

Merino, cashmere, mohair, lambswool and angora fabrics on their own or combined with silk keep me incredibly cosy when the temperatures drop.

Those of you who don’t think you could wear winter wear with sarees, think again. Not only is the seasonal combination a practical solution to the frost’s harsh bite, but it’s also all kinds of fun — and super easy to pull off.

Saree in the snow can be fun!

Wearing a saree and going for an alpine hike in a snow covered winter wonderland can be heaps fun and one can definitely be comfortable …

Photos: Vincent Boyer (Say hi on instagram @vincetravelbook)

Imagine walking across a dreamy snow covered forest floor, magical flakes falling all around you and peaks covered in fresh powder … Untouched, pristine landscape with just our footsteps and the absolute silence that comes from being far away from civilisation.

I posted a sneak peak of these photos in my instagram stories a couple of weeks ago and got a bunch of queries from people asking me how I managed a photo shoot in a saree in the snow. That got me thinking, first things first this isn’t a photo shoot, the saree was worn in the morning, we travelled in it to reach the alpine forests and walked up the slopes to witness landscapes that seemed right out of a painting.

Secondly, subzero temperatures don’t mean that one has to be uncomfortable, it just means that one has to be prepared. However, it is good to always remember that alpine weather is unpredictable and a fine sunny day can quickly deteriorate into cold, wet, high wind or blizzard conditions.

One’s clothing, therefore, must be versatile and one should have ready access to protective clothing all day. Alpine conditions demand the best gear and I make sure I don’t compromise on the quality of stuff I get. Activities in the snow alternate between moments of high warmth (effort) and rapid cool down and the key to stay comfortable is to stay dry.

I have written a post before on how I stay warm and toasty wearing sarees in the colder months, you can read it here. I will just add what I have done to be comfortable on the day that these photos were taken:

1. Waterproof snow boots: Sneakers and running shoes don’t provide enough support or sufficient traction to walk in the snow. When I go hiking or backpacking in an alpine environment that’s rugged, steep and exposed, and may involve some challenging, off-trail hiking along difficult rated trails I bring out my heavy-duty padded waterproof boots. The extra height and stiffness of the right boots provides an extra dose of traction and helps support the climber in steep terrain packed with snow.
2. The right socks: When I am hitting the slopes or just hanging about in the snow, I want my feet to be dry, protected and cushioned. My snow socks worn over my pants are also merino wool, ergonomically designed the longer length socks offer comfort plus natural temperature control.
3. Insulating Layers: I am wearing several thin layers that trap air and are made of merino wool that stays warm, even when wet. From thermal underwear to base and mid layers, all of what you can’t see are helping insulate against the cold. Cotton performs poorly in cold and wet conditions even when covered by a thick woollen sweater.
4. Skin and Eye Protection: Sunburn can be a serious problem, even on cloudy days. In addition to protective clothing, I always use a good sunscreen with a high SPF to protect skin exposed to direct or reflected sunlight. I didnt need snow goggles for this particular day but they are invaluable in ‘protecting one’s eyes from the glare off the snow (which can lead to ‘snow blindness’).
5. Beanie: When not indulging in mountain sports, a helmet isn’t essential, however a beanie is a given with or without a helmet. The one I am wearing here is lambswool and lined with fleece — to protect my ears from the winter chill — and keep my head snug.
6. Multiple gloves: I was carrying two pairs of gloves, an inner layer in merino wool and an outer padded, waterproof pair — these are incredibly important if I heading to the snow. I am a complete baby and don’t handle extreme weather well, which is why I go prepared. Not everything needs to be worn all day and by the time these photos were taken I was more comfortable in the layers that I had on me and had taken some stuff including the gloves off.
7. Down jackets: These are my favourite workhorse all winter, I was carrying a vest plus a thicker hooded quilted jacket stuffed with duck and goose down. The high quality of insulation gives these kinds of jackets an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, making it great at keeping me warm when I am enjoying a long day of adventure. I didn’t need to have the jackets on all day but kept them handy in my pack.
8. Goretex: My outer layer is my waterproof goretex shell that is completely impervious to rain, sleet and snow, with tiny pores that allows perspiration (water vapour) to pass through it from within. When I bought it the price made my eye water but it is worth every penny. I obviously wasn’t wearing the jacket in these photos because I was in no danger of getting wet.

Also the saree I am wearing here is a noil silk saree, it is a coarse fabric that I love and has become a winter staple, previous post here.

Lastly I’d like to add that it may be more challenging to walk in the snows compared to the summer months, but cold-weather hiking is rewarding. Winter days are blissful, and even stormy weather can produce an atmospheric, memorable journey.