Discover the top 5 South Asian fashion trends to stay stylish and warm this winter, featuring luxurious fabrics, rich hues, artisanal weaves, and layered looks perfect for the colder season.
Winter doesn’t mean you have to condemn yourself to sweats or bulky clothes! You can stay warm and look fabulous, believe it or not. Whether you’re attending a festive gathering, heading out for a night on the town, or simply want to elevate your everyday look, this winter, it’s all about rich textures, deep winter hues, and statement details that bring a touch of luxury to every outfit. From plush velvets and embroidered outerwear to sustainable, handwoven fabrics that celebrate artistry and tradition, there’s something for everyone who loves a mix of comfort and elegance. So, if you’re ready to upgrade your closet for the winter season, check out these South Asian designers who know how to blend warmth and style, so you can stay cozy without sacrificing your look!
Embroidered Outerwear
Embroidered outerwear is where warmth, tradition, and art come together to create something beautiful. From intricately detailed jackets to bold prints, these pieces add elegance and character to any winter outfit. What’s even better is that with the right outerwear, you can upgrade simple layers into standout looks that are perfect for festive gatherings or everyday wear.
From intricate jackets to ornate winter layers, Ritu Kumar’s embroidered outerwear continues to set the standard for heritage elegance. Contemporary labels like Saarii NYC also reinterpret this tradition, bringing bold, modern artistry to classic winter pieces.
Top 5 South Asian Fashion Trends To Stay Stylish & Warm This Winter. Photo Credit: www.instagram.com @ritukumarhq
Top 5 South Asian Fashion Trends To Stay Stylish & Warm This Winter. Photo Credit: www.instagram.com @saariinyc
Top 5 South Asian Fashion Trends To Stay Stylish & Warm This Winter. Photo Credit: www.instagram.com @saariinyc
Velvet
Velvet is the ultimate winter wardrobe staple! The material is so soft and plush, and it gives off a sense of luxury with little effort. The rich fabric will also keep you warm when the temperature drops. Whether you’re rocking a velvet kurta, lehenga, or dupatta, this timeless fabric will have you feeling cozy and looking fabulous!
Designers like Raji Ramniq consistently showcase velvet as a winter essential, offering silhouettes that balance opulence with comfort. Even celebrities like Alia Bhatt have embraced the trend, proving how effortlessly velvet elevates any cold-weather look. For menswear, designers like Royal Status show how a velvet sherwani can bring regal warmth and sophistication to winter dressing.
Top 5 South Asian Fashion Trends To Stay Stylish & Warm This Winter. Photo Credit: www.instagram.com @rajiramniq
Top 5 South Asian Fashion Trends To Stay Stylish & Warm This Winter. Photo Credit: www.instagram.com @rajiramniq @aliaabhatt
Top 5 South Asian Fashion Trends To Stay Stylish & Warm This Winter. Photo Credit: www.instagram.com @royalstatussurat
Rich Winter Hues
Deep winter hues, such as wine red, plum, and black, are perfect for the colder months. These colours have an understated boldness, offering effortless depth and drama to any outfit. These rich tones also pair beautifully with gold or silver accessories for a festive touch. You can’t miss with these colours in your wardrobe!
Labels such as Aashni & Co. highlight the power of deep winter tones through elegant, modern South Asian silhouettes. These rich hues are also embraced by style icons like Jubina V. Chadha and Deepika Padukone, who show just how striking these colours can be.
Top 5 South Asian Fashion Trends To Stay Stylish & Warm This Winter. Photo Credit: www.instagram.com @aashniandco @jubinavchadha_official
Top 5 South Asian Fashion Trends To Stay Stylish & Warm This Winter. Photo Credit: www.instagram.com @aashniandco
Top 5 South Asian Fashion Trends To Stay Stylish & Warm This Winter. Photo Credit: www.instagram.com @aashniandco @deepikapadukone
Layered Looks
A lot of people worry about layering feeling really heavy or uncomfortable, but layered looks are my go-to during the winter. It’s also because layers keep you both warm and stylish as the temps dip! You can mix shawls, jackets, dupattas, and much more to add cozy comfort, while also giving your look depth and dimension.
Designers like Ritu Kumar demonstrate how thoughtful layering can add depth without feeling bulky, blending heritage craftsmanship with winter practicality, as seen below in the gorgeous ensemble worn by Bollywood’s Janhvi Kapoor. You’ll also see Anamika Khanna adding her signature artistic flair to layered ensembles that are both cozy and couture.
Top 5 South Asian Fashion Trends To Stay Stylish & Warm This Winter. Photo Credit: www.instagram.com @ritukumarhq @ri_ritukumar
Top 5 South Asian Fashion Trends To Stay Stylish & Warm This Winter. Photo Credit: www.instagram.com @ritukumarhq
Top 5 South Asian Fashion Trends To Stay Stylish & Warm This Winter. Photo Credit: www.instagram.com @anamikakhannaindia
Artisanal Weaves
If you’re looking to blend tradition and modern fashion, you’ll want to incorporate some artisanal weaves into your look! Not only will your outfit tell a story, with beautiful handwoven fabrics like pashminas, but you’ll also be stylish and warm!
Brands such as Pashmkaarkeep the art of handwoven textiles alive, offering pashminas and shawls that provide warmth while honouring traditional craftsmanship. Their pieces bring an authentic, elevated touch to any winter outfit.
Top 5 South Asian Fashion Trends To Stay Stylish & Warm This Winter. Photo Credit: www.instagram.com @pashmkaar
As we step into the heart of winter, let this season be your reminder that style doesn’t have to hibernate. With the right fabrics, rich tones, and thoughtful layers, you can create looks that feel just as good as they look — cozy, confident, and distinctly you.
Whether you’re embracing the elegance of velvet, the heritage of artisanal weaves, or the drama of embroidered outerwear, these South Asian designers offer endless inspiration for staying warm without compromising on flair. So go ahead and experiment, mix textures, play with colour, and celebrate the beauty of winter fashion. After all, the cold months are the perfect time to let your personal style shine its brightest.
Devika (@goberdhan.devika) is an MA graduate who specialized in Political Science at York University. Her passion and research throughout her graduate studies pushed her to learn about and unpack hot button issues. Thus, since starting at ANOKHI in 2016, she has written extensively about many challe...
