Desi Diva

By Luv Jhangimal

A Broke Girl's Guide to the Season's Hottest Necessities

The winter season has thundered in, is rolling through and you're staring at your closet wondering how to look stylish without inviting frostbite to set in. If your bank account is as empty as an ice cream parlor in January, try these inexpensive ways to glam up your winter wardrobe.

Fishnets: Swim your way into spring by flaunting those legs you worked so hard to get into shape over the summer. Grab a pair of black or colored fishnet stockings (try H&M for a pair under $10) and throw on some hip hugging cuffed jeans or tweed capris. Add a fitted turtleneck, some stilettos and voilà: You’ve got a sexy dinner and bar look.

Brooches: We’ve all got a million pins from the eras of our mothers and grandmothers. The good news is that brooches have never been more in, so now’s the time to ransack jewelry drawers and dowry trousseaus to get your shine on. The key to picking the right one: The uglier it is, the more stylish it is. Hook them on a wool or fleece cap for a totally trendy tête-topper. Or try using them as a fabulous fastener for scarves. Check out accessory huts at your local mall for some great deals, or take a peek at H&M’s collection for some all-inclusive color combos for under $5.

Chunnis: Grab an old chunni from a retired Indian outfit and work it into your winter fashion. To add pizzazz to a plain winter coat, use the chunni to outline the collar and pockets. If using a needle and thread isn’t your bag, remember that a chunni can also double as a fabulous fusion tube top to liven up a drab winter ensemble. Just wrap the chunni tightly around your body and pin it securely at the back with a few safety pins. Pair it with a fuzzy cardigan sweater and some jeans and you’re styling and profiling – east-west style!

Boots: The major problem with clunky winter boots is not knowing how to wear them. The secret to sporting those sheepskin snow-steppers is to work with your height. Those of you under 5’4” should fold up your jeans and stick them inside the leg of your boot to create an elongating effect. For women with longer torsos, feel free to fold up the bottoms of your jeans and have them sit on top of the boot; this will keep you looking proportional. And if you’re feeling like your wallet took a serious holiday hit, skip the overpriced originals and check out Old Navy or Payless ShoeSource for excellent knock-offs for under $40.

Dresses: Frocks aren’t just for the summer anymore! To merge dresses into your winter wardrobe, all you need is a pair of fitted jeans – bootleg preferred. Height restrictions apply here, too. Women under 5’4” should avoid longer dresses because they tend to dwarf the body – in this case, go for mini-dresses or those that reach mid-hip. General rule: If you’ve got hips you don’t exactly love, wear a solid-colored dress that hits right above the knee. Try a capped or short-sleeved cotton dress with a trendy capelet – those half-poncho wraps that are all over the place right now –which you can find at H&M for anywhere between $15 and $99. For an evening look, pair a satin or chiffon dress with black pants. Tie the look together with a chunni or scarf of the same fabric.

Blazers: Fitted velvet blazers are the biggest hit of the season! For casual Fridays at work, pair the blazers with a button-down shirt (solid colors will exude simple glamour without looking like you’re trying too hard) and a pair of grey pants or jeans. For a fun date look, be bold with your color combinations and pair these nifty jackets with a low-necked shirt and skirt that hits below the knee. You can find blazers in great colors at H&M or Old Navy for less than $40 each.

Luv Jhangimal is a graduate of American University who relocated to New York City to pursue a career in Fashion Communications. She spends her free time shopping, hunting for new trends and writing for ABCDlady! Happy Shopping, readers!

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