INSTEP Magzine

It's almost the end of January and while winter may still be sending shivers down your spine (in Lahore and Islamabad), in some cities like Karachi preparations have begun to welcome everyone's favourite season: Spring. And what better way to herald the season that stands for rejuvenation than a revamp of your wardrobe? Spring is about riding light on the luxury of silk and chiffon, which comes especially welcome after bearing the bulk of winter woollies. So step one is to invest in these fabrics; even start wearing them layered with linen or velvet if Jack Frost is still knocking at your door. But a loose flowing floral kaftan, for instance, will be Spring's show stopper and a must have. Your biggest inspiration could come from Pakistan's top designers Sana Safinaz who have put printed kaftans under the spotlight in their Spring/Summer 09 collection.
Get into the mood for fluidity and free flow. Let your hair down. Colour it wild. Opt for chiffons and silks rather than stiff cottons. Opt for floral, psychedelic prints rather than black and whites or solid colours. You have the rest of the year for that! Bright prints are what Gucci SS 09 has projected while the

house of Prada has put out an absurd love for florals through floral appliqués. This kind of bizarre fashion might still not be appropriate for the conventional Pakistani taste, but it should spark thoughts of experimentation.
Tie your scarves around your neck and allow them to flutter with the breeze. Spring is all about colour and flower buds and so while you're rehashing your wardrobe vitals, don't forget to dip in to some seriously bright colours. We think citrus orange, aqua and pink come highly recommended.
Back to your clothes, remember that restricted is out and liberated is in, which means that tight shirts with equally tight and cropped capris is last year's look whereas 2009 will be everything about flow. Let in the kaftans and the wide cut tunics, opt for harem pants or elephant trousers rather than capris. Spring is the best time of the year to experiment!