Men’s fashion has evolved from the classic greys, blacks and tans to colours from entire range of colour spectrum. We have more style icons inspiring men to break the rules and experiment with fashion in street style than ever before. Gone are the days when the only option to style a man was classic shirts and pants, tuxedo or a three-piece suit. They serve the utilitarian purpose indeed, but no shame in upping the swag quotient with new additions. Bollywood celebrities like Ayushmann Khurrana, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor are the new-age style icons who aren’t afraid to experiment in fashion while getting their basic right while Saif Ali Khan holds the placard as the vanguard of classic fashion.
With the upcoming festive season, we bring you 6 handpicked essentials for men to invest in and create a stylish wardrobe.
- Blazer
A sport jacket or blazer helps you achieve an effortlessly smart and sophisticated look. Embrace different colours and cuts to stand out in the crowd. The easy way is to begin with a colour palette that is close to your favourite neutrals like brown, grey, blue and black. Experiment with seaweed green single- button blazer and add a paisley print shirt to create a contrast of colour and texture. The bolder ones can go for midnight blue & red chequered blazer as they team it with burgundy pants. Surbhi Pansari, a designer from Kolkatta, has been designing modern designs for men with a touch of traditional elements ; definitely worth a check. On the other hand, if you are looking for classic Italian finish, Giovani has you covered with their latest collection that boasts of exquiste craftsmanship, quality and style.
- Kurta
Go traditional with classic kurta and chudidaar to stay true to the roots. Neutrals like black, blue, maroon and ivory are the safe bets. You can experiment with the fashion forward trends like asymmetrical cuts, drapes, side buttons and achkan-fits too. Prints and fabric textures can add drama to an otherwise cookie-cutter kurta style. Pick a black Kurta with slim fit trousers & black loafers for a timeless look. Team a purple linen shirt style kurta with an off-white trousers for a trendy look. Poonam Kasera , again a label from Kolkatta, is a label to reckon with for unconventional cuts for mens wear.
- Suit
A man should always have a well-cut dark suit, a pair of classic black lace-up shoes and lots of crisp white cotton shirts, quoted Tom Ford famously. If in doubt, go for a classic three piece suit in black in rich textured fabric. The frontrunners in fashion are saying yes to unconventional colours like seaweed green, burgundy, powder yellow, dust blue and so on. Mix it with paisley print shirt to call in the sixties or go suave with crisp white shirt. If you are looking for a formal evening party, tuxedo is your-go to friend. The biggest difference between suits and tuxedos is the use of silk satin in the design of the tuxedo, most prominently on the lapels. Single breasted or double breasted, tuxedo or an asymmetrical jacket-pant, choice is yours. Suits indeed lend a degree of sophistication like none other. Pick from the festive collection of Giovani to add some Italian finesse to your outfit. P N Rao, 90 year old label from Bangalore, has also launched a festive range that boasts of asymmetric styled single-breasted jodhpuris and notch lapel tuxedos.
P N Rao – Grey Suit
- Waistcoat
Known initially as ‘Bandh Gale ka Coat’, Nehru jacket has evolved in last few decades. Beatles and George Harrison contributed in making this Nehru jacket famous globally. Back home, the evolution has got it re-christened as well. Waist coats or Nehru Jackets or Modi jacket have become an alternative style statement vis-à-vis classic suit up style. Pick up neutrals or colour blocked handloom jackets. If the occasion is festive, you may want to opt for embroidered and detailed jackets with satin or silk kerchief. Besides checking the designer wear, you can also check local handloom stores or Fabindia for a sure-shot classic buy. For an Italian finish and exquisite quality, check out Giovani.
- Bandhgala Jacket
Bandhgala is similar to a suit or tuxedo because of its short length coat replicating a blazer with buttons. The Bandhgala lends a regal look for weddings and formal parties. Be it silk velvet , bandhgala with intricate embroidery will definitely stand out at an evening party. Try a navy blue velvet bandhgala with churidar this festive season or opt for other jewel tones like burgundy and emerald green for a regal look. For a more formal look, opt for tailored asymmetrical bandhgala jacket by P N Rao and team it with formal pants.
- Shoes
The true style of a man is defined by the shoes and the watch he wears. No matter what you wear as apparels, if your shoes are a mismatch, you have lost the style game. Invest in classic black lace-up oxfords and tan derby shoes or brogues. These are your work-horse pieces that will take you from boardroom to ball room. Opt for ergonomically designed shoes to ensure that it fits your feet perfectly and gives you optimum comfort. Check out the Alberto Torresi footwear range for style and comfort both.
The festivities are around the corner; so go ahead and spend those dimes wisely with Ciceroni’s handpicked essentials for men’s festive dressing.
