Style that is smoking hot

wardrobe essentials

The fact that men are fashion conscious is no longer a myth in India. They are well-groomed, in accord with global trends and eager to present their most dapper avatar to the world.

International fashion, which for the longest time was considered the playing field of women alone, is now also amongst the most followed domains by men. For all those who are always on the lookout for the best ways to look on point, here are a few hot favourites from the international ramp that Indian men can totally pull off.

The three must-haves

White chinos: Get your hands on white chinos as they complement dark colours such as navy and black and beiges well. Even if you fancy popular summer colours such as peach, lilac and tropical blue, these comfortable pants can work for you. White gives a peppy twist to the vintage cricket attire and a modern twist to the washed out, buttoned down chambray shirt.

 Patterned shirt: Look for unusual prints that reflect your passion and personality. Cameras to car prints to little doodles can work wonders and give you that perfect cool-meets-charming persona.

 Baggy trousers: After bubbling around the fashion alleys for a couple of seasons, baggy trousers have become a thing this season. Whether you are looking to invest in a summer suit or casual work wear, go for these quintessentially cool trousers with the slouchy cut.

Three styling tips

Mix casual with formal: Let casuals slowly find a place in your formal attire. Mix formals with casuals and retain that conservatism with a dapper look. The ongoing debate of whether casuals go with formals has finally found an answer. The tip is to dig into your closet for a formal suit, ditch the shirt and pick up a solid tee instead to complete the look. Use the blazer separately with jogger pants and chinos that make for a perfect summer smart casual.

Blend the sporty with the cool: Try the latest urban trend of athleisure,
an amalgamation of active and casual wear spiced up with an urban touch. Team a Adidas originals with a long line varsity tee and voila, you are set. Alternatively, a combination of patterned joggers, trainers and an open-zip sweatshirt
will give you a comfortable yet stylish summer layered look.

Work the military magic: A regular in international brands such as Canali and Calvin Klein to Indian trekking highlands, military wear has profoundly influenced everyday fashion. Style yourself head-to- toe in shades of khaki, olive-green or even bottle green for a super trendy ensemble.

Three accessories
Boyhood charm: This season is all about the return of boyish accessories, be it baseball caps, quirky messenger bags, long scarves or the mainstream slip-on shoes for men. Reminisce about the 90s street dapper and flaunt a baseball cap with a solid white muscle tee. Remember, the washed out distressed cap is for casual days and switch to solid navy to pep things up.

Layer up: The layered look works well in summers as well. Throw in a long-knit scarf in nautical colours of red, blue and white with your muted linens and chinos for a laid-back day at the beach. The layers will protect you from the direct rays of the sun too!

High-low for men: Yes, the term ‘high-low’ isn’t just restricted to your girlfriend’s dresses. Try this style in straight pants and white plimsolls, which are high on trend and even higher on comfort.

Bear these essentials in mind while shopping for a new wardrobe and you can make heads turn this season. After all, why should girls have all the fun?

(The author is fashion head, Roposo)