Fashion up like a man!

 This year brings a whole new dimension to the men’s wardrobe. The classics are back with more attention to detail, checks-out Vikrant Makkar.

Looking good is not just a woman's prerogative anymore. Who says men can't look fashionable? Or that boring shirts and ugly trousers are their only options? Every year, fashion trends for men are listed out, but since many men rarely follow fashion norms, all these style news elude them.

Slip into jackets

For men who want to get started with this voguish experiment, 2014 isn't a year to go too bold with colours. Shades of blue and black are set to rule. Denims continue to rock this year. Add to that a unique printed jacket with layering and a fair amount of texturing on the fabric, with subtle but visible detailing. Printed jackets can be enhanced with Kalamkari work.

Cargoes out, denims in

Replace your cargoes with slim-fit pants and include more linen jackets in your wardrobe. You can even team up your jackets with slim fitting indigo jeans which are totally classic, timeless, and are one of the most versatile pieces you’ll ever own. The slim cut ensures sharper lines and a better shape. Indigo denim works with almost any look you can think of and will never fall out of fashion. It’s worth investing in a few high-end versions of these.

Layer it all up

Basic knitwear will be an essential component of your layering this season, and you’ll be wearing it a lot. A couple of crew neck, mid-weight wool or cotton jumpers in grey, navy or oatmeal are a great place to start. These staple colours allow you to play around with bolder shades within the rest of your ensemble. The mid-weight ensures that they fit in the casual side, which is much more suitable when you’re just starting out.

Prints ‘n’ patterns

Those who love sweatshirts could try out the ones with interesting prints or patterns. Large and graphic ones such as birds of paradise motifs are good too. Short-sleeved shirts are also back in fashion. Also, you can dump bling desi wear and opt for well-fitted kurtas and bandhgalas in simple designs instead. Sports coats, camouflage prints and army themes are hot and happening right now. 

Go golfers!

Few years back, golfing attire was very simple and elegant, and aimed at comfort. Today, golfing attires have become funkier and can be teamed up with cloth-button shirts. They look casual and less sporty. Some people go wacky with their golf pants in different chic colours. Luckily for these budding fashionistas, these shirts are a worthwhile addition to any modern wardrobe.

Suit it right

When it comes to suits, they are becoming boxier and the double-breasted blazer is in style too. So if you are still into slim fits, try a newer kind of style this year. The slim-cut trousers of last year are fast fading away to make way for wider legged pants. Going bulky seems to be in with suits.

Walk in style

Shoes do a lot of talking. Funny, but they do. Smart, without being formal, the desert boots work with everything, from jeans to shorts to suits and it’s all about how you dress it up. They are super comfortable and a pair in light sand colour will complement every piece in your existing wardrobe. But you could also consider brown leather if you are looking for something a bit more hard wearing and seasonally appropriate.

Get the staples right

n Belts are definitely used to hold your pants up, but they do serve another purpose by adding a whole other dimension to your look. A classic black, brown or beige belt is an absolute wardrobe staple.

n Try wearing cufflinks which can give an ordinary formal shirt a sense of stylish sophistication. It is a great way to ensure that you stand out from the crowd at weddings, awards ceremonies and formal events. Match the cufflinks with the style and colour of your shirt.

n Do you really know how to knot a tie? A stunning tie makes your suit more beautiful, more classy, especially if you know how to associate colours. You can match it with the facing of the suit - satin with satin, silk with silk - but it can also be an opportunity to do something different.

While most men fear standing out because they've worn something very different from everyone else, it should not be a cause for worry anymore. The more adventurous you are, the more people follow your sense of style and get rid of their own boring wardrobe to make room for more fashion-forward attires. So go on and fashion up like a man!

(The writer is a fashion designer)