Fashion forward

Want to update your wardrobe? Our expert will tell you how

I love men’s shirts. They are so comfortable. Can you suggest ways in which I can style them without looking too dowdy or manly? — Karishma

Men’s shirts are called boyfriend shirts. Yes, they are extremely comfortable. Here are some common dos and don’ts you need to keep in mind while wearing one:

• Always try to balance out the baggy nature of the shirt by pairing it with well-fitted jeans, nicely cut culottes, tights (wear leggings only with long shirts) or short shorts.
• For a flirty casual look, team your shirt with cut-off denim shorts or wear high-rise cuts if you’re going retro.
• And as a rule, NEVER combine a boyfriend shirt with boyfriend jeans unless you want to look like you walked straight out of bed in your jammies.

I am planning to explore the club scene in the city. What are the fashion dos and don’ts when it comes to clubwear for men? — Kunal

Here are the things you need to take into consideration when it comes to clubwear:

• Given the late hours and moody lighting, a dark coloured outfit with shades of blue, black, and grey will make anyone look sharp.
• Don’t go overboard and wear black from head to toe, or you’ll look like a bartender.
• Always check the dress code before heading to a club. Select a smart white shirt for an elegant venue or a denim shirt for a relaxed setting. Choose between jeans, trousers or chinos depending on the venue you’re attending.
• Smart sneakers can work for casual clubs, while dressy shoes are ideal for formal locations. Keep accessories minimal.
• Lastly, tailor your club outfit keeping the weather in mind.

I am in my 20s and I love dungarees. But I am scared of buying a pair as I don’t want to look funny and out of place. How should I style dungarees, and on which occasions should I ideally wear them? — Deepti K

As you know, dungarees are worn as casual wear and can be paired with white t-shirts and cool sneakers or crop tops. It can be worn for a holiday with friends, shopping, and is an ideal campus wear. If you feel uncomfortable in body-fitted dungarees, go for bell-bottomed ones. Avoid wearing it to formal gatherings. You can also pair it up with a crop top.

Is leather a good fabric for the skin. Black leather pants look so good. What are the things to be kept in mind while buying one? — Tess Joss

Yes, leather is a good fabric for skin but it also depends on your skin type and the weather condition. You shouldn’t wear leather in warm and humid climate. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind while buying a pair of leather pants:

• The material and fit are the most important things to consider.
• Leather is stretchable, so buy a snug fit. However, don’t go down a size.
• The finish and stitch are important.
• The cut is crucial, as it creates an illusion about the body. Straight-leg leather pants are great for elongating your body, making you look slimmer.