A simple kurta-pyjama along with the quintessential Modi/ Nehru jacket will be perfect for your Diwali look. But you can go ahead and don a new avatar this festive season.
While mentioning that Indian men have become fashion forward designer Megha Jain Madaan of Label Abstract says, “Men’s fashion today include different styles like the androgyny, floral prints and motifs.”
Designer duo Djey Tanwar and Megha Sikchi feel that earlier traditional wear for men was restricted to dhoti with kurta or the sherwani but now you find men sporting multi-layered sherwanis, bandhgala jackets, asymmetrical kurtas, short kurtas and teaming them up with Patialas, cigarette pants and straight skirts in some cases.
Go as per your body type
In a quest to dazzle, men tend to wear outfits which don’t suit their body type. Says Madaan, “Always keep in mind that the body type of models walking the ramp or featuring in catalogues are not the same as regular men. So dress according to your body type. Ankle-length chinos or pants look good on all body types, however, churidar-pants are for those with shapely legs. Patiala salwar suits are ideal for the tall and well built, but denims are the safest bet.”
Suggesting how to team up these bottoms, she says that long Pathani suits work well on all body types and bandhgala with kurtas suit both lean and well-built men. “Men with heavy torso must go for waistcoat as it creates a slimming effect but remember to pick dark colours. When opting for a fusion look, an asymmetrical loose kurta is one of the best bets. If you are short, then avoid wearing circular or horizontal prints and opt for single colour for both kurta and pants, and a contrasting jacket/ scarf. Slim men can wear heavy fabrics like brocade but should not wear them in dark colours. It tends to make them look slimmer,” she advises.
As much as the body type, wearing colours that suit your skin tone further enhances your look. “For warm skin undertones, always go for shades that are peachy, golden or yellow. And if you have cool undertones, go for colours like red, blue and brown,” advise Tanwar and Sikchi.
A blend of both
While it is important to look festive, a contemporary touch can make it more comfortable and effortless. According to Madaan, the traditional brocade sherwani kurtas paired with dhoti and sneakers is a great look to sport.
“The zari work bandhgala worn over a long kurta and coloured chinos can create a different style statement. A t-shirt or a long line shirt can be stylishly worn with churidar pants,” suggests Madaan.
Seconding Madaan, the designer duo say, “You can experiment with bandhgalas with printed shirts on denims, embroidered Jodhpur coats over plain kurtas and Patiala or denims. You can wear tees beneath a printed jacket and pair them with Patiala salwars for a suave look.”
Asymmetrical kurtas
Bollywood celebs and models are often seen sporting asymmetrical kurtas nowadays. “Asymmetrical hemline kurtas can be worn with ankle-length chinos or denims if you wish to go for a fusion look with comfort,” say Tanwar and Sikchi.
Madaan, who feels that asymmetrical kurtas are very trendy, suggests, “They can be styled according to one’s personal preferences and can be worn with dhoti pants, churidar pants, denims and even ankle-length chinos.”
Colours for you
“Warm hues like navy blue, deep red and shades of orange are ideal for the evening look. While for the day one might consider trying shades of yellow, white and the traditional beige,” says Madaan suggesting colours for the festive season.
However, Tanwar and Sikchi feel that colours like beige, cream and other lighter shades are things of the past. “Designers have become bolder and are experimenting with darker hues like red, blue, brown and orange with a hint of gold,” they add.
Talking about the ideal fabric, Madaan suggests linen for the day and khadi silk for the night but one must stay away from synthetic fabrics.
The right accessories
No look is complete without the right kind of accessories. Says Madaan, “Scarves are the most versatile piece of accessory. Worn in different styles and patterns they add a unique touch to your look.” According to Tanwar and Sikchi, wearing the kurta with a stole, scarf, shawl or dupatta is no longer limited to only women; printed scarves have made their way into men’s fashion too.
Coming to footwear, Madaan says that Punjabi juttis or mojris are the ideal footwear for Diwali but if you want to create a contemporary look, you can wear brogues with ankle-length chinos or churidar pants, and sneakers with dhoti pants or denims.
“Brooches can be worn with turbans if attending a grand dinner party otherwise keep the brooch game simple with just one on the breast pocket. One might also consider wearing the brooch on the shoulder, it gives a royal touch to the outfit,” advises Madaan.
The designer duo say that turbans and kantha — a kind of necklace — are some classics frequently seen at weddings while mojris and embroidered juttis are a must have for the festive vibes. “A lot of men also go for a delicate brooch on the kurta pocket,” they add.
