How To Dress The Dashing Man In You This Diwali

Diwali!!!!

The symbolic triumph of good over evil. Ram over Rawan. Light banishing darkness. For all my western readers you may have experienced this Festival of Lights with Indian friends. You are greeted at the doorstep with ‘rangoli’on the floor (a geometry of artistically sprinkled colourful powder) a garland of leaves traversing atop the door (an ‘Indian wreath’ so to speak). Dressed in a kaleidoscope of silk, welcomed with hospitality exceeding warmth of all decorative tea lights in the living room, inviting you to a table of sweets sweeter than the definition of sweet among other savory stuff. General chatter and cheer somewhat like the sound of fireworks in the yard. While other details include a hint of incense in the air, fragrance of flowers showered in a temple that seats at least 5 Indian Gods among the million that exist in scriptures. Indians, you know what I’m talking about.

From the time I lived in Mumbai, the way of celebrating has evolved with the changing trends. Like ‘mithai’ aka traditional Indian sweets are hand delivered well in advance with customized chocolate boxes, complete with a luxury signature season’s greeting card gilded in the Family name. The house is decked with pastels or kitsch colour schemes over the very Indian, red, orange fuchsia or yellow choices. And the house may smell of patchouli, gardenia or frankincense instead along with trendy outfits that are a fusion of western colours and silhouettes.

Here’s the thing though to the delight of all women, but disappointment of men, the stores pre Diwali are stuffed with festive fashion. A large floor space for the women and a humble, well tiny space where men huddle to find something special to wear. Most often they want to exit at the earliest because it seems like a chore; they don’t have the patience and in addition nothing sprightly to choose from.

But, Men. You all can look dashing, dapper! You should and have equal rights to dressing. And often it isn’t what’s available in a store or online, but just the right tips to put something special together. So this maybe your predicament -Tired of wearing silk chidaar kurtaas, embroidered luckhnowi tunics, Nehru collar shirt/ tunic with jeans with a ‘baandhani’ stole thrown on? Or maybe you have to dig through your old wedding wardrobe to pull out an outfit to wear at the family Diwali celebrations.

Okay. Fret not. Here’s how to dress the dashing man in you this diwali.

1. Black  – Classic Style for a Bold & Dynamic Man

• Infuse colour with accessories like Indian ‘Juutis / Mojadi’ or colourful lace up moccasin shoes. Throw on a silk stole!
• Wear tailored Kurta, blazer or Sherwani Jacket
• Slim fit dress pants

2.  Grey – Casual Smart for the Cosmopolitan Man

• If all black deter your  superstitious nerves go for Grey shirt as Base and layer
• Highlight it with warm palate of ‘spice like’ colours. Sienna, Indigo, Lavender, Ochre, Taupe
• Fusion of styles, like a a stole paired with velvet tasseled slippers. Shirt worn with Nehru Waistcoat
• Keep top and bottom casual smart, while accessories in luxe tones – brocade, silk and velvet show here

3 . White – Edgy for the Metro Man

• Great alternative to Black & Grey Base. Simple, take a white shirt or kurta. But one with a twist. Look for details like, tailoring, buttons, printed lining of cuffs/ collars.
• Slim Fit Dark or Light jeans. Cuff them for added style.
• Brighten up with accents like a brocade jacket, or vibrant silk tie or ‘baandhani’ stole
• The way to give the fusion look extra edge is some funky footwear. From a two tone – suede brogue with silver vamp to Metal finished leather sandals, details that speak of flamboyance

4.  Refined Pattern Play – For the Fashion Forward Guy

• If you like to wear red chinos / denim (casual is easier to dress up) there’s a small palate that works with it. Pay attention. Balance with muted pastels
• If you are confident to carry off a mix of textures and prints this is so you. Wear well fitting separates
• Ensure that the patterns are small in size like here the floral print is fine, you can opt for small dots or gingham in purple or blue
• The tweed waistcoat gets a festive layer with a luxurious gold tasseled stole
• Even the loafers are a fancy mix of materials, but it all ties in. Key is balance and underplay the red

5. Ethnic Chic – For the Man with an Organic and Natural Persona

• A touch of English and Indian blend in this Tweed pants and Ethnic Tunic combo. If it’s too warm to wear tweed opt for linen or light corduroy
• A gold silk or warm colour jacket lifts the earthy  tones and textures
• A sandal version of ‘Kohlapuris’ tying in with the traditional tunic
• Hint of colour with a fuchsia and burgundy pashmina stole
• Play round with the colour palate to offset organic colours that you like wearing

6. Young Guns – For the Trend Setting Youth

• When you’re in your 20’s you have the feeling of invincibility. Why not apply that for fashion. Take the edge a few notches up and go creative
• Key is one or two stupendous items. The studded loafers like in the first look – opulent edge paired with casual kurta and ultra slim jeans. If you prefer switch it up with a longer kurta and linen chudidaar. Wear printed ‘Chudidaar’ with plain ‘Kurta’ for a more traditional twist
• If you love flamboyance, mix floral with pattern like in the second look. A T-Shirt with Nehru waistcoat paired with embroidered slipper style shoes.

7. Dapper – For the Party Man

• It’s pretty obvious. Plaid with a Twist. Great for those fancy Diwali parties that are complete with 5 star venues
• Flashy Shoes to deck the formal pants
• Tuxedo Jacket paired with crisp shirts
• Finish with a fine cologne like Cartier, Jo Malone or Chanel. You’ll be stealing the attention and steering the crowd!

There you have it gentlemen. Have a go with these fresh ideas and tips and let me know how you get along. Leave me a comment or question if you need help with a tricky fashion trend. I’d be happy to write a post.

For more bright ideas browse my Pinterest Board on Men’s Fashion here.

For more shoes including featured items check out this amazing  Pinterest Board here

Happy Diwali shopping ! And I shall leave you with my universal signature of ‘Stay Dashing ‘

Ciao,

Swarnima