Trendspotting: A Lifestyle Treasure Trove

It has been a while since men paid attention to what they wore except during Zoom calls when they took over the boardroom, virtually. With the restrictions being rolled back and the monsoons hitting the city, many are switching to in-person office mode. With the monsoons here, there is already a lot of freshness all around. Everything is looking green and that should reflect in our attires, feels Ajay Kumar, a city-based fashion designer.

Shirt Story

One can never go wrong with a well-fitted button-down shirt. Solid colours or checks are hardly surprising when it comes to most men. Monsoon are certainly not the time for pastels or earthy shades. It should be something bold to set against the sombre sky.

Urban Leanings

After spending the lockdown in loungewear doing WFH, men are stepping out looking dapper while also ticking the comfy box. For a change, men in Kolkata are now throwing up surprises. This season, men are happy to experiment with quirky shirts. The funky shirts make them stand out. Indian men like to portray an image that is bold and dynamic, says Shilpa Sethi, curator at a multi designer store for men.

Take On Trousers

A pair of denims may be comfortable but marble, off-beat, funky prints or abstract ones, try something new and refreshing. With a confident attitude, anyone can look fashionable without compromising on comfort, avers Kumar who has engineered digital prints.

Comfortable Fabrics

Being fashionable is also about comfort. Keeping in mind comfort and sustainability, the focus is on using pure hand-woven and khadi fabrics for men, states Nitya. Natural, breathable fabrics work well in monsoons. Comfortability depends on the fabric. Cotton and linen rule. Any colour in linen has a very different kind of appeal. For any occasion, cotton or silk, which has a graceful fall, is a great proposition. Silk linen fabrics is another beautiful fabric with a good sheen, explains Kumar.

Statement Wear

People have started organising and attending get-togethers, while many prefer formals for office wear, they like to switch to ethnic wear when it comes to family occasions. In terms of wedding, monsoons play a big part. It is not hot and humid like summer, so many items are in trend. It is more about minimal dressing. Layering with some ivory and drape kurtas ensures that it does not stick to your body. Cotton blends and silks which have an ideal sheen are great choices.

Footwear & Styling

The right kind of footwear is important in the monsoons. While leather shoes are great, they are not meant to be worn during the monsoons. It is best to stick with floaters and waterproof shoes. In case you are meeting someone, carry a pair of formal shoes and change into it. Avoid wearing socks as they tend to get damp soon and make you run the risk of feeling uncomfortable and smelly.

Now that you are stepping out, take all Covid-related precautions even if you are vaccinated with two shots. Enjoy the weather. Don’t let the damp weather dampen your spirits because monsoon can be as fashionable and comfortable as any other season.