Grooming tips for men

Trousers
For work, khakis and chinos (tan-coloured pants inspired by military looks) are all the rage today, and available in a variety of colours like beige, brown, tan, navy blue and black.

When choosing a pair of trousers, make sure they fit right, especially around the hips. Chinos come in pleated and flat front styles. Pleated trousers are usually straight cut, which look good on a short, lean person.

Flat front trousers on the other hand are your everyday trousers. You can wear them to work or to your neighbourhood grocery. They look stylish almost anywhere!

If you are on the heavier side, flat fronts are a safer bet, as it does not highlight your hip area much and the almost boot-cut fit (style of trousers or jeans that tapers to the knee and flares out to accommodate a boot) makes the legs appear longer.

High-end brands like Blackberry, Van Heusen and Louis Phillipe have trousers in the price range of Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 while Newport, Live-in, Dockers, Lee and Arrow trousers can be had for anywhere between Rs 900 to Rs 1,500.

Shirts
Get your chest and waist fittings right, when looking for a shirt. Fits change according to your body type, make sure the fit does make your body swell out. It must provide a perfect cover to your body shape without any unsightly bumps.

Another thing about shirts that most Indian men neglect is the neckline. Some men look good in high collars while others don't.

There are three basic neck types -- fat, medium and lean. Shirts for medium necks should suit lean and heavy ones but the opposite is not true.

When it comes to design, stripes have become the norm. The stripes you choose for your shirts should be according to your height and your width.

Short men with a stocky build should avoid horizontal stripes while the very tall should avoid wearing shirts with vertical stripes.

And avoid wearing shirts with large and flashy designs, to work.

Jeans
How many of you find it tough to shop for jeans?

They are an indispensable part of your wardrobe, and could prove to be a saviour when in doubt.

Boot-cut, baggy (loose)and slim (form-fitting) styles flood the markets today.

Lean? Then go for a daring slim style, which is all the rage on the international fashion circuit.

On the heavier side? Stick to boot-cut jeans.

One word of advice: Be careful about how your jeans look from the back. It should not be too baggy or tight.

Leave the baggy fits to the hip-hop gang, as you need a certain 'attitude' to carry them off. Low-waist jeans are strictly for those with lean hips and a 28 to 34 inch waistline.

As for colours, soft shades in gray, black and those in-between, look good.

Avoid bling and go easy on the ultra-washed effect.

Accessories
Shoes, watches, belt and eye wear can add that extra something to your overall look.

Try to achieve a 'balanced' look.

For work, match the colour of your shoes with the colour of your belt. Restrict rings and chains to a minimum.

If you are wearing jeans to work, team them up with a shirt that fits well, a cowboy belt buckle (made of iron and plated with silver) and a neat pair of boots for a new look.

"A watch with a black leather strap and a sleek dial gives you a timeless chic, mature look -- something a chunky sports can never give you," says Roy.

You don't have to get your shoes polished every morning. However, at least wipe them with a soft cloth before you leave for work.

And guys, please change your socks everyday, no matter what!

Pick frames and shades according to your face type, not fashion trends.

Larger, thicker frames suit round faces while a small frame does wonders for an oval face.

Blog Archive