5 men’s summer fashion tips for newbies

This blog post is dedicated to all men who hesitate to experiment with their look (you all know who you are!). These mini-lessons will show you the way to an updated look for the season without stepping too far away from your comfort zone.

Ladies, if you know such hesitant, reluctant and boring men (and I’m sure you do!), use this guide as an inspirational piece to experiment on the men in your life, or push them to try out something new. 🙂

PS: Don’t miss the newbie tips, specially written for very reluctant men.

Think beyond checks: Printed shirt

So, printed shirts have been around for a couple of seasons already. But of course you’ve been sticking to solids and checks, right? You know something? Prints are not bad. Chosen carefully, the right prints for your personality and body type will make a strong statement about you.

Newbie tip: Florals freaking you out? Opt for “safer” prints like little dots and squares, or tiny abstract patterns. Just make sure the prints aren’t too big, too colourful or too eye-catching.

Shirt from 16stitches.com

16 stitches printed shirt

Get summer-ready: Linens

Linen blazers are a no-brainer for summer. They can look formal, and can be dressed up for an outdoors wedding or dressed down for a summer soiree.

Newbie tip: Choose a light, neutral shade that will go with almost all your shirts- such as off-white or light beige.

Look from Arrow

Arrow beige linen blazer

50 shades and more: Coloured shoes

Too many men have only black and tan shoes in their wardrobe. It’s time to add some colour—greens, beiges, blues… they’re all there!

Newbie tip: Start with a colour that’s already in your wardrobe, such as blue. Select a pair of shoes that’s similar or goes well with the chosen colour…. And you’re set.

Shoes from Mochi

Mochi green loafer shoes

Be playful: Round sunglasses

Aviators are a classic statement, but everyone’s wearing them all the time. If you’ve got the pizzazz, you can carry these off. And no, it won’t make you look girly. But it might just make you look like the cute teen you were once. 🙂

Newbie tip: Play safe with a round-ish frame with neutral colour rims.

Sunglasses from Fastrack

Fastrack red round sunglasses

Go retro: Bow tie

Maybe it’s to do with the Downton Abbey craze (of course men love the show too). Bow ties are making a comeback. And not just with tuxedoes or black tie events. The 21st century bow ties are quirky, cheeky and easy to wear. It’s perfectly alright to wear the “readymade” ones.

Newbie tip: To start with, choose a no-frills bow tie without patterns or prints. Wear your bow tie with a light-coloured solid shirt (such as white or baby blue), and stick to a similar colour scheme.

Bow tie from The Bro Code

The Bro Code Blue Bow Tie

Picks of the Week: The cool jackets you need this winter

While us Mumbai folks are sweating it out in the afternoons, folks across the country have a winter to face and dress up for. So for this week’s online picks, I’ve selected parka jackets to be your go-to outerwear options this season.

Available in neutral tones and with faux fur trimmings, these jackets will keep you warm while adding a classic touch to your style. Treat them well, and they could last you the entire season and even the next.

For women:

OASIS leopard faux fur collar parka jacket (available on Koovs.com). Price: Rs 5800

OASIS winter jacket- women

For men:

River Island Navy Faux Fur Duffle Jacket, Rs 5214 (available on Jabong.com). Current discounted price: Rs 5214

River Island winter jacket for men

Chic Trend: Take a bite of your favourite citrus fruits!

Chic Trend: Take a bite of your favourite citrus fruits!
Orange, lemon and sweet lime are juicy, sweet and the right of sour. And this summer, they’re delicious enough to wear. An easy balance of colour between neon, sorbet and pop shades, the citrus colours of orange, green and yellow can easily be worn as dresses or separates, and can be paired with each other.
Take a look at Speaking Chic’s citrus picks and read some handy style tips below:
Some tips to wear citrus:
  • These colours should be worn with a light neutral shade like beige, white or khaki. So if you’re wearing an orange top, try on a pair of beige slim fit trousers.
  • For citrusy pants, you could wear a contrasting coloured top or printed blouse.
  • Citrus + citrus = Yummy! (Warning: Take your husband/sibling/ mom’s opinion before you step out in a top-to-toe citrus ensemble).
  • If you’re wearing a bright orange or yellow dress, make that the key piece of your look. Which means your bag, shoes and earrings should be subtle. Nude pumps or a tan belt would look great!

Cheap & Chic: Deepika’s leather look for under Rs 5000

Cheap & Chic: Deepika’s leather look for under Rs 5000

It may not be the right weather for this sweaty fabric, but Deepika Padukone chose to wear a leather skirt at a promotional event couple days ago. Pairing it with a nautical striped tank top, Deepika’s high-waisted skirt made her look taller than she is (which is a LOT).

Deepika Padukone in leather skirt

Anyways, I’m not a fan of leather for summer, but hey– if Deepika can rock leather, so can you! Here’s how you can get a more summer-friendly “leather look” for under Rs 5000, along with some tips.

Deepika Padukone Leather skirt look

(Skirt available on Rock.in; top available at Only brand stores and select fashion retail websites).

A few handy tips when wearing a leather skirt:

  • If you’re wearing a black leather skirt, experiment with neon or bright stripes. It’s summer, after all.
  • Soften the hard leather look with a feminine touch- delicate earrings or a hint of lace.
  • Skip the boots, please– it’s not winter!