Get Ayushmann Khurrana’s look in Badhaai Ho

Ayushmann Khurrana in Badhaai Ho sports a super snazzy and stylish look. Modish and natty, his smart casual style is perfect for the urban Indian male in his twenties.

Ayushmann Khurrana’s smart casual look
Ayushmann Khurrana plays Nakul, a 25-year-old middle class Delhi chap who is at ease in the confusing space that is urban India. He lives in the cramped railway quarters, but is comfortable in a spacious South Delhi-type home and in a cubicled office in a modern glass building. He speaks Hindi in his native accent, and neutral English without hesitation.

Ayushmann Khurrana Badhaai Ho crew fashion

His smart casual look fits in with the theme of Badhaai Ho and Nakul’s background in the movie. It’s also a style that is easy to get right, and appropriate for all sorts of occasions. For instance, Ayushmann Khurrana is in smart casuals almost throughout the entire film, such as when he’s at work, at an informal gathering, or out on a date.

Read below to get tips and suggestions on how to dress like Ayushmann Khurrana in Badhaai Ho.

Ayushmann Khurrana in Badhaai Ho: Complete look breakdown
The Basics
Ayushmann Khurrana’s basic wardrobe essentials in Badhaai Ho begin with plain round neck tshirts in multiple colours such as white, beige, grey, black etc.

With that, he teams a simple shirt in a variety of prints, patterns and fabrics, such as a denim shirt or checks, but nothing too formal.

The next wardrobe staple for Ayushmann Khurrana is a pair of straight cut jeans in dark washes. A guy with his physique could carry off skinny jeans easily, but in the context of the film’s middle-class Delhi setting, it would end up looking wannabe. (To be fair, Ayushman Khurana looks great whatever he wears.)

Tshirt from Roadster available on Myntra

Tshirt Roadster Badhaai Ho Ayushmann

Shirt from Highlander available on Myntra

Highlander-Badhaai Ho Ayushmann

Jeans from Levi’s

Levis jeans Ayushmann Badhaai Ho

Outerwear
It gets cold in Delhi, so Ayushmann has a range of light jackets to wear over his shirts, from denim to leather.
When he’s chilling with his buddies at the neighbourhood paanwala in the evenings, he dresses down, and throws on a hoodie instead.

Jacket from Mast & Harbour available on Jabong

Mast & Harbour Badhaai Ho jacket

Shoes
What can I say, but sometimes I think men have better options for shoes than women.

And one of those times was when I spotted Ayushmann Khurrana’s footwear in Badhaai Ho. He’s got some cool sneakers to sport, and he makes white sneakers look completely cool, without being all hipster or gangsta or a trying-too-hard dude.

Sneakers from Sparx available on Amazon.in

white sneakers Ayushmann Khurrana

Accessories
Since he’s no longer a student, but a working professional, Ayushmann has ditched the one-shoulder floppy casual backpacks that teens use. Instead, he has a tan (imitation) leather backpack that he carries to work and almost everywhere else.

Girls and guys will both like Ayushmann Khurrana’s backpack in Badhaai Ho (trust me, it’s the highlight of his look). The backpack has straight clean-cut lines adding to his slick look, and it’s also functional and stylish.

I’m tempted to buy such an accessory for myself.

Backpack from Zara

Ayushmann Khurrana leather backpack

What do you think of Ayushmann Khurrana’s look in Badhaai Ho?

5 hot fashion lessons from Shahrukh Khan & Kajol

I’m an SRK fan, so despite the wonderful reviews (heh!) by critics and FB friends, I headed to downtown Yangon to watch Dilwale last weekend. The show was housefull and ticket scalpers were making good money. I was mostly interested in the Kajol-SRK on-screen romance, and their crackling chemistry and emotive eyes are the only bits of the film that I liked, even though it was shoddily scripted and directed. Anyways, somewhere amidst the plot twists, overtly-comical characters and extreme suspension of disbelief, I picked up some fashion tips from Shahrukh Khan and Kajol (or Kaali/ Raj and Meera).

Even if you abhorred the film or won’t watch it for a million dollars, these style lessons will hopefully inspire a tiny style upgrade or whole new look.

BTW, there is not one, not two but FOUR costume designers credited in the film so I have no idea who did the clothes for Shahrukh Khan and Kajol. If you do, let me know!

Lesson 1: Match your jacket with your shirt

SRK in Dilwale blue jacket

Jackets that match your shirt are the ultimate cool in men’s fashion. Just like what SRK’s wearing in the Bulgaria flashback. I say it’s the “ultimate cool” because it looks oh-so-mature and contrasts is so college-boyish (remember Kuch Kuch Hota Hai?). SRK sticks to black, grey and other muted colours, portraying a very chic European look.

Lesson 2: Skip the skinny

SRK in Dilwale blue jeans

So skinny jeans are all about showing off your shapely legs and there’s no doubt that SRK is superfit. But he’s dunked skinny jeans and chosen to wear straight fits instead. Why? Here’s a secret: skinny jeans are on their way out the trend door, especially since everyone and their grandma is wearing them. Meanwhile, jean legs are getting wider for both men and women and straight-fit denims or a slightly-flared bootcut is what you should wear like, right now, if you want to be fashion-forward.

Lesson 3: Go long if you’re a pear

Kajol in Dilwale

What do you do when you’re heavy in the lower half, but still want to look great on screen? One, you create the illusion of a waistline, and two, you go for longer lengths. So Kajol’s worn some gorgeous printed midi skirts- they cut off at just the right section of the waist, and they draw attention away from the bottom. Paired with blouses and sky-high heels, Kajol is rocking these skirts. And oh, she wears a printed maxi dress in a Goa scene. Fabulous!

Lesson 4: Smart blouses should be your daytime LBD

Kajol in Dilwale

I’ve always thought smart buttoned blouses to be a highly underrated garment. It makes anyone, and I mean anyone, look feminine, sophisticated and classy. If the blouse is a solid pastel, even more so. I especially loved Kajol’s gold-smuggling accident outfit- jeans, light peach blouse and matching open cardigan. Paired with a strong lip colour and pulled-back hair, it’s an easy peasy way to elegant style.

Lesson 5: Neutrals are nice

SRK Kajol in Dilwale

When in Europe, dress as the Europeans. Their colour palette may seem more restricted than ours, but even neutral tones can translate to great clothes if you pick the right garments and style your ensemble well. While SRK sticks to black and greys, Kajol opts for light pastels and blues, though she also adds some colour with her printed skirts.

BONUS: A lesson in colour: Less is more

Alas, the colour scheme changes drastically when they move to India (including the set design!) and the tad bit of tastefulness disappears as dozens of bright colours pop everywhere, even in SRK’s garage. Too many colours. Sigh! And then one day SRK heads to church in a parrot green shirt with matching jacket. Urghhh…. Why, why, why?!

WINTER SPECIAL: 15-plus winter essentials & style tips for busy men

Busy, busy men. You’ve got no time to shop, confused about what to buy, or simply hate shopping? In this mini-catalogue of winter wear there are over a dozen ready-to-wear, fuss-free choices along with some handy tips. So your shopping becomes easier, quicker and stress-free.

Happy shopping!

Cardigans and sweaters

Style Tip: Stick to basic colours, but experiment with textures and detailing.

Textured full-sleeved sweater from TM Lewin

TM Lewin sweater

Multi-pocket cardigan from Arrow

Arrow cardigan

Knit with buttons from Ed Hardy

Ed Hardy cardigan

Coats & Jackets

Style Tip: Look out for fur trims- they add a luxe touch to your coat. Belts look great, but look best on leaner guys.

Parka coat with faux fur trim from Zara

Zara men's parka coat

Belted coat from French Connection

Black coat French Connection

Jackets and vests

Style Tip: Puffed and quilted styles are classic winter outerwear, but if you’re looking for trendy pieces there are lots of styles- try a layered or colour-blocked jacket.

Puffed jacket from Calvin Klein Jeans

CKJ puffed jacket

Quilted jacket from Splash

Splash quilted jacket

Dual-layered jacket from Guess

Guess winter jacket

Leather jacket

Style Tip: Plain leather jackets are so dull. Try jackets with lots of zips, pockets or varying textures.

Leather jacket from Rara Avis

Rara Avis leather jacket

Shoes

Style Tip: High-top shoes for men are super hot right now. Wear them over skinny or straight-fit jeans.

Lace-up shoes and leather boots from Clarks

Winter shoes- Clarks

 

High-top lace-up shoes from Estd 1977

Estd 1977 Black shoes

Winter accessories

Style Tip: Neutral winter accessories- patterned or plain are worthwhile investments for this winter and the next.

Hats and scarf from Aldo, gloves from River Island

Winter accessories-Men

WINTER TIME: 20-plus chic essentials for the ladies

Ahh, the lovely winter days. The mercury dips, you pile up on the layers and sip on hot chocolate. If you hate the cold weather, why not let these stylish choices perk you up? Indulge in one of these stylish knits, jackets, coats or accessories and look chic!

Knitwear- The basics

Long camel knit from Zara

Zara camel long cardigan

Round-neck sweater from Arrow

Arrow sweater for winter

Zipped white knit from Calvin Klein Jeans

Calvin Klein Jeans _womencardigan

Funky sweaters- for the teenager in you

Animal print sweater from French Connection

FCUK animal sweater

Christmas hoodie from B: Kind

B Kind hoodie

Jackets that spell C-h-i-c

Jacket from Splash

Splash winter jacket

Puffed jacket from Guess

Guess winter jacket

Statement coats- The real head-turners

Edith Wrap Coat from Forever New

Forever New- EDITH WRAP COAT

 

Greene Coat from American Swan

American Swan Greene Red Blazer

Furry styles- Faux, of course!

Animal print coat from French Connection

FCUK fur coat

Abstract print furry jacket from Guess

Guess winter fur jacket

Camouflage print fur coat from Splash

Splash- Winter special party wear- Fuzzy fur coat

Cool leather jackets- ‘Coz biker chicks rock!

Leather jacket from Calvin Klein Jeans

CKJ_women leather jacket

Boots to make your feet look sexy

Thigh-high boots from Clarks

Clarks Kendra Candy Black Leather

Fur-trim ankle-length boots from Clarks

Clark Lisette Blues Black Leater

Blue boots from Metro

Blue boots- Metro Shoes

Accessories- To complete your winter ensemble

Hats, gloves, scarves and snood from Accessorize

Winter accessories from Accessorize

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

1000 Weeks of DDLJ: Thank you for the fashion!

The most epic romantic movie ever Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge hit theatres when I was 11 years old. I fell in love with it and watched it multiple times. The movie made me believe in love and a special someone and I hoped to meet my Raj some day. Thankfully, I did. 🙂

DDLJ_Movie_Post_01

DDLJ became an instant classic, and since its release dozens of film makers have been “inspired” by the film. Among other areas, DDLJ made a big impact on Indian fashion as well. Thousands of women flocked to their tailors to get clothes like Kajol and flocked to sari shops to buy shaded saris (typical Yashraj!). But from all the costumes that were made, here’s what I loved the most.

Kajol’s mehendi outfit: Pre-DDLJ, the bride rarely wore green for her mehendi function. Then Manish Malhotra dressed Kajol in bright green from top to toe. Since then, green has become the colour of choice for mehendi functions across India, by the bride, her family and guests. I wore a green outfit to my mehendi too. 😉

DDLJ_Movie_fashion

Shahrukh Khan’s leather jacket: Leather jackets are perfect for continental weather but don’t really work for India. Who cares? After Shahrukh Khan sported black and brown leather jacket, young men across India wanted to wear one too, hoping it would impress the ladies. Remember Varun Dhawan in Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania? I had never taken a leather jacket seriously either, but now I think they’re sexy!

DDLJ_Movie_Post_04

Kajol’s backless dress: Backless gown?! Woah! The only women who’d earlier revealed their back were the “dancing girls” from the 60s and 70s, but never the female protagonist. The backless gown in the song Ruk Ja was Simran’s way of asserting her independence and just being a modern European girl, despite having a “traditional” Indian family. The result? Backless dresses, backless gowns, backless cholis and blouses across India…. we’ve seen them all. (Note: Of course, Madhuri Dixit’s backless purple blouse in Hum Aapke Hain Kaun also this trend gain popularity).

And here are some trends I would like to bring back.

Dresses and boots: A very hot 90s trend, Kajol rocked the look with her long dresses and boots. They were stylish yet comfortable, modern yet conservative enough to be worn around her father. Sadly, this trend disappeared soon after. Let’s bring it back!

DDLJ_Movie_Post_02

Geeky chic: Kajol wore thick-rimmed glasses and spent a good amount of time with her nose buried in a book. While this didn’t kick off a spectacles-toting trend (Indians don’t like bespectacled women), I would love if glasses became a style statement. So geeky bookworms like me would finally be appreciated!

Hats: Shahrukh Khan wore a fedora with a feather(!) and Kajol wore a flat beret. Both actors carried off their head gear with elan, so why can’t we?

All pictures courtesy: Yashraj Films

My favourite winter fashion trends from Guess

Guess is synonymous with music, grunge and rock ‘n’ roll. This American label’s line-up of denim and casual wear is understated, chic and edgy season after season.

For AW 2014 Guess has given their own grungy twist to hot international trends for men and women. At my visit to the store, I found it hard to choose a favourite trend or outfit, because there was so much to choose from. Here are my top picks of the trends you need to check out at Guess, and style tips on how to wear them.

New collection Guess AW14

Prints, prints, prints

You can never have too many graphic print tees, so check out the cowboy prints for girls and the outdoor travel prints for the guys. Besides these, winter florals on crop tops, dresses and tops bloom in the Guess collection (pun intended), while men have a choice of paisleys and abstract patterns, with updated check shirts.

Guess AW 14 prints florals tees

Guess Mens prints checks graphic tees paisley

Style tip for women: Don graphic printed tees with your favourite jeans and a backpack for college-y cool.

Style tip for men: If you’ve never experimented with printed shirts before, this is your chance. Play it safe with a small print, paired with a basic pair of jeans.

All-new winter wear

I love the idea of experimenting with personal style in winter (sadly, Mumbai doesn’t have one). I love the versatility of the denim shirt I saw at Guess, which I paired with a Guess tshirt and later with a knit dress. For the guys, there are plenty more options- light and heavy jackets along with chunky knits in classic winter colours.

Guess womens jackets

Guess winter wear for men

Style tip for women: Denim jackets are great for almost any look, so keep one handy at all times!

Style tip for men: A textured knit or jacket with lots of zip, button and pocket detailing is a great buy this season. Throw it on over a tee and swagger!

It’s party time

Slim fit shirts + straight fit jeans = Party wear for guys.

Embellished tops / dresses + fun detailing (like fringes) = Party wear for girls.

It’s all there at Guess, and that’s where you go when you want to rock the party this winter. Plus, sexy mini skirts and feminine dresses are always a great party option.

Guess womens party trends

Guess party trends for men

Style tip for women: Girls, you can rock a party in jeans and edgy tops. Choose a funky print or embellished top (like the one in this picture), strap on killer heels, apply red lip colour and let your hair down!

Style tip for men: Look classy- throw on a cool jacket or sharp blazer over jeans for a smart look.

Denim (as always)

The Power Skinny is Guess’s answer to super skinny for the ladies, and these jeans look great. Of course, being a casual wear brand the store had plenty of options in each cut and wash. I found the Power Curvy option suited me quite well.

Guess womens denims

Guess jeans for men

Style tip for women: Darker washes are great for evening wear and make your legs look slimmer. Look out for metallic finishes, and complete the look with a thin belt.

Style tip for men: Men, watch out for the Regular Boot style- this trend is on the rise.

What trend are you going to wear from Guess AW 14 collection?

Bollywood Fashion: Get Deepika Padukone’s Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani looks in just one step

Bollywood Fashion: Get Deepika Padukone’s Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani looks in just one step

Deepika Padukone can wear almost anything and look pretty in it. In Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani her character Naina wears a whole variety of clothes and looks great in all of them. Unfortunately,  Deepika’s looks in the movie are as stereotyped and predictable as the storyline, sometimes inappropriate and sometimes just bizarre. I’m not too impressed with costume designer Manish Malhotra’s styling for this movie.

Either way, if you want to adopt Deepika Padukone’s looks, here’s a simple one-step guide to the three key looks she dons in the movie.

Geeky student

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani Deepika Padukone

The plain Jane Deepika wears squarish geeky glasses that indicate her studiousness, with simple printed dresses covered up with a light jacket or cardigan. Her straight hair is pulled back into a ponytail or held back with a hair band. BTW, on cold nights, while camping in the Himachal outdoors, Deepika looks surprisingly cozy in knee length dresses!

One step look: Dark rimmed glasses.

Transformation time

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani Deepika Padukone Balam Pichkari

Deepika Padukone’s transformation from geeky girl to sexy lass was completed in the most predictable way– by getting drunk, swapping the spectacles for contact lenses, and ditching the comfortable outfits for tiny shorts and prancing around during Holi (when most Indian women want to stay indoors).

One step look: Hot shot pants

Head-turning hottie
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani Deepika Padukone Ranbir Kapoor

Once the transformation was complete, we didn’t get to see much of Deepika until a grand wedding in Udaipur. At the wedding, Deepika is pretty much the centre of attention with tiny blouses and low waist lehengas. With her low neck kurtas that are barely concealed by a dupatta, Naina is ultra feminine and desi sexy.

One step look: Midriff-baring lehenga or tight kurta.

Which Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani look do you want to try?

LFW SR 2013: Sanjay Hingu plays with neon colours and details for men

LFW SR 2013: Sanjay Hingu plays with neon colours and details for men

There are very few menswear designers who can create collections that make an impact. Sanjay Hingu is one of them. For Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2013, he used just a few colours in the collection. So green, brown and red dominated,  while neon pink made a guest appearance. This hot colour was on piping, lapels, collars and button plackets. The colour also peeked out from below jackets (on shirts). I like how he kept the jackets and pants simple, but played around with the few colours and details for attractive evening (and maybe even day) outfits for guys.

Sanjay Hingu at LFW SR 2013

Sanjay Hingu at LFW SR 2013

Sanjay Hingu at LFW SR 2013

I can imagine men not liking the idea of wearing a neon colour,  but if Indian men can wear maroon, yellow and green pants, why not just a bit of neon in their ensemble? Now that they are daring to wear colours, might as well wear them loud and proud!

Chic Preview: Jeremy Scott’s Adidas shoes with wings and poodles now in India

Chic Preview: Jeremy Scott’s Adidas shoes with wings and poodles now in India

Three words came to mind when I checked out Jeremy Scott’s limited edition range for Adidas Originals- outrageous, outlandish and over-the-top. There were poodles on the shoes, wings on high-top sneakers and chain-lined jackets. That’s partly the reason famous people like Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj and MIA wear Jeremy Scott.

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Now that the Limited Edition Jeremy Scott collection is in India, the eccentric designer’s work needed a closer look. The bright prints and unexpected shapes are worth a peek.

While Jeremy Scott’s winged shoes aren’t really for everyone, the designs seem to be miniature works of art (they were certainly displayed like art in the Adidas Originals store!).

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The colours are attention-grabbing, and I couldn’t help but stare at the winged shoes. I tried on the sneaker wedges– they’re cute, add height and unlike other heels, they don’t hurt.

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The shoes and clothes in the line are as wearable as you want them to be. For instance, I’d wear the sneaker wedges with a neon tee and jeans, an oversized top and shorts, or even a girly blouse with a skirt. I’d then skip on the other accessories. The cut-out jacket is another winner if you’re the sporty types.

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And what about the signature winged shoes? They’re a beautifully-crafted pair and I can imagine quirky fashion experimenters who love to shock people wearing them. I don’t think I have the personality to carry off such styles, but there are people who do, and they would rock Jeremy Scott!

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Jeremy Scott for Adidas is available at selected Adidas Originals stores across India. Prices start at Rs 8999 for a pair of shoes.