Shannon M. is a contributor to the men’s fashion and culture website LiftLuxe. Additionally, her work has been featured on the Biography Channel, A&E, Food Network, Outside TV, SWRV, Music Choice, Magnet Magazine, Austin 360, Digital Spy, and CultureMap. She currently resides in Austin, Texas.

Sendhil Ramamurthy (photo courtesy | IMBD.com)
Sendhil Ramamurthy (photo courtesy | IMBD.com)

Sendhil Ramamurthy is perhaps best known for his role as geneticist Mohinder Suresh on the NBC Sci-Fi drama Heroes and as CIA agent Jai Wilcox on the show Covert Affairs. When he’s not busy solving forensic mysteries or busting bad guys, Ramamurthy touts an impeccable sense of style.

The Texas native’s signature style is casual chic – pairing a sleek suit with an open-collar, button-down shirt, and a shiny set of leather loafers.

To get this look, straddle the line between casual and fancy dress, integrating a little of both in every look.

Button-down

Ramamurthy wears spring and summer colors best – whites, pastels, and bright primaries – as they naturally compliment his skin tone and dark features. Resist the urge to add a tie to the look and keep the top two buttons (never any more!) undone. Stick to a structured, pointed collar as it looks best with the hard lines of the suit jacket. Make sure that the placket of the shirt lies smooth across the chest and eschews any gapping or pulling.

Sendhil  Ramamurthy (photo courtesy | Starpulse.com)
Sendhil Ramamurthy (photo courtesy | Starpulse.com)

Two-piece suit

Shirts within a “dusty” color palette can be layered beneath most any type of suit, from winter wool to summer linen. Ramamurthy looks best in a silk- or cotton-blend suit with structured shoulders, pinched waist, and tailored flat-front trousers.

The jacket should have no more or less than a two-button closure with thin lapels, flapped pockets, and a single rear vent. Single rear vents allow for mobility without the uber-casual look of side vents. When tailoring, make sure that the waist of the jacket is pinched, as to encourage the masculine “V” shape that Ramamurthy likes so much.

The final (and most important) aspect of the suit lies in the details of the trousers. As always, avoid pleats or extreme rises, instead choosing a mid-rise with a measured inseam that breaks just at the ankle. Tall men should avoid a trouser that is overly tapered or breaks too short, as it will create the illusion of disproportion.

Sendhil Ramamurthy (photo courtesy | Tumblr)
Sendhil Ramamurthy (photo courtesy | Tumblr)

Shoes and Accessories

The best shoe for this style is, hands down, the leather loafer. An Oxford lace-up would be far too stuffy and a boot or a sneaker would, of course, be too casual. When wearing loafers, the dilemma is most always to sock or not to sock. At the base of this issue is personal preference though, generally, most style experts would advise to wear a sock to a formal or professional event. For a night on the town, who cares?

In terms of accessories, skip the belt and add an oiled leather briefcase that matches the loafer. Throw in a silver or gold watch and a pair of grey Sunpocket shades for a strong, sporty but chic finish.