Anil Kapoor for Kunal Rawal
Anil Kapoor for Kunal Rawal

Menswear can be so limiting. The modern Indian man is forced to wore a kurta or a sherwani for an Indian function and a generic suit and tie for a western style event (BORING!). It’s sort of unfair how women can style the same outfit differently and attend both these kind of events looking perfectly dressed for the occasion. As you spend some big bucks on your clothes, why always wear it the traditional way. Menswear is loosening up and it’s time we show you how you can style one look in two different ways.

How to dress it up:

Like women, men don’t have jewellery to add oomph, but what they do have is layers. You can choose to style your kurta or mandarin collared shirt by adding 1 or 2 layers. Adding two layers creates more drama, but one layer can also serve the purpose. Totally depends on how your personal preference. For example— you can add a bundi / sleeveless Nehru collared jacket/ waistcoat on your kurta and also add a bandhgala or a blazer to this look.

How to dress down:

With dressing down a menswear, is just unloading those extra layers and keeping it simple. Try not opting for plain fabrics for kurta or shirts. Keeping it plain can make it boring. A little bit of texture or print will notch up your simple look, keeping you stylish.

Here are a few pictures of how designers have showcased layered looks:

Shantanu & Nikhil

Rajesh Pratap Singh

Kunal Rawal

Anil Kapoor for Kunal Rawal

Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna

Get inspired by these looks by some of our favourite menswear designers from Van Heusen’s GQ Fashion Nights. Comment below and let us know which one did you like best.