The White Knight

Summer is almost over in many parts of India. Fortunately, in this country the end of summer doesn't really mean the end of bright sunny days with clear blue skies. On days when the sun shines bright high up there in a cloudless sky, it's an indication to pull out the white pants. Yes, that's what they do in Europe and it's time that trend got carried over to our country.

Wearing white pants needs a wee bit of confidence. They will get dirty, and they will end up with stains and spots, but that's why department stores are full of bleaches, stain removers and the works. In reality, a pair of nice mixed-cotton white pants are quite low maintenance. All you gotta do is a wash and a dip in a fabric whitener, and lo and behold, they're fresh as new. However, what is more difficult is to carry them off, as they go best with a little bit of ego. Did anyone say we don't have it?

The Playboy

Styled by By The Collar at hm.com

Ah, now that's what you need the ego for most. Bright coloured T-shirts, wide and deep necks that show off your ripped body (we said 'show' not 'hug'), and a pair of slim fitting white pants. The combination is bound to make you look like a star. And you should, because if you don't you mustn't try out this look at all. When you step out of your swanky car and walk into a brunch wearing something like this (add a little swagger to your walk), heads will turn. And turn again. Caution: If you overdo it, you could end up looking like a wanna-be, and we don't want that, do we?
BTC Tip: Choose the occasion well. A poolside brunch, a catch-up with friends, a morning movie-date, all work perfectly to be the playboy. 

The Intellectual Bruncher

Styled by By The Collar at hm.com

Lunch is for 'Ladies who Lunch', while Brunch is for men who love to network while sober! Any doubt that you should be looking nothing but intellectual? A cardigan, a smart jacket, a classic look is what you want to give yourself. Don't shy away from the colour, but make it a tad bit elegant. You never know who you'll bump into - anyone from your future girlfriend to a prospective business partner. Either way, the first impression will make or break it all.
BTC Tip: Use this look when the invite says 'Brunch Elegance' or 'Smart Casual', or when you know that you will be in the company of businessmen, and their daughters.

At Work

Styled by By The Collar at hm.com

Never tried wearing white pants to work? Try it now. It's the little twist that your boss would never think you've got in you. Impress him/her with your newly learned sense of style. Ensure to dress it up - you're at work and there's no reason for you not to. Crisp shirts, formal shoes, a sober tie and even a jacket when you're presenting in front of your team.
BTC Tip: White makes the outfit look casual, so the rest of it has to be very traditional office colours - different kinds of blue, light pink, a mint green etc. Stay clear from neons.

      

Colour Blocking

Colour blocking is the biggest trend of this season. But it is very important to understand the right way of doing it. When done correctly, it will make you look stylish and preppy, but on the other hand, if gone wrong, you will end being nothing but a two-year old child's painting experiment.

How to get it right:

• Be experimental and stretch yourself a little beyond the usual. But do look at yourself in the mirror after you are completely dressed. 
• Ensure that you are comfortable and will be able to carry it off. There is no looking back once you have stepped out of the house. 
• Do not overdo it. It's a good idea to concentrate on an area and keep everything else fairly neutral. Blocking the whole outfit might get you into trouble, unless you are "the expert".
• Be confident of yourself. Everyone is looking at you because you've done a good job and are looking better than the rest!

Three ways to do it:

Start with the basics. Block the shoes and trousers. This is probably the simplest and the easiest. All you have to do is ensure that you wear a white top with this and the focus will automatically go to your work of art.

Styled by By The Collar at hm.com

Block your look. No other blingy accessories, no blingy shoes, no blingy anything. Not even a peeping underwear! Notice how in the first two looks, when the jacket is blocked with the trousers, the shirt is white. Also, the shoes match with the outfit by either being neutral or a colour from your clothes.

Styled by By The Collar at hm.com

Do it in the boardroom. Who says you cannot show a little bit of your fashion sense at work. Keep your suit very basic and boardroom-ish and play with your tie and shirt. Ensure that you try and stay away from neon here. This is after all a place where deals are made.

Smart Work - Part 1

I was once told by someone that he didn't want a job that would require him to be formally dressed everyday. Now, would you leave a great opportunity just because you don't want to stuff yourself into a pair of dress pants, or a shirt? Though men have fewer options and choices, dressing for work can be fun and interesting with a little bit of work. So here's the first of a series of posts that will help you build a great wardrobe and also give you a noticed entry at work everyday. This also means that you can never be late again!

Let's start you off with the trousers. There are three things that you need to look for - slim, straight and simple. Do away with anything that looks like a sack and opt for more fitting flat front trousers in cotton, linen or even a mixed fabric. Remember, stay away from anything that shines brighter than a light-bulb. Though don't shy away from trying out a new sober colour, as long as you don't count bright red and yellow as 'sober'!

Black , Zara

Wool blend, Burberry

Grey cotton, American Apparel from Asos

White, H&M

Stonewash blue, Top Man

Peek-a-boo

Going sock-less is a summer regular. Come warmer days and men all over Europe begin to leave their socks at home. And why shouldn't they! It's a nice bright sunny day, with barely any clouds in the sky, you've switched to your tees and shorts so don't shy to show your ankles off. The idea here is to play the childhood peek-a-boo game. Roll up your khakis and allow your ankles peek a little from under them. Slip on a pair of colorful espadrilles, boat shoes, loafers or car shoes and watch all eyes admire this new style of yours. Ah, here's the catch: your feet will need loads of extra care this summer. But who said fashion was painless!

Summer Must-Haves

Just as the weather begins to warm up, here are five things that will spunk up your wardrobe this season.

1.       Scarves: Summer is here and this year it brought with it an explosion of scarves. If you look around, you will not miss the scarves, practically in every colour and every brand. This season, go over the top and wild with your colour imaginations. But what you definitely should keep in mind while buying summer scarves is to look for breathable summer fabrics – cotton, linen. Double wrap them loosely around your neck and use it as an option to add some colour tones to your summer outfit.

2.       Coloured pants: Spring and summer are always the seasons to trade in your denims for lighter chinos. While the colours mostly remained the subtle dark blue, khaki and white, this year you have many more options. What used to be seen as ‘office-wear’ pants, now has its new avatar as your daily wear – be it casual or dress up. Try colours like lime green, sky blue and maybe even baby pink.  A good idea might be to roll up the bottom a bit and let your ankles peek out.

        Espadrilles: Team your rolled up summer pants with a pair of Espadrilles. What used to be shoes for the peasants has today become popular spring/summer footwear.  With jute inners and cotton or canvas tops, they feel as comfortable as walking on a rug. The best ones are made by local artisans in the South of France and in Spain and walking into a store that sells one might make it difficult for you to choose your pair. However, the plus point is they are as cheap as 15 euro and so you can buy more than just one.

4.     

            Shoppers: Manbags have been around for a while now and made its mark as an essential accessory for men. Now is the time for an evolution and this is the season to welcome the shoppers. Large and spacey, while a nice canvas shopper is great for a beach day, leather shoppers are not only practical but highly fashionable with your daywear, especially if you are in a habit of carrying a lot of stuff with you.

5.       Shorts: It goes without saying that shorts are must-haves for your summer wardrobe but what you need is a range of shorts for different occasions. Every needed to look a little dressed up, yet not wear dress pants? Try throwing on a pair of tennis shorts, a shirt and leather loafers. Want to stroll down to the beach, you need a pair of beach boxers and flip-flops.