Can I rock a tricky trend?
There’s a fine line between fearless fashion pioneer and accidental laughing stock. Tread carefully with these hard-to-pull-off looks…
Don’t be a double denim doughnut
Avoid the Shakin’ Stevens vibe by separating your top and bottom denims with different shades. Opt for a dark, heavy set of selvedge jeans, teamed up with a pale indigo thin denim shirt.
Concentrate on the finer details
Huge ornate embroidery is a no-no, but little details like badges or a pocket patch break up a look. You’ll be looking like a dapper This Is England extra in no time.
Don’t let your jewellery weigh you down
If you’re struggling to lift your arms then you’re probably wearing too much bling. Saying that, a few well-chosen accessories can go a long way. Try simple sterling silver jewellery like a band ring to give a rockier edge to your denim combo look.
Flip your lid
Push the boat out with a 5 panel snapback in simple colours. You best think seriously about flipping it backwards if you’re over 30 though (Fred Durst, take note).
Say no to snakeskin
Justin Timberlake has never lived down his 2001 cowboy boots and double denim outfit. Stick to quality leather trainers with a white sole; it’s the perfect balance between casual sneakers and a smart shoe.
Hat, ₹1,860, rascals.dk. Shirt, ₹6,040, Elvine at terracemenswear.co.uk. Jeans, ₹5,110, Element at routeone.co.uk. Shoes, ₹10,220, Filling Pieces at oki-ni.com
Get the basics right
Jewellery. Do: Venture outside your comfort zone with a signet ring. If it was good enough for Frank Sinatra, it’s good enough for you. Team it with a flat cap and braces, Peaky Blinders-style, if you’ve got serious balls. Don’t: Go over the top with the chains. Layering a few thick necklaces like Johnny Depp looks OK, but go easy with the pirate memorabilia.
Cardigans. Do: Slip a stylish cardie over a plain white tee or polo shirt. This sharp mod look is one that nobody is going to object to. Don’t: Wear it with a white shirt and black tie. You are not some cheesy American dad. (If you are, apologies. Keep rocking that look.)
Snapbacks. Do: Add a 5 panel cap to a smart outfit. Combined with an Oxford button-down shirt and slim chinos, this is definitely a strong look. Don’t: Wear it resting on the crown of your noggin. It didn’t work for boy bands circa 2010, so it certainly won’t work now.
Corduroys. Do: Swap your everyday jeans for this old-school classic. Wear with an oversized tee, skate shoes and a beanie, and you’ve got yourself a winning weekend outfit. Don’t: Wear with moccasins, unless you’re trying to blag a bus pass or senior discount at the cinema.
6 fashion crimes to avoid for life…
Leather shorts: Admit it: you can’t even read the words without thinking of sweaty balls.
Alice bands: David Beckham couldn’t pull these off, so neither can you. No matter how long and in-your-eyes your hair is.
Drop-crotch trousers: If you can fit a small dog in your gusset with ease, your trousers are too baggy goddamn it.
Women’s panties: OK, if you must. Just don’t let the little bow ride above your jeans like last time.
Rat’s tail: Conjures up images of dodgy car dealers, sewer dwelling rodents and worse still: Ewan McGregor in Star Wars: Episode 1.
Disney Frozen t-shirt: You might be a fan of the film, but no man ever needs to be complimented on their style choice by a 9-year-old girl.
From the April 2015 issue of FHM India.
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