(Before we start, can we please get done with the flower-ey patterns for shirts? It’s overdone now. When the revolutionary cadres start sporting one, it’s time to don-off the wardrobe. No offense, dear comrades!)
Cardigan
Only a few style savants ahead of the trend-tide are sporting this particular style on streets of the capital. Yet, it is no new mode. Trawl in your fathers or grandpa’s closet and viola, you’ll get your hands on one, if you lucky.
Cardigans have been back for a few seasons now, internationally. And its presence is still felt on the street and runways.
Trend of dressing up a casual look, while still people taking your seriously, is the need of the hour. And it’s a relief mainly, for a non-cotton pants person. But there is a way of doing it. A cardigan can give you a dressier look for casuals. Parlay it with jeans and shirt ( with or without a tie), you can see how coolly it transforms the look into serious casual. For more nonchalant look, team a retro style cardigan over tees.
This British invention is a seasonal must have. Especially when the winter is just around the corner and when days get drizzly like last week bringing in a little chill in the air. One does not have to pull out those heavy jackets or put on Henley.
Retro high top sneakers
It’s been a long time, probably more than 5 years, that those Superstars have occupied your feet. Yes, they are available in different colors, but it’s just too boring for even a glimpse anymore. After all, it’s the same old motif. However, one can look out for superstar type of shoes with graphics played at the rear end. Or the best replacement is high top sneakers. There is no doubt that 80’s are back. So from apparels to the foot wears have been brought back to life. Even Prabal Gurung, an international Nepali fashion designer is found sporting this footgear in the streets of New York.
Not only are high top sneakers fashion forward but the padded tongue brings the retro feel. When selecting shoes we always prefer kicks that blends comfort and fashion, thus high top sneakers offer a good mix of these two.
Therefore it’s time to hop into the market, and if the fogyish (old fashioned) market of Kathmandu does not offer anything new, there is always a way out. Surf net and request your friends or family members abroad to get your a piece. (One of the best ways to get hand on those pairs is visiting H& M outlets.)
Mufflers, Scarves
There aren’t many accessories for men, or at least that we can recommend. Nepali men do like to accessorize themselves a lot. But we say, for now, stick to scarves and muffs. Scarves can oomph any ensemble. The 2009 Fall Collection in Paris had these neck adornments as its focal point in one of the sequences in men’s section. Chunky check pattern scarves is the must have for this season. Rather than tightly tying it around the neck, drape it loosely to give a relaxed effect. Those swatches of clothes are not here to just keep your neck warm but to liven up the spirits of the dull winter wardrobe.
It has not been long that colorful mufflers and scarves have appeared in the valley’s market. The Afghan styled scarves made famous by Londoners and photojournalists also hit the capital’s fashion scene a year ago. And they still seem to be donned by capital’s denizens. Reminder- it’s a passé now.
Search for plain or multi colored woolen mufflers or heavy check pattern scarves for chilly clime. Let it compliment, not clash with the color of your shirt or tees. Yes, we said tees because they do look good with tees, especially before winter hits the streets. Co-ordinate the scarves’ color with the probably only other accessory you’d wear: belt or watch.
Checkered Pants
Checkered trend is in its full swing. Scarves, shirts, shorts -- the pattern reigns supreme in almost all apparel department. Be it the big or small prints, check patterns are a redux today. Made hip by Linkin Park’s lead Chester Bennigton, cigarette red checkered trousers have once again made its comeback. Even our capital has started seeing young denizens sporting a few. The market still has much more decent and versatile approach of these trousers to offer, and for different age groups and sizes.
Such trousers in muted and natural tones like the one donned by Nima Rumba here, can be worn casually or as formals. For a more formal feel, accompany it with plain shirts on the upper part of the waist. Regarding the fit, remember never to compromise with it. Slimmer but not so like as in cigarette pants; trimmer and more fitted silhouettes are the key to the fit. If you try a baggy with checks, we will have to call our fashion police. It looks horrendous.
Geek chic glasses
One element that’s making its way through a man’s wardrobe is the geek-touch ups. Johny Depp in those thick-rimmed glasses surely takes a lady’s breathe away, any day. Lets geek it up one notch! What say you guys? If you are wondering which type of rimmed glasses you should be buying, then Wayfarers is the best option for now. Its structured look is debonair and geeky at the same time. And it’s never out. It’s all Dylan’s cue this fall.
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