The Dapper Gentleman: Hottest fashion trends this season

The urbane modern man is as fashionable as the woman fashionista these days. Sharmila Chand gives a lowdown on their winter collectibles.

Days when fashion was confined to women are over. Men fashion is equally vibrant.The new age man is stylish and willing to experiment with new colours, cuts and patterns. Classic, modern, and contemporary are the latest fashion fad doing the rounds for men. It is all about creating a strong statement. 

With winter months round the corner, a look at the reigning trends  will prove how trendy mens fashion has become. 

The royal look is in with short jackets teamed with kurtas, bandh-galas, long flared coats and sherwani-style suits rendering a royal vintage feel and look.

A noticeable feature this winter is the predominance of black-and-white. Monochrome is the new black to hit the waves. Colourful pocket can accentuate the effect.

Classic black-and-white is a safe bet for formal wear. 

Pajama for the laid-back look

'Being Indian' has kicked off with pajamas making it into the fashion world.  They are meant for a laidback attitude. Paired with  printed pajamas and kurtas in fun prints, ideally in muted colours, look great. Have stylish buttons and collars so that they do not look like nightwear.

Mix n Match 

Menswear is going through a floral revolution -- from intricate flower prints to embroidered jacquards, the designers are playing with floral motifs. So break the expected line and go for interesting pairings and combinations in colours and prints. For example, bird or flowers with stripes and oranges with navy blues or greys. 

Orange is really in, and was a rage during London Fashion Week this year. Mix orange kurta or sweatshirt with a neutral outfit and there you are making a statement.

Casual look

Coloured trousers and coloured denims coupled with basic tees or solid or striped tees are preferred these days. Even coloured chinos can be seen in the fashion circuit. A sharp fitted non-lined blazer, quirky printed pocket square complements the shirt and jacket with a contrast bottom.

The designer duo, Rohit and Abhishek make life easier for men as they share from their expertise what is in vogue and what is not this season.

This winter is all about men's fashion.  What one can expect to find on the shelves this winter is bold patterns, suits that are fitted.

Patterns mixed with solids

Not just layering of pattern-on-pattern, but everything from plaid to geometric patterns, all mixed in with subtle greys, taupes, and other neutrals. Also, oversized checks with bold patterned stripes.

The current trend of solid bold colour will continue to dominate the coming season.  Rich navys, royal tones, and everything in between -- all with the same sea-faring twist.

The trend this winter is heavy on peaked lapels, which can be convertible and in silhouettes that are both loose and fluid, or super skinny.

The biker jacket look is set to be the key outerwear silhouette for both SS13 & AW13, after being backed by major designers and high street retailers alike.

As for footwear Chelsea Boots have become the footwear style of choice for men this autumn/winter 2013.

Monk-Strap shoes  showcase the latest recommended monk strap shoes for men and show you how to use them in your outfits. Monk Strap shoes are surprisingly more versatile.

The Nautica designer label  has sailed its way back from the open seas bringing different notes of colour and styles from around the world. The fresh palettes, nautical stripes, bold patterns, and innovative performance-driven styles have come together to create an updated collection that will help navigate him through the colder months.

Shoreline: This delivery incorporates levels of super soft colors against rich and deep tones for a more casual feel. The base of the collection is indigo blue, reflecting the waters that kiss the shoreline, offset by softer greens and lighter reds.

Wovens stay classic in colors and prints, with a couple of new pattern introductions, like the Boat/Rope Printed Shirt and the Bandana Printed Shirt.

Sweaters get updated with the Chevron Cable Toggle sweater and the colour-blocked cardigan both in sand drift, while knits get fresh fabric compositions, like the Cashmere Touch polo.

The Beacon Blazer and Bedford Cord Blazer are key outerwear components which will keep you looking sophisticated throughout the day.

Seafarer: Tradition meets function in this line grounded in navy and white with pops of bold colour.

Fisherman sweaters and vivid fairisle prints in bright colours are a big statement, and include performance inspired details, with nylon trimming, full-lining, and wind-proof elements.

Additionally, woven pieces bump up the versatility this season, with exploded plaids, water-repellant features, and pops of contrast colours inside. Shirt jackets make a comeback here and colour blocking maintains its importance.

Knits have added features with wicking, stain release, easy care, and extra softness.

Seaborne

Cruise the sea in style with these offbeat mixes of traditional color with hollow yarns and thicker knits.

Sophisticated hues of deep navy, charcoal, black, gem tones and rich purple help to make this line more tailored and dressy.

Fairisle and micro-patterns like geometric and herringbone prints, and gradient colour blocking mark up the chunky sweaters that come in shawl collars and cardigan silhouettes.

Cozy fabrics make their appearance in bottoms, with the cord and herringbone pant.  And to top it all off, innovative technology allows jackets to be lit up with LED. piping that has a two mile visibility.

The Parka jacket is cosy, light and timelessly urban and now it's the fall/winter's coolest jacket: the parka became a symbol of the British Mod scene and has come down through the years unmarked by time. This great classic for the first chilly days is never boring.

United Colors of Benetton has re-edited the great autumn classic in an original unisex colour range that goes from the timeless army green to eye-catching lacquer red by way of an elegant navy blue and taupe.

Resistant to fashion trends, the design has stayed faithful to the original: practical and unisex with its cold-beating hood and practical waist drawstring.

From the original fur version to the more urban waterproof version in padded nylon, the Benetton parka for this season is still one of the must haves both for him and her.  

Some Dos

• Cropped trousers with a flat front a big yes.
• Wear outfits that lend definite shape to your frame.
• Go for big and bold prints and colors.

Some Don’ts

• Loose trousers are out.
• As also shapeless clothes.
• Don't be afraid of flaunting floral prints and motifs this winter.