How to stand out in an oh-so-boring black suit

Conservative doesn't have to mean boring. You can make your black suit interesting. Add a dash of colour to your black and white look by using a bright and colourful tie and, if you wear one, a similar pocket square. Team your black with a dashing red tie or a bold one with interesting patterns or polka dots. This will not only pep up your look but also make you stand out in the crowd in a classic and simple way.

If you're the adventurous sort - and you must be if you're willing to wear bold ties and pocket squares, then go the whole hog and team your clothes with tan shoes. But if you think this is going too far, then you can stick to the classic black and still remain the cynosure of all eyes.

Tejaswi Rathore

Don't be tied down

It isn't necessary to wear a tie every time you wear a suit. A dark single colour or pin-stripe suit can go very well with a light pastel shirt. Alternatively, wear a black shirt with a slate suit or a dark grey shirt with a black suit; they're sure to make you stand out from the crowd. Your collars should end between the jacket lapels. Yes, we know some people, notably those in showbiz, like to spread the collars over the lapels, but polite circles call this "loud"; and that's not the kind of sobriquet you want for yourself, do you? And remember: you must always pair this look with formal shoes, or, if you're feeling very adventurous, loafers.

Amit Mukherjee