The changeling

Time was when a mad dash from office to party involved a hurried stop-over at home, agonising over What to wear. No more of that. We take you through some of the myriad possibilities of the versatile wardrobe, give or take a tie.

The trick is not to be a slave to rapidly changing trends and to slowly amass a wardrobe that has a bit of everything. Some evergreens like a nice two-button suit or a Polo T-shirt or a solid pair of corduroys or canvas sneakers never really go out of style. And when it comes to changing from the desk to the pub, all it takes are a few tweaks here and there.

The two-button theory

Work: Take a smart fitted grey two-button suit, wear it with a slim silk tie and a no-nonsense white shirt. End the look by a pair of black Oxfords. The results are usually stunning.

Remember that all three elements are in vogue now, but then again they never really went out of style either.

He’s wearing:
Suit from Cue..............Rs 22,500
Shirt from Cue................Rs 2,150
Tie from Cue.....................Rs 965
Shoes from Zegna......Rs 25,000

Two-button theory at play

Play: Now take that same suit and wear the jacket with a white T-shirt, a pair of distressed jeans and canvas sneakers. The class is there, it’s just the constituent elements that have changed.

He’s wearing:
Suit Jacket from Cue
(part of suit.........................Rs 22,500)
T-shirt from Esprit for............Rs 3,800
Jeans from Tommy Hilfiger...Rs 4,995
Sneakers from Lacoste for.....Rs 3,500

Paint it black

Black at work

Work: You can’t beat having a pair of trousers for all occasions. And no colour is more versatile than black. It could work as a part of your suit, rocking your white shirt as you step inside your office.

He’s wearing:
Suit from Esprit..................Rs 15,000
Shirt from Esprit...................Rs 3,800
Shoes from Zegna..............Rs 25,000
Briefcase from Da Milano....Rs 5,995

Play: Nor can you beat a pair of elegant trousers while going through the menu. Team it with a black T-shirt and look as moody as is humanly possible while ordering an entrée.

He’s wearing:
T-shirt from Sisley.........Rs 999
Trousers from Esprit
(part of suit for ......Rs 15,000)
Shoes from Zegna...Rs 25,000

Corduroy at work

Corduroy at work

Work: It’s impossible to go wrong with corduroys, that most versatile of fabrics. Go for narrow vales for a subtle shine. Wear it with a fitted shirt and a tie (optional) and get seriously busy at your laptop.

He’s wearing:
Shirt from Zegna.............Rs 10,800
Tie from Viavero................Rs 1,950
Corduroys from Zegna....Rs 10,600
Loafers from Viavero........Rs 6,250

Play: A great combination for a dressed-down preppy look is to team a pair of cord trousers with a Polo T-shirt. Following the launch of Lacoste’s retro line this year, Polos are again back in vogue. Makes you glad you didn’t throw your old one away, doesn’t it?

He’s wearing:Polo T-shirt from Esprit.......Rs 2,500
Corduroys from Zegna......Rs 10,600
Loafers from Viavero for....Rs 6,250

Saving face

No time for those spa pampering sessions? No sweat. We consulted experts to come up with a bunch of skincare products which promise to leave your skin feeling and looking radiant. skincare products which promise to leave your skin feeling and looking radiant. —Anumeha Chaturvedi

1) What: Vichy Homme Reti – Fill Corrective Concentrate Benefit:
Takes care of fine lines and wrinkles on your face. This corrective concentrate from Vichy Homme provides protection against skin ageing. Price: Rs 1,290

(2) What: Nivea for Men Advanced Whitening Oil Control Benefit:
This moisturiser lightens dark blemishes on your face that occur due to acne. It controls excessive oil secretion and prevents pores from getting clogged. Price: Rs 252

(3) What: Clarins Men Fatigue Fighter Benefit:
This energising gel gives instant radiance and refreshes tired skin, helping to minimise the appearance of stress and fatigue. Price: Rs 1,785

(4) What: L’Occitane Concentre Jeunesse Benefit:
This all-day moisturiser keeps your skin supple and is enriched with extracts from birch sap and beech bud that help fight wrinkling. Price: Rs 2,650

(5) What: Clarins Men Shave Ease Benefit:
Meant for a fast and comfortable shaving experience, this oil softens rough stubble while optimising your razor’s performance. To be used before applying a shaving gel. Price: Rs 2,190

(6) What: Vichy Homme Sensi - Baume Ca Benefit:
This balm for sensitive skin with dermoassimilable calcium provides protection to the skin, making it less prone to allergies. Should ideally be applied daily. Price: Rs 1,090