Today at times, one feels like ‘Purane Zamane Ke Dressers’ observing the very bold, ill-fitting, multi-colored attires & often mismatched outfits that the millennial wears in total defiance of conventional dressing norms. We possibly have no idea of the modern styles that are in vogue.
Going many decades back to what gentlemen of the 1960-70s (meaning our Dad’s and Uncles) wore- were also fashionable in keeping with their idols (famous actors, sportsmen, celebrities). Sartorial elegance as in dark suits and tie, marked their attires be it Hollywood stars Cary Grant and Gregory Peck or our own Dadamoni & Dilip Kumar. Even in those days, Dev Anand charted his own style, bold checks, large collars, scarves, bottle green trousers and orange pullovers with bright caps were testimony to the gay, youthful image he created !
School discipline ensured that we wore crisp, clean uniforms and shoes were polished. We inherited a rich legacy that said ‘Clothes should make one appear cultured and presentable in society’. It wasn’t to fit into any fashion trends but to look good and feel confident in your ability to know what to wear. We were taught that one didn’t have to be affluent to dress decently. A cleverly maintained wardrobe meant taking good care of the clothes you had and saving because one wouldn’t buy clothes that one can’t reuse for other outfits.
Underlined were certain features like properly matching the shirt and tie/scarf with colour of blazer/jacket/suit and choosing muted colours that were suitable to one’s general appearance. Maybe that’s why Corporate Executives, CEOs and Senators are always seen in dark suits, white or light blue shirts and gray/blue ties ! In India, our leaders go for traditional kurtas & jackets !
Being a Bengali brought up in Lucknow, I loved how my Dad expertly tied the ‘dhoti’ Bengali style and wore it with a spotless white kurta when he attended family weddings and functions. Except when I got married, I haven’t tried wearing a dhoti but adore kurtas. Traditional Indian kurtas are made for the hot Indian climate and in their many avtaars look classy and regal. I’ve few friends who only wear the kurta-pyjama ensemble, when not at work ! As one said ‘Clothes and manners don’t make a man but when he is made, they greatly improve his appearance !
Working on Living 