How men are making the skirt look good

Today, wearing a skirt is usually seen as typical for women and not men. It's so apparent that when a guy dons a kilt or a tunic, he's going to go through some sort of ridicule. I remember wearing a lungi (sarong) way back in 2003 to college. It was a part of the so many dress codes that freshers have to adhere to during the first few weeks in college. I wouldn't call it ragging - this was interacting. Because nothing was ever thrust upon me. Whether you did it or not was your decision. No one got hurt. Now all the dress codes and themes were carefully selected to ensure maximum entertainment for onlookers. More importantly, the dress codes and themes were unconventional to everyday life - like wearing a lungi to college. It was unconventional because the timing and the place were both inappropriate for that piece of garment. It obviously created a stir. Because people around were accustomed to seeing pants and not something as garish as a lungi. I immediately became the topic of discussion and created some Paris Hilton-esque controversy.

The kind that a man in a skirt would have created. Even though skirts have been worn by both men and women for centuries. For example, the longyi, which is the traditional Burmese dress (a kind of a wraparound skirt) worn by both men and women. Because we're so accustomed to seeing a woman and not a man in the garment. If caught, he'd be looked upon as being effeminate. The question is: Whose skirt is it anyway? And what should and shouldn't be underneath it?

Designers and celebrities across the globe have been trying to blur the gender distinction when it comes to this versatile piece of clothing. Rohit Bal's India Bridal Fashion Week 2013 saw outfits designed with skirts and jackets in the men's line. Alexander McQueen's Fall 2014 had men in kilts. American fashion designer Marc Jacobs and American actor Jared Leto are men who believe that they can fasten their balls and look dapper in a skirt. The list goes on. David Beckham made headlines when he wore a sarong in 1998. 

It may well be a fashion statement, but Turkish men took it a notch higher when they decided to wear skirts to fight for women's rights. Incredible story. It's certainly not the question of masculinity. Look at the Spartans, the Mughals and the Samurai warriors. They get laid in those dresses and skirts. And, with beautiful women mind you. All right, with some men too (but, don't throw away your pants yet, you'd still need them). Fast forward to the present day. Men are taking fashion very seriously.

They shop at retail stores, online and they even buy lifestyle and health magazines. Why not? It's all about being in the race to look the part. Trends change so fast that it's difficult to catch up - that's one of the reasons that makes fashion so exciting. What's in today is out tomorrow.

So, if sheer, florals and the man skirt are in; why not indulge in a little. I say a little because what's on the runway is sometimes not feasible in day to day life. And, as a non-celebrity, I wouldn't want to be caught dead wearing a see-through shirt (even at a party). Everything needs to be taken into consideration-work, events, body type, individuality, you name it. So, what's required is to shake things up. That's when the fun begins. To mould trends and make them your own. For example, I could team a sheer shirt with a jacket. I could play with floral accessories (ties, belts, socks and pocket squares) if I don't want to go all head-to-toe floral. I could even wear a tunic/kurta (instead of a skirt) with tapered trousers and a jacket. And, still look trendy. Gentlemen, the ball is in your court. So, don whatever. Just don't forget you chivalry at home. Always open the door for the lady.

Think of it as cracking crème brûlée. And not worrying about crossing or uncrossing your legs while sitting when you wear a skirt (without pants). Oh, no. You should worry. Always cross your legs while sitting, however. If you're well endowed, whip it out.

Now, don't ask me where to get a man skirt. I asked my tailor to make one for me and it was a very bad idea. I guess he's still in therapy. Google it. Whatever you type, don't say "sheer skirts". They're just not for you.