How men are redefining fashion with smart casuals

Boys nay men, it's time to breathe and flex your muscles because we are flouting every rule that was and redefining our masculinity. From office to casual to evening, we're now in the smart casual. Indeed, and that's the look you should be in at the minute. Smart casual greetings gentlemen. 

It's time to actually look good in a Harley Davidson - not standing next to one for a selfie. It's time to be provocative and distracting (in a good way). Call it the "prowess dresser". Shred every piece of fabric that could resemble anything coming out of, let's say, Bob Marley's wardrobe and keep what you think is a resemblance of Rahul Khanna's. No offence to Bob Marley fans (I'm just trying to roll some dope style).

Gentlemen, it's not as tough as it may seem. Remember, smart casual is not insouciant. It's a versatile look. But it requires skills, finesse and above all - spunk. And, how does one get that? Nail the details and strike a balance between practical and desirable.

Power dressing in the second half of the 1970s may have taken its cues from the male wardrobe, allowing women to embody traits typically associated with men through the way they dress. Which means, the humble tailored suits and blazers must have done something right. However, if power dressing denotes authority, respect and power - would modern day male dressing be considered any less?

Well, I say smart casual is the new power dressing. With some improvisation. More importantly, I don't know if it's being human, but it's definitely being yourself.

Now, to get there. Brothers, it's time to say No. Sandals and socks together, no. Loafers and socks, no. Loafers and loafer socks, yes. Get them. Fake designer belt buckles, no. Deep v-neck t-shirts, no. Unless you have an impressive cleavage. Hairbands - no merman! Ill-fitted jackets and trousers, you're wasting fabric and time - yours and mine. If you've been endorsing any or all of these, it won't even make a difference if you're on or standing next to a Harley Davidson. And for the record, all you may get is a lap dance.

My Rahul Khanna reference is pretty apparent. The man knows what he's doing. He looks divine in clothes and out of them.

He's the perfect epitome to help you amp up your style quotient (classic and on point). Get the basics right - a well-fitted suit, a basic crisp white shirt and a pair of blue denims. They will never let you down, come what may.

Now, not all of us are fortunate to have an army of stylists to help out. However, don't underestimate yourself. Rather, help yourself - know what works for you and don't be afraid to experiment. And all you need to do is, as I mentioned, nail the details. 

Like they say, good things come in small packages. A tie bar, a pocket square, or even a lapel pin can tell a beautiful story. Look at it as food. You like it eat it. You don't throw it out of the window. Let your gut lead you. Just remember, what works for someone may not always work for you.

Mix and match what you have in your wardrobe. Be your own stylist. Get a good tailor. You don't have to be loaded. Venture out to flea markets. Play with your character. Look into your establishment and that's where the journey begins. You don't have to be as adventurous as Rick Owen to parade his models in tunics just enough to give us a tentative picture of how big or small their penises would be. Whenever in doubt, pick up a fashion/lifestyle magazine on your way home (not to wank over women in bikinis, but to fix your style dilemma). Just so you know, people working for these magazines have been busting themselves day in and day out doing research - only to make your life easier. You don't have to go any further, it's all on a platter. Hit the stands. Now!

And, as clichéd as it sounds, it's all about the attitude.