Dress your age - Mumbai Mirror

Indian stylists will tell you that the one fashion hurdle most Indian men face is not being able to pick ageappropriate clothes. It turns out that the 20-somethings have their own share of decadal difficulties, while they try to take style clues from dad and make a frail attempt at looking more mature. And, men in 30s manage to misinterpret the daunting challenges of adulthood into a wardrobe full of triple value tees and devoid of flavour.

The 20's

EXPERIMENT: Use trial-and-error in clothing, too. It's too soon to have figured out your personality, or signature style, so keep trying. This is probably the only time you can push the limits, and get away with it. So, go ahead. INVEST IN BASICS: Pick a few key pieces — a pair of snug fitting jeans, a tailored blazer and dress shirts. Gradually, these will be the pieces you'll reach out to when in doubt.

FIT IS KEY: You aren't 18 anymore, so it's no longer necessary to act cool with a silhouette that's two sizes large. The shoulder seams should hit you at the shoulder, and the torso should be trim without being tight.

DROP THE LOGOS: You don't have to be a billboard. Why advertise clothing brands on your chest? Pick tees that are plain. Kiddie stuff is for highschoolers.

KEEP INTERVIEW GEAR HANDY: It's now that you are going to bag a job, so be ready. Don't pick up anything that's pretentious or loud (that peach-size dial watch can go).

Spend your cash on a pair of wingtip brogues and a coordinated belt. The shirt should be well-tailored. You can't tell but it's what will set you apart from the others who'll borrow daddy's shirt.

KEEP IT FORMAL: Black is your best friend. A black two-button suit with side vents is perfect. Slip it over a white French-cuffed shirt, patent leather lace-ups and a bow tie, and you go one notch higher on the suave meter.

The 30's

DEVELOP A STYLE: Building a unique identity isn't always about dishing out cash. Figure what you like. Is it monogrammed shirts or suit jackets with bright lining? And then pepper your wardrobe with pieces that incorporate these.

DON'T BE A MALL DAD: If you venture out shopping on a Sunday, you'll bump into this type — the men who dress in weathered, oversize dad jeans or frat boy cargo shorts with a tee. Just because you don't go drinking out with the boys six nights a week doesn't mean you lose your coolth. Well-fitting denims in a dark wash is your first step to reclaiming style.

MEAN BUSINESS: You are probably someone's boss now, and should ideally have a pay cheque that can sponsor an upgrade, so ditch the chunky shoes and belt. Invest in a dress watch, a slim reversible black-brown belt (Italian made is best), a pair of simple silver cufflinks and a made-to-measure suit.

BE DISCERNING: Teach yourself the art of identifying class from crass. It's high time. For instance, you can tell a mediocre suit by looking for clumsy-looking edge stitches. Is it indented down the edge of the lapel? That's a sign. Look at how the collar fits and the way the sleeve is inserted. Does the sleeve have top stitching? Steer clear.

DON'T BE LAST SEASON: Printed ties spell the 1980s. It's the textured ones in wool or linen that are big right now. A crisp handmade shirt always, always works. Remember, making a subtle statement is about the simple things that are crafted well.

KEEP A DON'T-TOUCH LIST: Remember there are some things you don't consider sporting in this decade. Ed Hardy shirts, jeans that sag below your underwear line, leather wristbands, Crocs — throw them out. Evolve!