Read The Groom: How Indian Couture Week What A Modern Day Groom Looks Like

SO, WHAT DOES A WELL-DRESSED GROOM look like today? The India Couture Week held in July offered a compelling answer by questioning the default occasionwear formula and making a stronger case for personal style. The familiar codes of Indian groomswear are still there, but designers are reinterpreting them with distinctly different points of view.

Anamika Khanna went minimal, clean and contemporary with an ivory set punctuated by gold embellishment, while Kunal Rawal delivered a masterclass in tasteful layering.

Falguni Shane Peacock brought cropped blazers and embellished ties into the conversation, while Tarun Tahiliani and JJ Valaya stayed closer to the classics, serving up regal, old-school grandeur without feeling dated. Meanwhile, Rohit Bal’s menswear saw the return of the signature ivory with floral motifs of the house.

Across the collections, fluid tailoring, dramatic drapes and unexpected layers brought a welcome sense of nonchalance to clothes traditionally built around grandeur. Ivory still has its place, but deeper reds, blush pinks and intricate prints have also found their way in. The shift is towards occasionwear that feels more personal. Tradition is still very much in the mix, but the best looks give it a little more character and belong to the man wearing them.

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PLAY OF PROPORTIONS

When the jackets get shorter, let the trousers pick up the slack. To make proportions work, go cropped on top and generous below for a look that’s relaxed, considered and current

Style Tip

The modern way to wear embellishment is to ease the formality. Pair a heavily embroidered structured jacket with relaxed, drapelike separates. The contrast makes the ornate feel contemporary

LAYERED APPROACH

If the aim is to give the traditional silhouette a modern spin, stick to neutrals, then build dimension through thoughtful layering

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