Kiran Bahl

Happy Father�s Day! The time has come to celebrate and cherish all our dads out there. Even more exciting is the array of clothes and accessories offered on runways for the men (or little boys!) in our lives. From wedding and party wear, to get-together and pooja wear, every look is as trendy as ever.

Gentlemen, notice how popular sherwanis have become? They�re being worn more and more, no matter how distant from the groom or guest of honor at weddings and functions the guest may be. These long, padded silk coats with churidaars underneath look formal and elegant. Now, however, designers have spiced them up to be more contemporary and appropriate for any and every generation.

Traditional sherwani � The traditional sherwani is almost always in a white, cream or beige color. It�s adorned with Moghul-style embroidery, usually including the good luck and always tasteful meena-kaari colors: red/maroon, sage green, and gold. The churidaars underneath are always white, as has been the custom for ages. A more sober color emerging, that�s much darker yet still equally refined, is navy blue. It�s surprisingly stunning.

Modern sherwani � Bridegrooms now are demanding a sherwani that is more exclusive and upmarket looking. Runways achieved this goal by offering the pieces in a wider array of colors. The bold at heart will jump at the turquoise and silver, maroon and white, and pink and gold creations, but the current groom who�s not as secure with these louder colors may opt for a twist on the traditional look, such as a beige sherwani with silver or white work, or a white sherwani with only maroon embroidery and sequins. A flashier version of the traditional white or cream sherwani is the same color, only mixed into a gold brocade fabric. This small texture /pattern change transforms the outfit completely, making it look extremely current.

Either way, the sherwani has even put its contender, the jodphuri (a blazer/suit jacket ornamented with Indian embroidery and regular pants/slacks) at risk of losing it�s now No. 1 position in mens� choice of desi wardrobe.

Send us your fashion questions and concerns. Follow the trend! E-mail us at [email protected], and we�ll answer any and all your fashion dilemmas. Here�s this month�s Fashion Drama question of the month:

Q: There are so many outfits out there now, but how should the dupatta be worn? - Jayshree, Orlando

A: Hi Jayshree. Unlike others in the past, this question requires a longer answer, being this question can apply for both men and women. For men, the dupatta on a sherwani (if necessary), should be hung around the neck, with the ends at the front of the outfit.

Make sure the ends are even. For simpler kurta pajamas, there are two ways. Either drape the dupatta over one shoulder, or hang the dupatta around your neck as though you are wearing a sherwani. Only this time, make sure one end is almost twice as long as the other. Take the longer end and loosely drape over your chest around to your opposite shoulder, creating a loose �U� shape, letting the excess hang over your back. For ladies, there are so many variations of wearing a dupatta. It�s hard to go wrong with any combination at all. For lenghas and fancy pantsuits or salwars, the �now� look is to drape the dupatta as a shawl around your arms (this looks appeals especially with short-sleeved or sleeveless styles).

For simpler outfits, opt to hang the dupatta around your neck with the ends hanging on the back of your outfit, particularly if your neckline is lower, as then your necklace can show, if wearing one. If you are wearing a more choker-style type of necklace, take your dupatta and with a matching brooch or pin, hang it over one shoulder and let it stride right along with you. For chaniya cholis, still keep the sari look strong with the dupatta, by tucking it in on one end, creating a �loop� around your back, and bringing over to the other side, pinning it to your shoulder, letting the excess hang down in the front. Very elegant indeed!

Once again, Happy Father�s Day to all dads in every form, dads-to-be included. Ladies at times may seem overwhelmed with their motherly duties, but everyone knows and agrees, the more help, the better. Four hands are always better than two. And we thank you, dads, we appreciate you wholly. And as always, remember to gro with style!

Kiran Bahl of Gro Styles, �An Indian Boutique,� 2035 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33612, can be reached at (813) 843-9040 or (813) 903-8334.