Details Matter: Festive Style Essentials from Six Stylish Men

Festive dressing is never just about the clothes one wears. It is all about the details that shape personal style. For this special, six stylish men open up their wardrobes to share the pieces they return to year after year. From James Ferreira’s iconic stitched dhoti to Jeet Tailor’s quietly commanding bow-tie ritual, each man reveals the accessory or garment that defines their look.

James Ferreira, Designer

“My wardrobe staple has always been a black dhoti, which I’ve been wearing since the ’80s. I often pair it with army jackets, polo-neck T-shirts, oversized shirts, and even my Dr Martens boots. I designed the stitched dhoti myself, and it became a bestseller at First Lady, a boutique in Bandra, in Mumbai. It is crafted from 1.75 metres of silk crêpe and finished with a zip. With few skilled tailors around, I began experimenting with one-piece cutting and a single joint—a technique that eventually became my signature. The dhoti quickly became my go-to outfit for special occasions. It’s comfortable, effortless, and has now become my favourite classic.”

Jeet Tailor, Digital Content Creator and Director of Marketing, Tenassi

“In the world of menswear, few accessories command attention during wedding season quite like the bow tie. Whether tied in a sharp, symmetrical knot or left undone in a rakish drape, the bow tie speaks volumes about one’s personality. I especially love the charm of an untied bow, casually resting against a crisp white shirt. Even when I design tuxedos for my clients, whether it is black, ivory, or even a bold, rich velvet, the bow tie acts as the final touch. Paired with a satin cummerbund and refined cufflinks, it brings harmony to the look and elevates the suit from being seen merely as formal wear to a true sartorial statement.

Prayag Menon, Stylist and Creative Director

“I gravitate toward accessories that feel ceremonial yet effortless, carrying me from an afternoon outing to a wedding without a change. Beyond my wedding ring, the one piece I wear constantly is a watch. In 2021, my husband gifted me this one on my birthday. I wanted something that was subtly dressy and refined, and evoked a sense of sophistication...a jewellery and watch crossover. Cartier felt inevitable—a legacy house rooted in jewellery, making the most iconic timepieces. At the boutique, we tried a few styles before he suggested the Panthère de Cartier watch. I hesitated, unsure about a square dial. Yet, its story drew me in. Launched in the 1980s, loved by both women and men alike, it was reintroduced in recent years with the same, quiet elegance. When I slipped it on, my apprehensions instantly evaporated. Now the Panthère is my key accessory to wear at weddings. It’s a fluid bracelet with Roman numerals and a discreet dial. The watch complements everything I wear, whether Indian or Western, without clamouring for attention. It’s refined and dressy, yet effortless, as I clasp it on every day. For me, it proves how one piece (in my case, a watch) can elevate a wedding outfit and still feel special and personal.”

Kunal Bhosle, Digital Content Creator

“I believe my love for watches was, in many ways, passed down to me by my father. He’d buy the coolest timepieces....But when I asked him to get me one, he’d say, ‘you won’t wear it, it’ll just collect dust!’ However, after I graduated from school, I bought my first-ever watch and took care of it earnestly. My father noticed this and slowly began passing down his watches to me. This year, too, I was planning to buy a watch for myself on my birthday, but instead, dad gifted me his Rolex GMT Master II – Batman, and said, ‘You can take this one and get the strap adjusted...’ It is my new favourite timepiece because it elevates any outfit. Especially for occasions like weddings, I love to wear this one because it often becomes an icebreaker to start a conversation. I believe a watch makes a statement that reflects your personal style and attention to detail. When I’m choosing my accessories, I always start with the watch. If it’s silver, I’ll match it with a silver chain or rings. Similarly, if it’s gold, then I pair it with accessories in the same hue. However, I highly recommend a twotone watch—it’s a classic for every occasion and blends seamlessly with any ensemble.”

Vivek Karunakaran, Designer

“The Bundi, also known as a Nehru jacket, has been part of my wardrobe for as long as I can remember. For me, it’s a timeless wedding staple that brings refinement, comfort, and understated luxury to every celebration. It’s the one piece that never fails to elevate a look. It is versatile enough to slip over a shirt, T-shirt, or kurta, and always transforms the outfit into something chic and celebratory. The Bundi is also the first thing I pack when travelling because it effortlessly bridges casual ease with occasion wear. What I love the most is how the Bundi is rooted in tradition yet is adaptable in nature. Depending on the fabric and finish, it can feel light and breathable for day rituals or can be lined and luxurious for evening festivities. I always prefer deeper tones, such as black or burgundy, for their versatility... While beige, khaki, and ivory are perfect for daytime festivities.”

Harish Ramaswamy, Marketing General Manager, Arvind Fashions

“Jewellery has always been part of my identity, and, at weddings, it’s the detail that completes me. The last thing I do before stepping out is roll up my sleeves and stack my hands with bangles, bracelets, and rings—a ritual I’ve held on to since childhood. I love the freedom of mixing worlds...Heirloom temple bangles paired with a Hermès Clic H bracelet, or modern cuffs layered with pieces rich in sentiment. I don’t believe in rules. For me, it is all about the mood, outfit, and my instincts. That’s what makes stacking jewellery powerful—it is personal, expressive, and unapologetic. Weddings are about joy, storytelling, and being yourself. My stack does exactly that—blending heritage with a contemporary edge, celebrating the moment, and expressing who I am without saying a word.”