Actor Samir Kochhar on the importance of comfort over style, his love for kolhapuri chappals, and more. 

 

• Comfort over style, any day. Generally, I am not among those that keep track of trends to dress up on an everyday basis. What is in my wardrobe usually works very well for me, but I do know how to work separates or sets basis the occasion. I do not have a particular shopping strategy, and will probably never have one. I buy what catches my eye and that has always seemed to work for me. This is drastically in contrast to my wife, who walks into ten stores and buys two things, whereas I walk into one and buy ten.

 

 

• Statement sunglasses are the one thing I buy, no matter which part of the world I travel to. I can do with or without funky accessories, but my aviators are the one thing you will almost always find in the dashboard of my car.

 

 

• Every man should invest in a good, sturdy pair of sneakers and the perfect workout shoes. Other than that, I do love kolhapuri chappals and brown suede shoes, since they are all-time classics. I love the finish of Italian and French shoes – you can dress them up or down.

 

 

• Speaking of Italian leather, I can’t miss out on belts. I am not a brands-only guy and have a good mix of high street and luxe brands. I do however have certain preferences that are set in stone, and you can never go wrong with them – like a classic black belt.

 

 

• Sometimes I like wearing Indian ensembles, especially during festivals. I usually stick to fitted cotton kurtas in various colours, teamed with pyjamas. Even well fitted bandhgalas or bundis in various colours paired with the right footwear can make for great occasion wear.

 

 

• There are a lot of single-toned T-shirts in my wardrobe – greys, whites, blacks, blues, pinks and even a few reds. I am a monochrome guy and I think every guy should have these in their collection. The best part is that you can pair them with shorts for a lazy day on the couch or with jeans and a fitted blazer on an evening out. A pair of blue jeans and a white or black tee work for me most of the time.

 

 

• For brunches, get-togethers or special occasions, a linen suit goes a long way for me. I love experimenting with funky pocket squares that add a lot to the look.

 

 

• I personally like chinos and khakis, but don’t mistake them for a formal look. I go watch movies wearing them sometimes.

 

 

• Wearing fun lapel pins on suits is something I do to keep it cool and stylish.

 

 

• Who doesn’t love a nice scent? I stick to classics with rich fragrances.

 

 

• I always believe in understated being sexy. Create your own style statement; you don’t have to dress up like every other guy. You are who you are, and you choose what you wear.