Dawn Images

With Eidul Fitr just a week away, there’s one thing on everyone’s mind: clothes.

While most guys are likely to go with the same solid-coloured kurta-shalwar combo they do every year — some might even get brave and get something that isn’t white — it doesn’t have to be this way.

So, if you’re willing to up your game when it comes to Eid fits or you have a man in your life who needs tips on how to do it, we’ve made this helpful guide on how not to look like every other dude at the daawat.

Kurtas

Starting off with the basics, you do not need to wear a plain white kurta every time the dress code demands desi wear. Sure, white is safe and works for everyone, but it’s also boring — and impossible to get saalan stains out of.

Instead, try wearing some other colours, like royal blue or purple. For the more adventurous, you can ditch solid colours entirely and try different patterns and even embroidery.

Different fabrics and textures can also add a touch of individual style, making the wearer stand out in a crowd of starched cotton.

Shalwars

The same ideas apply for the bottom half of the suit. You can try experimenting with colour, fabric and embellishments. Be warned, though, shalwars are a lot less forgiving if the combination doesn’t work out.

Alternatively, you can ditch the shalwar altogether and go for a pyjama instead. Made similar to trousers, the pyjama does away with the bagginess of the shalwar and works wonders if you’re not the type to skip leg day.

Footwear

This is arguably the most overlooked aspect of desi menswear and there are so many options. Let us be absolutely clear, you do not have to bust out the same pair of chappals you’ve been wearing for five years straight.

Khussas are a great addition to any man’s footwear collection and they add just a bit of a formal touch to any desi outfit. You can, if this all seems overwhelming, get them in basic black or brown and use them as a substitute for whatever you were going to wear in that colour, or you can get the ones with embroidery and motifs to really give your outfit some pizzazz.

Peshawari chappals are a staple, of course, but they don’t have to be in black and brown either, try getting a pair in blue or maybe even a suede pair. Kolhapuri chappals are also in, especially after Prada tried to sell them to unsuspecting westerners for $600.

Western footwear is also an option, although we’d suggest leaving your sneakers in the closet for Eid. Instead, try out some loafers or moccasins and see what works.

Outerwear

In our humble opinion, you can’t have true desi formal wear without a waistcoat or shawl. Now, we hear someone in the distance shouting about how it’s too hot for outerwear, but that’s all a game of fabrics.

A lighter, summer waistcoat works well to keep its wearer cool while also giving some shape to the outfit — kurtas can be unruly and easily creased. The idea, of course, is to maybe avoid the black ones, lest you look like that one uncle who dabbles in politics.

Shawls have a tendency to make one appear as if you’ll break into verse at any given moment, and they’re way too warm for March in most of Pakistan, which is where the odhni comes in. Usually made of cotton, it can give you the shairana vibe of a shawl without making you internally combust in 40-degree heat.

If you’re feeling particularly daring, ditch the shalwar kurta entirely and pair the waistcoat with a band collar shirt and trousers. Sure, it’s going to get you a couple of looks from some of the older people, but it might be the perfect blend of East and West for a more formal dinner.

Accessories

Men are often under the misconception that accessorising outfits is more of a feminine thing — it isn’t. When everyone’s wearing similar clothes, as is often the case on Eid, accessories are what will make you look like you put some thought into what your outfit.

Pocket squares are an easy place to start, with the right one adding a welcome pop of colour to an otherwise plain suit. We would, however, recommend wearing a waistcoat and not just placing one in a kurta pocket.

Buttons are also something you can play around with, getting a more ornate set for your waistcoat, possibly in a different colour or encrusted with stones.

Speaking of things that keep your clothes fastened, cufflinks are a great way to show off some personal style. With options now extending from initials to the usual gold and silver blocks or even superhero designs, you can choose to wear something that reflects your personality.

Lapel pins are also something that can add personality to an outfit, with a dizzying amount of options to suit all styles and tastes. Alternatively, you can just pin a flower to your coat; if it works at weddings, it can work on Eid too.

As a final note, we’ll just say you should wear what you’re most comfortable in. Eid is a joyous occasion, there’s really no point in ruining the fun by stressing out over clothes.

So, have a fun, blessed Eid and let us know your favourite holiday styles in the comments.