Deciphering Shah Rukh Khan’s style...

SRK is like a Chanel suit that never goes out of style, no matter what! A black shredded T-shirt, a pair of ripped denims, sneakers and sunnies — have been the key insignia of his clothing canvas. His personal style has been a magnetic mix of seduction and comfort. Shah Rukh Khan has, over the years, been the synonym for laid-back cool, who has elevated simplistic clothing to boiling-point desirability. Give him a bad-ass biker jacket or a crisp-cut tuxedo or a sexed-up pathani suit — and he’ll rock it with his characteristic attitude and swagger. Never dressy or too put together, but always head-turning. Comfort-driven and approachable, much like his personality.

What stands out about Mr Khan is his uncanny ability to carry off pieces with complete ease — be it his airport looks or his festive attire when he’s greeting his fans on Eid. The screen god’s enviable physique hasn’t changed over the decades and that, perhaps, makes him the coolest dresser. As his filmography and his personal growth have evolved over the years, so has his style. Timeless, season-less and effortless.

The phrase — ‘less is more’ was perhaps coined by his personal style trajectory. He’s proved that all one needs is a pair of well-fitted denims, a white T-shirt and oodles of confidence to make an impact. It needn’t always be a bespoke suit.

What’s striking about his career graph is the fact he has stayed true to his sartorial lexicon — an unbuttoned shirt, grunge-inspired denims and sneakers.

In an interview with this writer, stylist and Fashion Director, Vogue India, Anaita Shroff Adajania had shared, “I think SRK’s chest is the most sensual thing and I had advised him never to hide it. He always carelessly opens a few buttons. He’s all about ruggedness and there’s a casualness that comes across — be it his floppy hair, jeans, which are never super tight. On the red carpet, he usually opts for a black classic suit. He has created the comfort of easy laidback style. Also, he’s been able to reinvent himself.”

‘CLOTHES NEVER OVERPOWER HIM’

SRK’s core style mantra is primarily about who he is as an individual and he has never let outfits overpower his personality. Also, the fact that he’s comfortable in his skin and alarmingly confident of himself makes him someone to look up to. Much like designer Karl Lagerfeld, who’s always seen in his signature monochrome ensembles, SRK has always stayed true to his personality which is easy-going, relaxed and charming. Designer Nikhil Mehra of label Shantanu & Nikhil says, “He’s always stayed within a box, which is something very hard to do. He does grunge beautifully, which speaks about his personality. Honestly, when it’s someone so powerful like him, clothes don’t really matter. You want to hear him talk.”

A SARTORIAL INSPIRATION

SRK has been an inspiration to a lot of B-Town actors, who’ve borrowed pages from his book. Designer Nishka Lulla says, “Through the years, he has inspired a lot of people to dress like him. Be it the biker jackets, long trench coats, tie-up shirts, coloured T-shirts of the ’90s or his yellow waistcoats. However, now his taste is more classic, hence we see him in a lot of blacks.”

Designer Nadine Dhody seconds that. “He is one of the best-dressed men in the industry today. Although he is a versatile dresser, I wouldn’t call him ‘experimental’. He knows what works for him and he operates within that space. He looks as good in his airport attire as he does in a formal three-piece suit on the red carpet,” she says.

PIN-UP SENSATION

SRK is said to have spent a lot of time working on his look in Raees and he ensured he got the right eye frames, which made quite a difference. Also, he’s shown an impressive ability to embrace off-kilter picks if his role demanded, be it his sheer shirts from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham or the leather jackets he rocked in Don or the embellished ganjis and sheer shirts in Kaal. Stylist Isha Bhansali says, “He had once admitted that it was he who started the half-tucked shirt trend among boys. I still remember the white suit with rolled up sleeves he wore in Baazigar. He is all about functionality and utilitarian chic, unless he’s hosting an awards show. When he’s dressed in a white T-shirt with denims, he looks hot and has a mature Marlon Brando feel about him.”