Can women make the right choice?

Sana Christiansen and Allen Kalodjerca

Who they are
Sana and Allen are colleagues working as water sport instructors in a leading hotel.

His usual attire
Sana has seen Allen only in shorts and T-shirts, though Allen admits putting on jeans and a Polo "once in a while". Allen believes in the credo that "the idea is to be noticed but not because of your clothes". He wears shirts for only five important occasions in the year – birthdays, Christmas, Easter and the two-odd grand events that creep up his way annually.

What she chose
Dressing up Allen in casual attire was a job that Sana did seriously and with style. A graduate in fashion design, she zoomed in and out of four different shops before she picked up a red shirt with black buttons, a pair of straight black pants worn with a cardigan, leather boots and a pair of yellow sunglasses with a leather bag.

Her rationale
"This looks different. I think it's an improvement, big time. Normally I see him in shorts and T-shirts and his clothes are so boring. But now he looks like he's going somewhere. I think he looks stylish."

His reaction
Since Allen is a sporty type, the casual document bag that Sana chose was not something he'd pick up. "I think it's like... a preppy bag, and although it gels well with the whole look, I wouldn't buy it as I would have no use for it," says Allen.

"I know that shoes like these are trendy, but they are not my style. They are designed as a cross between sports and formal shoes. Personally, I feel they're too high to wear with jeans and they wouldn't match regular trousers. I would prefer wearing a formal shoe or a sneaker where required. However, they seem to very popular with guys of my type.

"I like the trousers and the sweater. These flat pants are very comfortable and the sweater looks neat, though I doubt if I would have an occasion to wear it more than twice in a year. I am more of a jacket person.

"As for the whole look, I might get used to it if I look at myself long enough. Having said that, frankly, I feel that this is a look that would make me stand out in a crowd which I dislike, since I prefer blending in. Give me ordinary clothes any day because I'm a regular guy. In these, I feel like a funky professor."

Shop Guide
Shirt: G. B. Pedrini
Shoes: 360 shoes
Sunglasses: Optic Art  
(All from BurJuman Centre)

Asha and Ram Murthy

Who they are
Both are former models, but now he's an airline official and she, a make-up artist.

His usual attire
She says he lives in his shorts. But give him anything with a cotton feel to it and it looks great. "I like him in neutral shades like camel, beige and fawn. Personally, I think bright colours are out of fashion at the moment," says Asha. On the other hand, Ram clarifies, "I love colour, especially in the evenings.

And although nearly 80 per cent of my clothes are bought by her and I think she has excellent taste, I do like the occasional scarf or waistcoat to add a dash of drama to my outfit. Even when it comes to my ties, I like the brighter colours rather than the tone-on-tone style that is in vogue nowadays. I definitely prefer the semi-formal styles because you can play around with the look," says Ram. 

Differing in view, Asha says, "He is tall and attractive, and when he is dressed up in bright colours, he stands out quite obviously in a crowd. Having said that I would like him to try out all the stylishly bold and daring clothes there are, so long as they are within the confines of the changing room. I believe that more than the colour, detailed styling adds an extended dimension of exclusivity to clothing."

What she chose
A white linen jacket, a black linen shirt worn over black pants and a pair of side-buckled shoes.

Her rationale
"I think it brought out the mood because he likes to look good and his appearance contributes a good amount to how he feels."

His reaction
"I must admit she has a natural flair and an eye for these things. I think this whole look is fabulous. The way that she chose the different components from various corners of this huge store that comprise this look is amazing.  Besides, every garment individually is distinctive and the sheer feel of its quality makes you feel good about what you are wearing."

SHOP GUIDE
Penguin Boutique: Al Maktoum Street

Angela and Chris Walton

Who they are
Both of them are ex-models. He now works as manager, contracts, and she owns the Oasis Fashions chain.

His usual attire
Angela says that Chris is a T-shirt and jeans man, but if he is going to a party, he likes his dark suits. "I hate bright colours in my formal clothes, though I am not against chilling out in a brightly-printed shirt on the beach," points out Chris.

What she chose
"I wish he would wear lighter colour suits in summer. Frankly, I would opt for a beige suit for him, but his size is unavailable here. So, I think this navy suit, a midnight-blue shirt and this polka-dotted tie should do the trick," says Angela.

Her rationale
"The texture of the blue suit is
great and he has always looked great in navy blue. However, I think that the tie is what really adds that touch of pizzazz to the look. It gives him individuality and a certain amount of style."

His reaction
"Angela is always prompting me to buy beige suits. But I feel that light suits do nothing for me. As for the ties, I prefer the classic-looking ones, since loud ones frighten me. And, though I have seen many men wear polka-dotted ties, personally, I prefer the more woven and jacquard finishes to my ties rather than prints of any sort. I think this particular one is not for me.

"But, again, that is my own perception. This shop is full of other ties that say I am a serious guy who means business and I would prefer them to this one any day."