Bollywood, over the decades, has been home to some iconic trends and fashion statements that have become synonymous with style and class. One of the most beloved fashion eras that continue to inspire men’s fashion today is the retro look. The retro look in Bollywood is defined by classic styles that were popular in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, showcasing a blend of bold colors, patterns, and styles that reflect the charm of a bygone era. Men’s retro fashion was all about bringing together sophistication with a fun twist, and it has continued to make waves in contemporary fashion.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the Bollywood retro look for men, exploring its key elements, iconic stars, and how you can recreate this timeless style in today’s world.
Contents
1. The Rise of Retro Fashion in Bollywood
Retro fashion is all about embracing styles from the past, and Bollywood has been instrumental in showcasing these trends. The 60s, 70s, and 80s were particularly influential decades in the Indian film industry. Bollywood’s portrayal of characters in these times was marked by distinct fashion choices, with an emphasis on vibrant colors, patterned fabrics, and bold statements. The retro look is also a mix of Western influence with Indian sensibilities, making it unique to Bollywood.
Key Bollywood stars like Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Dev Anand, and Dharmendra popularized these trends. Their charisma and screen presence not only made them national icons but also cemented their styles as aspirational trends for men of the era. Today, Bollywood retro fashion is being resurrected by newer generations, with contemporary stars like Ranveer Singh, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Shahid Kapoor bringing back vintage elements with a modern twist.
2. Iconic Bollywood Stars and Their Retro Style
Rajesh Khanna: The Original Superstar
Rajesh Khanna, known for his legendary status in Bollywood, was the epitome of retro style in the 70s. His impeccable fashion sense combined classic cuts, sharp tailoring, and suave accessories. His signature look included stylish Nehru jackets, bell-bottom pants, and aviator sunglasses.
Amitabh Bachchan: The Angry Young Man
Amitabh Bachchan, the iconic “Angry Young Man” of Bollywood, embraced a retro look that was both strong and sophisticated. His style in films like Zanjeer and Sholay often featured loose shirts, bell-bottom trousers, and bold, oversized sunglasses. His powerful presence was amplified by his fashion choices, and he became a role model for an entire generation.
Dharmendra: The Stylish Hero
Dharmendra, known for his rugged yet charming look, was a style icon in the 60s and 70s. His fashion choices, such as simple t-shirts, plaid shirts, and denim jackets, added to his effortlessly cool image. Dharmendra popularized the use of comfortable, casual styles in Bollywood, which are still relevant today.
Dev Anand: The Fashion Forward Gentleman
Dev Anand, known for his sharp looks and impeccable dressing sense, often wore tailored suits, narrow ties, and crisp shirts, setting him apart as the epitome of suave sophistication. His chic and contemporary take on classic menswear left a lasting impression on Bollywood fashion.
3. Key Elements of the Bollywood Retro Look for Men
If you’re looking to recreate the Bollywood retro look, here are the essential style elements to focus on:
Bold Patterns and Prints
The retro look in Bollywood was characterized by bold patterns and prints. Floral patterns, geometric shapes, and checkered designs were widely popular. Shirts and trousers with unique prints were common during the retro era. A classic example is the psychedelic prints seen on Amitabh Bachchan in his films or the floral shirts worn by Rajesh Khanna.
How to Incorporate It Today: Opt for retro-inspired shirts or jackets with bold prints. You can go for floral patterns, abstract prints, or even polka dots to add a vintage touch to your outfit.
Bell-Bottom Trousers
Bell-bottoms are undoubtedly one of the defining features of the retro fashion look. This flared style of pants gained popularity in the 70s and was often worn by Bollywood heroes like Dharmendra and Rajesh Khanna. The bell-bottomed silhouette created a distinct look and became a fashion statement that symbolized the freedom and liberation of the time.
How to Incorporate It Today: While bell-bottoms might not be as mainstream today, you can opt for wide-legged or flared trousers to give a subtle nod to the retro style. Pair them with a fitted shirt or a loose jacket for a contemporary touch.
Nehru Jackets and Blazers
Nehru jackets became immensely popular in Bollywood, thanks to stars like Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan. These tailored jackets, often worn with a kurta or shirt, have a sleek, structured silhouette that exudes confidence and charm. Blazers, often worn over shirts or t-shirts, were also an integral part of retro fashion in Bollywood.
How to Incorporate It Today: A well-fitted Nehru jacket paired with jeans or trousers can look stylish and contemporary. For a modern twist, you can wear it over a simple t-shirt or a casual shirt to create a relaxed yet sophisticated look.
Tight-Fitting Shirts and Turtlenecks
During the retro era, tight-fitting shirts, especially those with high collars, were all the rage. Stars like Amitabh Bachchan often wore turtlenecks or form-fitting shirts that highlighted their physiques. The bold and daring choice of clothing became a symbol of confidence and flair.
How to Incorporate It Today: Turtlenecks and tight-fitting shirts are making a comeback. Opt for a slim-fit shirt in solid colors or with a subtle pattern. Pair it with jeans or chinos to keep it balanced.
Bold and Statement Accessories
Accessories in the retro era were essential for completing the look. Aviator sunglasses, chunky watches, and gold chains were a common feature. The oversized sunglasses became the signature of many Bollywood stars, including Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan, who were often seen sporting them both on and off-screen.
How to Incorporate It Today: You can still wear aviator sunglasses or oversized frames to create the retro vibe. Statement watches, leather straps, and simple chains can also elevate your look. Don’t shy away from experimenting with bold accessories to make a lasting impact.
4. How to Achieve the Retro Bollywood Look Today
Now that we’ve explored the key elements of the Bollywood retro look, here’s how you can incorporate them into your wardrobe today:
Go for Vintage Fabrics
Retro clothing often featured fabrics like polyester, wool, and silk blends, which were commonly used during the 60s, 70s, and 80s. To achieve an authentic retro look, opt for fabrics that give a nod to the past, like corduroy for pants, wool for jackets, and linen for shirts.
Pair with Modern Elements
While vintage-inspired clothing is the backbone of the retro look, mixing these items with modern elements is essential to make the style more relevant today. Pair a retro shirt with modern, slim-fit pants or swap bell-bottoms with wide-legged trousers to keep the outfit fresh.
Choose the Right Footwear
Shoes play an important role in any retro-inspired look. Go for shoes that reflect the era, such as loafers, monk straps, or boots. Retro fashion was all about making a statement, and shoes were no exception. Choose footwear that is both stylish and comfortable.
Experiment with Hairstyles
Hairstyles were equally important in completing the Bollywood retro look. The 70s and 80s saw stars sporting voluminous hair, side-parted styles, and even the classic “shag” haircut. To recreate the look, you can experiment with retro hairstyles like the side part or a slicked-back style.
5. Where to Wear the Bollywood Retro Look
The Bollywood retro look is versatile and can be adapted for various occasions. Here are some instances where you can rock this classic style:
Casual Day Out
A retro-inspired shirt paired with bell-bottoms or wide-leg trousers, and aviators can be perfect for a casual outing. You can wear this to a movie, a lunch date, or a trip to the mall.
Themed Parties
Retro-themed parties or Bollywood-themed events are a great opportunity to experiment with the style. Dress up like your favorite Bollywood hero and turn heads with your nostalgic outfit.
Casual Fridays at Work
For a more laid-back work environment, you can incorporate retro elements into your work attire. A well-fitted blazer or a Nehru jacket paired with chinos or a slim-fit shirt can make you stand out in a stylish and professional way.
Conclusion
The Bollywood retro look for men is a timeless fashion statement that continues to inspire contemporary trends. By embracing the bold patterns, wide-legged trousers, Nehru jackets, and statement accessories that defined the 60s, 70s, and 80s, you can create a look that is both stylish and full of nostalgia. Whether you’re attending a retro-themed party or simply want to channel the iconic Bollywood stars of the past, the retro look will never go out of style. With a few modern twists, you can make this classic fashion statement your own, ensuring that you look sharp and suave in every setting.
