STYLE LESSONS FROM INDIAN ENTREPRENEURS

When you hear “Indian entrepreneurs,” innovation, hustle, and big ideas are the first things that pop into your mind. But there is one other quiet but strong component that goes unobserved—personal style. In a world where the first impression is as important as a pitch deck, how these entrepreneurs dress says a lot about them. Their closets convey not only fashion but also their values, self-assurance, and vision.

So, what do we see from the Indian entrepreneur’s dressing style? Let’s decipher.

1. Simplicity Speaks Loud – Ratan Tata (TATA Group)

Source – Wikipedia

Ratan Tata was the best example of how more can actually be less. His simple yet elegant taste—classic suits, crisp shirts, and clean lines—tells us that sophistication doesn’t require bragging logos. Entrepreneurs can take a leaf from his book: spend money on classics that allow your work, not your closet, to speak.

Lesson: A good, unostentatious dress can make a stronger statement than garish fashion.

2. Athleisure Confidence – Vineeta Singh (SUGAR Cosmetics)

Source – LinkedIn

Vineeta Singh is famous for her fearless yet relatable sense of style. Frequently seen in smart-casual, bold colors, and sporty-inspired clothing, she epitomizes a founder who brings together energy, confidence, and creativity. Her closet proves that you don’t have to be stiff to be powerful.

Lesson: You don’t need to wear a suit daily. Dressing in harmony with your brand personality makes you appear genuine.

3. Power Dressing with Tradition – Falguni Nayar (Nykaa)

Source – LinkedIn

Falguni Nayar proudly wears graceful sarees—silk, soft pastel, or vibrant—that carry poise and power without compromising tradition. Her appearance is testimony that Indian clothing can stand in an international boardroom.

Lesson: Never be reluctant to adopt traditional attire. Self-assurance in one’s heritage can be as effective as any Western business suit.

4. The Startup Uniform – Vijay Shekhar Sharma (Paytm)

Source – Wikipedia

Catch him often wearing jeans and plain shirts; Vijay Shekhar Sharma is a proponent of the startup uniform—effortless, utilitarian, and hustler-friendly. His dressing also encapsulates the ethos of Indian tech starters who value ideas and action rather than appearance.

Lesson: Comfort can be a fashion statement. Develop a go-to “uniform” that avoids decision fatigue but remains tidy.

5. Modern Heritage – Anand Mahindra (Mahindra Group)

Source – mahindra.com

Anand Mahindra’s wardrobe balances international class with Indian flair. Whether a crisp suit at international gatherings or a Nehru jacket at cultural affairs, he suits up accordingly. His wardrobe is a lesson in adaptability and being rooted.

Lesson: Learning to dress for the occasion is an art every entrepreneur must learn—change between global chic and cultural pride effortlessly.

6. Bold & Minimal – Kunal Bahl (Snapdeal)

Source – Wikipedia

With solid-colored shirts, smart casuals, and negligible accessories, Kunal’s fashion shows that less can be more. His tidy, mess-free appearance is a testament to sound decision-making and prioritization.

Lesson: A tidy, minimalist wardrobe creates a signature look people recognize you with.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Fashion is not about high-end brands—it’s about true self-expression. Indian business leaders show us that fashion can amplify personal branding, build trust, and even motivate teams. If you like a crisp kurta, a sleek suit, or casual athleisure, the point is to wear it with confidence and consistency.

Because ultimately, what you put in your closet is not about what you wear—it’s a silent elevator pitch of who you are.