Goutom Saha's secrets to timeless Bangladeshi style

Style is often mistaken for fashion, but anyone who's ever stood in front of a wardrobe full of clothes and still felt unsure knows that it is more than trends. According to Goutom Saha, one of Bangladesh's most popular fashion directors and stylists for over two decades now, style is an evolving expression of who you are and how you carry yourself.

In a candid conversation, he shares his thoughts on what personal style really means, how to refine it, and why it should always feel like you.

Let style grow with you

"Style", as Saha puts it, "doesn't arrive in a shopping bag". It's a personal journey that grows as you do. It takes time and reflection, not impulse buys. He doesn't believe in dressing to impress but in dressing with intention.

"My outfit must not be louder than me," Saha states firmly, believing that the simplest outfits can make the strongest statements. For him, clean lines and neutral shades like ash or beige, say more than any loud print or logo ever could.

We often focus so much on clothing that we forget what brings the whole look together. For Saha, it's grooming. "Ninety per cent of your look is basic hygiene," he says. From a crisply ironed shirt to a subtle fragrance and the right shoes, each detail matters.

Being stylish doesn't require a wardrobe makeover — it begins with how well you present yourself in everyday moments.

Know what works, and what doesn't

With decades of experience in both men's and women's styling, Goutom Saha has seen a fair share of fashion missteps. The biggest mistake? Trying too hard to follow trends without understanding what suits you.

He advises against mixing printed trousers with patterned shirts and warns that bold colours like electric blue, orange, or bright pink can be tricky unless you know your undertone. He firmly believes that men should prioritise fit and quality over flashy branding. At the same time, women should choose silhouette-flattering outfits and resist the urge to wear too many statement pieces at once.

Reaching for your earring box? You might want to think it over. "Sometimes, no earrings are better than wearing a pair that doesn't belong," Saha points out.

Goutom is not shy about calling out the wastefulness of fast fashion. He encourages building a wardrobe mindfully; choosing fewer, better pieces that will last. Saha stresses that sustainable fashion is not just about the brands you support, but also about being mindful of how you buy, care for, and dispose of your clothes.

"Style doesn't mean giving up practicality. It means being smart about your choices," he says. Supporting sustainable and ethical brands also helps you stay stylish while doing your bit for the planet.

Start small, be thoughtful

For those unsure where to begin, Goutom Saha has a simple rule: observe. Watch movies, look at characters' colour palettes, and study how well-dressed people combine tones and textures. You don't have to copy anyone, but learning from those with taste can help you find your own.

Most importantly, dress for the occasion and be aware of your surroundings. Weather, time of day, and social setting all play a role. Style, Saha reminds us, is not about transformation. It's about becoming a more confident, more polished version of yourself.

Goutom Saha is the Fashion Editor at ICE Media Ltd.

Photo: Courtesy