Don't let your man plonk himself on a couch and slobber over a nosh of 'yummy' cricket or soccer on television. Prod him to do a bit of that what-women-always-want thing - shopping with YOU! But go for it with a difference. Promise to buy him sportswear-driven hot-sellers. But before you drag him to strut on the streets (you know how he hates the thought, right?), know a little about ruling styles. Feast your eyes on a put-together of delicious bits -a peek-a-boo of thingies you might like... Do you pine for top-of-the-rung international brands? Ermenegildo Zegna, Dunhill, Arrow or Ferragamo might be for your sweetheart. Ferragamo has some appealing sporty techno silhouettes like the mammoth sports jackets and shirts in reversible knits, soft cashmeres and other fabrics with raw edges (wanna know more? Browse www.ferragamo.com).

Dunhill has sport-cum-casual versions. Here are two coordinated options that might interest you. You could check out for more at www.dunhill.com.

A tan ribbed V-neck cotton knit tee, tan cotton flap cap, ecru and tan lamb nappa driving gloves, brown fly-front stretch-cotton shirt, and white cotton polo shirt and a belt.Or an ecru and red reversible micro fibre sleeveless jacket, sunglasses, ecru multi-striped cotton polo knit tee, red swimming shorts and a RPM timepiece.Ermenegildo Zegna has linen and smart sport-touched casuals. Check out the pictures and the stores in Mumbai for high-class attires.

Need warmth?

Feel the raised textures in knits from Wills and Arrow - jackets, roll necks, button-downs or stylised shirts in soft knits (also in suede). Don't forget to throw in some bright sneakers from Nike or Reebok to go wit'em. For more information, check out www.nike.com or www.reebok.com, flagship stores and multi-brand outlets.

But if you're having a budgeted month, there are other options too. Multi-brand and shop-in-shop outlets like InOrbit Mall, Globus, Shopper's Stop, Vama, Lifestyle, Westside and others have a range of sporty silhouettes in every price range - pick 'n' choose things that keeps your pockets happy. As simple as that! You could try local or in-house brands - T-shirts start from Rs 250! Tantra and Switcher have T-shirts in an array of colours and prints (graphics and scribbles are the things to die for). And if you plan an out-in-the-sun or on-the-sands thing, go for the half-sleeved shirts with tabs and the trucker caps from Oobe (www.oobegear.com) teamed with short pants with roll-ups or interesting details. Sports-inspired jeans, quirky shirts, cropped bottoms and funky T-shirts are also the forte of brands like Lee, Spykar, Killer and Uni Style Image (USI). Phew! The list doesn't end here. You have a lot more to scan for before you drag him out. All you need is a trusted friend and a loaded wallet to start with! And on a final note, online shopping is a great option too.

Colour Clues

• Fruity, chocolate and yummy colours rule the ung - pumpkin, biscuit, nutmeg, warm toffee, avocado, kiwi, green tea, mint and the like (makes you drool, doesn't it?).

• Hints of molten hues like gold, silver, bronze and copper lead too - silver stripes work on staid colours, bronze highlights on bright track pants or sweatshirts.

•Hues like aqua, charcoal grey, pastels and dusty colours also work.

• Don't spare bright accents in red, orange or turquoise on beige, navy, white or cream