Men's summer fashion inspiration: Top trends & stylish pieces to shop now

Publish date: 2024-05-11

It's officially summer, and if you're looking to upgrade your wardrobe for upcoming staycations, holidays abroad or even office attire, you're not alone. In need of some style inspiration? I've spoken to menswear expert Phill Tarling (@philltarling) for all of the top trends and key pieces to invest in. From the best men's shirts to shorts, trainers and must-have accessories, scroll on for the style essentials to shop now.

5 biggest menswear summer trends according to an expert

Linen shirts

John Lewis Linen Regular Fit Shirt

You can't go wrong with a classic white linen shirt, and Phill recommends John Lewis for stylish pieces at affordable price points. Lightweight and breathable, this one features a regular fit, point collar and imitation mother-of-pearl buttons for an elevated edge. "John Lewis shirts come in various colours and offer a relaxed fit, perfect for casual outings or beachwear," says Phill. "I usually take mine to the tailor for a fit that flatters my body shape."

Uniqlo 100% Premium Linen Shirt

£39.90 at Uniqlo

Available in a range of shades from subtle to bolder styles, Uniqlo's linen shirt is a must-have for your summer wardrobe. It's made using special wrinkle-resistant processing and has a sleek slimmer fit.

Earthy tones

Mango Openwork Knit Polo With Buttons

A lightweight cardi is the perfect layering piece and alternative to your trusty sweater this summer. This one from Mango comes in a beige shade that will complement everything in your capsule wardrobe.

Arket Cotton Shorts

For a pair of wear-everywhere shorts, Arket has just dropped this pure cotton pair. Tapping into the earthy tone trend, they have a chino mid-length style, they come with slanted side pockets and two welt pockets at the back. "Chino shorts strike the perfect balance between casual and smart," says Phill. "They're versatile enough for a range of summer activities."

Bold prints

Reiss Menton Embroidered Shirt

Reiss does a great collection of shirts in bolder prints and colours. For something stylish and versatile but more fun that your standard navy shirt, this abstract embroidered piece ticks all of the boxes.

AllSaints Roze Slim Floral Print Swim Shorts

£45 at AllSaints

If you're heading on holiday, AllSaints floral swim shorts at perfect to make a statement when you're poolside. They feature two pockets, a comfortable elastic waistband, and a drawstring for adjustability.

Minimalist footwear

Veja Esplar Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers

Veja's Esplar trainers are made from 100% leather with real suede trim. The minimalist design and box-fresh white shade goes with everything. And if you care about sustainability, the soles are made from wild rubber that's sustainably harvested by hand in the Amazonian forest.

M&S Lace Up Trainers

Simplicity is key with these white trainers from M&S. So affordable at just £38, the classic pair feature padding around the ankle and sturdy soles.

Webbed belts

John Lewis 35mm Woven Belt

Practical and stylish, this John Lewis belt is made from a woven cotton blend. It's detailed with full grain cow leather and a lustrous metal buckle.

M&S Stretch Woven Casual Belt

If you're wearing a neutral colour palette, accessorise with Marks & Spencer's webbed belt with contrasting tan accents. Also available in a whole selection of other shades, it has a traditional buckle fastening and is made from stretchy fabric for the perfect fit.

How can men elevate their standard summer outfits?

Phil says: "A well-fitted, lightweight blazer can instantly smarten up a casual outfit. Opt for neutral colors like white, beige, and navy. These shades are easy to mix and match, giving you a refined look with minimal effort. It’s also easier to blend a trend with these neutral shades. 

Replace basic tees with polo tops that fit and flatter. They instantly give a more polished appearance. Summer is not an excuse to wear baggy shapeless clothes. Lighter-weight and natural fabrics help circulate air around the body. Use the change in season to change your wardrobe. Store away clothes that are overtly big, heavy or the wrong season in a vacuum bag. Creating space and restoring order is key to identifying missing wardrobe essentials. 

For fancy footwork, match your white trainers with white sport socks. For formal footwear, apply a similar tone on tone rule to match your socks with either shoes or trousers. Swap out flip-flops, crocs and sliders for stylish suede leather or woven loafers. They offer a polished look while still being comfortable and appropriate for summer."

Menswear expert Phill Tarling’s top three style hacksPhill Tarling on how to wear colour with confidence, keep shirts looking smart and your wool and cashmere jumpers moth-free.

Meet the expert

Phill is a menswear style expert and personal stylist from London. With over 20 years of industry expertise, he's transformed the wardrobes and personal brands of countless clients, from celebrities to corporate executives.

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