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
Lightweight linen: "A linen shirt is a summer essential due to its breathability and lightweight fabric. It keeps you cool and looks effortlessly stylish - ideal for both casual and formal settings."
Earthy tones: "Shades like beige, olive, and rust are popular colours right now. These sophisticated tones are natural looking and can be paired well with almost any outfit."
Bold prints: "From floral to geometric patterns, bold prints are a key trend. Whether on shirts, shorts, or even suits, these prints add a vibrant touch to any summer wardrobe."
Minimalist footwear: "Clean, simple trainers are the go-to footwear this season. They're versatile enough to be worn with everything from shorts to suits, providing a sleek finish to any outfit. For a contemporary look choose plain white, or a colour that matches your trousers for a sports-luxe feel."
Webbed belts: "Matching webbed belts with your trousers and chinos for a sleek look is ideal for achieving casual elegance and versatility. These belts add relaxed sophistication to your outfit and come in various colours and patterns, allowing for effortless mix-and-match combinations."
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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.
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. And choose lighter-weight and natural fabrics to help circulate air around the body. Use the change in season to change your wardrobe.
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 your 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."
Linen shirts
John Lewis Linen Regular Fit Shirt
Sizes available: S-XXL
Colours available: White, Navy, Khaki, Sand, Blue
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."
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.
Hawes & Curtis do great basics, and this pure linen shirt features a slim fit and short sleeves, perfect for those warmer days. It comes in nine colours, from classic navy to bright fuchsia.
Earthy tones
Arket Cotton Shorts
Sizes available: 44-54
Colours available: Khaki Green, Beige, Black, Grey, Navy
For a pair of wear-everywhere shorts, Arket has just dropped this pure cotton pair. To tap into the earthy tone trend, choose the khaki green colourway. They have a chino mid-length style and come with slanted side pockets, plus 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."
Mango Openwork Knit Polo With Buttons
Sizes available: S-XXL
Colours available: Beige, Off-White
A lightweight cardi is a great 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.
For a sportier style of shorts, Fear of God do the best wardrobe essentials that perfectly balance comfort and style. This pair is cut in a straight-leg shape from soft, matte shell and features a drawstring waist.
Bold prints
Reiss Menton Embroidered Shirt
Sizes available: XS-XXL
Colours available: Navy, Taupe, White
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.
If you're heading on holiday, invest in AllSaints' camo print swim shorts to make a statement when you're poolside. They feature two pockets, a comfortable elastic waistband, and a drawstring for adjustability.
Zara is another brand that does abstract prints and textures so well. This one has a relaxed fit, is made of a crochet fabric, and pairs perfectly with white wide-leg trousers.
Minimalist footwear
Veja Esplar Suede-Trimmed Leather Sneakers
Sizes available: EUR 39-46
Colours available: White
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
Sizes available: UK 6-12
Colours available: White
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.
Phill recommends Kurt Geiger white sneakers, and the just-dropped Lennons are made from 100% leather with gold foil embossed branding on the tongue and heel.
Webbed belts
John Lewis 35mm Woven Belt
Sizes available: S-XXL
Colours available: Black, Blue
Practical and stylish, this John Lewis belt is made from a woven cotton blend. It's detailed with full grain cow leather and a silver metal buckle.
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.
Aspinal of London Tan Woven Leather Belt
Sizes available: S-L
Colours available: Tan, Black
Aspinal of London's luxe woven belt is handcrafted from full-grain leather. Soft but durable, it has a brass-toned buckle and can be worn with everything from jeans to suit trousers.
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.