Men's summer fashion trends: things you need to stay cool

Benjamin Judd - Stitched Up

You've snagged the perfect boardies. Even scored some brand new sunnies and sleek sneakers.

But what about the rest of your wardrobe this summer?

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Maintaining a sharp sense of style during an Aussie summer may sound like a sweaty, uphill battle. Yet like mastering the art of layering in colder months, all it takes to keep your cool during the annual heat wave is a little forward planning.

Here's a simple guide to some of the bigger trends for men this summer

Sharp shorts

Starting with the basics, no Australian summer is complete without a great pair of shorts. That's because, for most parts of the country, it's too bloody hot to wear anything else.

This summer, a more tailored look that stops just above the knee like Gucci's cotton twill shorts in navy is the way forward, hitting the right mark between casual and preppy.

Alternatively, investing in a more relaxed fit like the linen lounge shorts from Aussie label Venroy is a guaranteed win for summer.

White jeans

If you are in a situation where pants are called for, white denim has made its way back on the radar. Ditch the coloured chinos in favour for more neutral tones and steer clear of anything skin-tight.

Even if it wasn't on its way out style-wise, it's just not practical. Instead, choose a more looser, tapered fit.

Bright shirts

While a simple white t-shirt will never be out of style, this summer has seen a resurgence of more colourful, '50s inspired shirts.

Bold prints, vintage bowling-shirt or pyjama cuts from Prada, Louis Vuitton and even local brands Rollas and The People Vs are a great addition to the wardrobe and can easily make the transition from beach to rooftop bar.

Fresh footwear

Broaden your horizons this summer and look to the men of Europe for footwear inspiration. Sandals, white sneakers, loafers and even slip-on sneakers are a great alternative – the latter being just as easy to get on and off as your fave flip-flops so now there's no excuse to wear something that should be reserved for preventing a bad case of athlete's foot in communal showers.

Hat's on

It's known that Australia is one of the worst countries when it comes to skin cancer. While a lifestyle spent outdoors is a luxury we should all enjoy, it doesn't take much to minimise the damage done by the summer sun.

Protect your skin and nail it in the accessories department with a traditional Akubra in a pale cream.

Or try one of the more popular styles at the moment, a Panama hat. Who says you can't look great and stay sun safe at the same time?

The smell of summer

Lastly, summer isn't just a time when you can peel off the heavy wools of winter. It's a good time to give your fragrance wardrobe a bit of a boost too. Put the heavier, woody fragrances away in favour for fresher, more vibrant and heat-friendly scents instead.

A good cologne tends to start off with a zing and settle down to its darker base notes naturally, transitioning easily from day to night. Jo Malone's classic Basil, Neroli Lime and Mandarin is one of the cologne world's best kept secrets. Otherwise, Tom Ford's Azure Lime eau de parfum is a more intriguing alternative to the designer's more commercial releases.

Check out our gallery above for the key trends in menswear this summer.

Executive Style