one for the Boys.

The weather heats up and its standard procedure that you boys don your pinstripe shorts, leather deck shoes and some hideously tight tank top. It is common knowledge amongst the female population that summer is a struggle to dress appropriately never mind stylishly, especially in this country. Nonetheless you have no excuse, standard is boring and the nautical trend, inarguably a timeless classic is becoming mundane and repetitive.

Consistently being reminded that you’re the fairer sex, summer 2010 is the perfect time to live up to the long-standing, macho stereotypes. Topman dares you to be different with their latest trend alert, coined ‘Tokyo Surf’ for the braver ‘boyos’. Hawaii meets Tokyo with a mix of brights, pastels, Maori-effect prints and dip-dye techniques. Gingham blazers work together with tie-dye tees and patchwork shorts for easy beach style. Mixing Tokyo street style with traditional beach-wear cool equates to a trend that blends style, function and individuality. I would play it safe and check out their online trend gallery (at www.topman.com) for outfit inspiration before taking the big plunge.

Male rebelliousness is most contested in the leg-wear department, get it wrong and you risk a stint in the doghouse. OK it may go unnoticed with the lads but your female associates will not let it drop. The one salient commandment to abide by; don’t go too short. The carrot top cut are the revival of the skinny/slim/spray-on jean that have been dominating men’s and women’s wardrobes since I can remember. Worn on the hip and loose around the thigh, they gently taper into a skinny fit. These Topman stone crop carrot shorts fuse a summer staple; the short, with classic colouring, giving the versatility to be dressed up or down accordingly.

If you don’t feel quite accustomed to the British summer temperatures just yet, don’t feel shorts are the only option for summer style status. Chinos have accumulated tasteful eminence. Greet the sunshine in style with vintage washes, pleating details and/or slim fits. For the audacious, coloured chinos provide an alternative take on the standard beige washes. Again, Topman comes up trumps but Urban Outfitters’ range is also worth a look for an investment pair.

You no longer need to be nostalgic of the sixties beach house trend when it comes to summer dressing. This summer, epitomise masculinity by embracing the unconventional and standing out in the crowd. As a British designer once famously said; “A man should look as if he had bought his clothes with intelligence, put them on with care, and then forgotten all about them.” Confidence should not be an accessory but the foundation on which style is built.

Dare to be different. Go on, I dare you.

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