Summer style: key menswear trends

By Katie Wright

Summer has arrived and it’s time to adjust your wardrobe accordingly. Not only so you can handle the heat, but so you’re up to date with the latest designer-approved looks (even on a high-street budget).

What’s hot in the world of menswear? These are the spring/summer 2021 catwalk trends that are set to dominate this season…

Utility

Likely a reaction to the challenging times we’ve all faced over the last year-plus, designers have become obsessed with utilitarian clothing, intent on kitting consumers out for the urban jungle.

From safari jackets at Gucci and Ermenegildo Zegna, to military style multi-pocket trousers at JW Anderson and Balmain, the utility trend is here to stay.

Statement shirts

The spring/summer shows often feature more adventurous colours and prints and this season was no exception, with brands like MSGM, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana making the case for uber-bright short-sleeved shirts.

Not sure about neon or acid brights? Try a jazzy print but in a more muted palette, to ease yourself into the trend.

Nautical

The sailing-inspired look never really goes out of style, but this time around, designers took nautical up a notch with luxe Breton tops and fisherman jumpers seen on the SS21 catwalks.

You can’t go wrong with the classic nautical combination of navy and white. Team your sailor stripes with a pair of boat shoes and you’ll be looking shipshape in no time.

Shorts

Your shorts shouldn’t be quite so short this season, if you want to be bang on trend. Baggy bermudas and longer cargo styles were big news on the catwalks at Dior, Etro, DSquared2 and Burberry.

Pastels

On the menu colour-wise, ice-cream hues were a massive trend, with powder pink suits at Balmain and Gucci, baby blue denim at Isabel Marant and lavender trenches at Moschino.

The easiest way to nod to the look is with one pastel piece. But if you want to really embrace the catwalk vibe, go head to toe with a sugary shade.