Many of us enjoy shopping with our partners or offering styling tips or suggestions. If you’re looking out for gift ideas, or you’re planning a wardrobe refresh for the guy in your life, here are some top trends to embrace this summer.

A new take on stripes

Summer is traditionally associated with nautical styles and sailor stripes, but this year, designers have offered a new take on traditional designs. While blue and white will never go out of style, there’s scope to be much more adventurous and playful with stripes this season. Think different colourways, mixing and matching fine and wide stripes and bold statement pieces, such as brightly coloured striped co-ords and loud shirts and jackets. When buying striped items for your partner or best friend, take the colour and print into consideration. Thin, vertical stripes lengthen the body while horizontal, wide stripes can be less flattering. Opt for colours that complement the skin tone. 

Casual cool

Summer isn’t just about looking good. It’s also about feeling comfortable in what you’re wearing. When heat waves are a possibility and the afternoons and evenings can be sticky and muggy, it’s best to opt for casual, cool styles. Stick to natural materials like linen and cotton, avoid fabrics that cling to the body and embrace easy styling. Summer staples like a designer Off-White T shirt will never go out of fashion and they are simple to dress up or down. This summer, oversized tees, v-necks and loose trousers are everywhere, making staying cool and looking good a breeze. 

Bold colours and patterns

This is the year to go all-out if your partner is a fan of colour and they’re not afraid to turn heads with bold patterns or vibrant, vivid prints. Look for brands and pieces that are guaranteed to trigger a dopamine hit and customise outfits to suit the individual. Printed or coloured suits and co-ords are ideal for the more audacious dresser while adding pops of colour is a great way to channel the trend without pushing the boundaries. You could buy a patterned tie to go with a beige, baby blue or light grey suit or add a pair of plain camel or blue tailored shorts to a printed shirt or a bright red, pink, green or orange tee, for example. 

Showing some skin

Open shirts and blazers are huge for summer and there’s also room on the must-have lists for short shorts and cropped t-shirts. For those who are confident and comfortable showing some skin, there are opportunities to snap up key seasonal pieces. Those who aren’t convinced by the bolder styles synonymous with this trend can opt for a more subtle approach by unbuttoning an extra button or wearing an open shirt with trousers, shorts or jeans. 

 

Temperatures are rising and it’s time to embrace warm-weather dressing. If you’re shopping for your partner, or you like to put outfits together as a duo, top trends for summer 2023 include a new take on stripes, bold brights and garish prints, casual cool styles and exposed skin.