PREVIOUSLY overshadowed by the attention-grabbing womenswear events, the men's fashion weeks, which take place in January and June, are going from strength to strength – with more designers showing every season, and garnering more column inches, tweets and celebrity attendees in the process.
This is good news when Father's Day swings round, as it means the high street's full of catwalk-inspired prize-buys that would make great gifts for dapper dads.
Check out these stylish summer buys for starters...
ORIENT EXPRESS
Many of the Italian designers looked east for spring: Louis Vuitton and Valentino both sent out silk bomber jackets emblazoned with Chinese dragons and oriental emblems, while intricate blossom and bamboo prints showed up at Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana.
A mint green floral suit may be a bit much for all but the most fashion-forward dads, but a printed tee or short-sleeved shirt is your shortcut to the Eastern aesthetic.
:: Burton Cream Bamboo Print T-Shirt, £16 (www.burton.co.uk)
:: White Stuff Pagoda Printed Shirt, £42.50; Warren Chino Short, £39.95 (www.whitestuff.com)
:: RJR.John Rocha Blue Origami Leaf Shirt, £40 (www.debenhams.com)
MADE IN SUEDE
Aside from silk, the only outerwear to be seen in this season is of the suede variety, as seen at Belstaff and Bottega Veneta.
A suede zip-up jacket with minimal detailing is a style classic that will last well beyond this season, as long as you stick to neutral browns and greys – leave black for winter.
:: Next Camel Suede Bomber Jacket, £120 (www.next.co.uk)
BACKPACKS THAT MEAN BUSINESS
The humble backpack has come a long way in recent seasons, as sporty, slouchy, shove-them-in-the-corner styles make way for polished, show-me-off designs.
Take your cues from Louis Vuitton and Hermes: look for butter-soft leather or suede, sleek shapes and as few pockets as possible - simplicity is key.
:: Matt and Nat Dean Olive Backpack, £135 (mattandnat.com)
:: Hartmann J Biznes Backpack, £400 (www.hartmannluggage.co.uk)
THE ANORAK'S BACK
Have you heard? The nerd is fashion's new muse, and the anorak is making a comeback, as seen everywhere, from Paris (South Korean label Wooyoungmi) to Milan (Brioni's sporty stylings) and London (Lou Dalton's all-white numbers).
To really nail the summer man-mac look, it's got to be pale, lightweight and longline – think Patrick Bateman in American Psycho, without the murderous tendencies...
:: Elka Men's Thy Rain Jacket, £130 (Coggles.com)
:: Rains Transparent Rain Jacket with Blue Trimming, £75 (www.topman.com)
CAP IT OFF
The coolest baseball caps right now aren't affiliated with any sports team, they're the kind rendered in suede, leather, textured fabrics and even plexiglass.
Everywhere from Balmain to Versace, looks were topped off with a snapback in a neutral tone, worn – crucially – the right way round.
:: Antony Morato Technical Fabric & Plexiglass Baseball Cap, £29.90 (www.morato.it)
:: Ted Baker Lovlok Mixed Texture Baseball Cap, £37 (www.houseoffraser.co.uk)
GET THE LOOK
Tommy Hilfiger took the 'life's a beach' idiom to its extreme for his SS16 collection, styling crocheted bikinis and one-pieces with all kinds of daywear. Want a piece of the action? Pair the Milena Blue Crochet Flower Bralet, £15, from Pretty LittleThing, with board shorts and a bomber for a sizzling summer look (www.prettylittlething.com).
BUY IT NOW
Selfish Mother's charity logo tees and sweats for ladies have been a major hit, and now the brand has launched a range for the men too, with £15 from every sweatshirt, and £10 from every T-shirt, going to Prostate Cancer UK.
:: Selfish Mother Dadding It Sweatshirt, £45 (www.thefmlystore.com)
FASHION FLASH
:: CLEAR YOUR CLOSET, CLEAR YOUR MIND
How long did it take you to decide what to wear this morning? The average women spends 17 minutes a day choosing an outfit, and men aren't much better, taking 13 minutes each, according to a survey for Marks & Spencer's Shwopping campaign. Furthermore, 62 per cent of women admit they suffer from 'wardrobe rage' when they can't find anything to wear in their messy wardrobes, 21 per cent say this has caused them to row with their partner, and 14 per cent have refused to go out because they weren't happy with their look. Fashion stylist Bay Garnett says it should only take two minutes to pick an ensemble and recommends regular clear-outs via the Shwopping scheme: donate unwanted clothes in store and they'll go to Oxfam – and you'll be one step closer to a stress-free wardrobe.
STYLE STEAL
Ideal for barbies, beach days and everything in between, this strappy Crochet Hem Sun Dress, £17.99, from Bonprix, will see you through you through summer in fine style (www.bonprix.co.uk).
