Stripes are often touted as ‘style perennials’ and ‘wardrobe must-haves’, and made a big statement at the SS17 fashion weeks. But how should you actually be wearing them this summer?

We’ve headed back to basics with a guide to stripes that’ll see you swapping the banker look for nautical flair, just in time for a trip to the beach this weekend.

Classic & Cool

The classic Breton stripe shirt looks good on pretty much every man, providing it’s worn in a way that only gently nods to the piece’s nautical heritage. Even if off to the French Riviera, don’t be tempted to also throw on boat shoes (or, worse, a boat neck).

Ditch the gimmicks and opt for a classic, crew neck T-shirt with long sleeves in a high-quality cotton. By pairing this with navy tailored shorts and clean white sneakers when it’s hot, or under a bomber with dark jeans when it’s not, you’ll get the Gallic cool without the Sailor Jerry jibes from your mates.

Scotch & Soda ss17

Pick ’n’ Mix

Mastered the mariner and looking for the next challenge? The runways were awash with clashing this season, and luckily the rules are pretty lax when it comes to what cuts the mustard in 2017.

Stripes on stripes is one of the easiest ways to take on the mix and match trend, and there are just a few simple rules to consider. Firstly, the lines should be going in different directions – i.e. horizontal on one piece, vertical on another.

Secondly, bear in mind the size of the stripe. They should be recognisably different from a distance, such as a thinner nautical stripe with a chunkier block motif.

Thirdly, whether you’re rocking a classic Breton or something a little louder, the palette still needs to be complementary. If colour wheel theory leaves you yawning, opt for muted tones – the clashing of the prints will create enough of a statement.