Summer is finally here and it’s time to give those ankles an airing.

This year however its beachwear with a difference, the trick is to add a bit of uptown glamour to your board shorts wardrobe.

Men should to take their tips from superstars such as Kanye West and Jay – Z this summer adding dressed up touches like ties and dinner shirts to dress down shorts like chinos.

Bright colours such as those we mentioned last months are back with a vengeance.

As we can’t trust the ‘great British weather’ try teaming a bright blue sweater with a shirt, tie and long shorts for the perfect on trend look.

The preppy look sported by American rich boys as seen on the OC and 90210 is perfect for this season. Look at designers such as Ralph Lauren to find out how to pull off the look. If you’re feeling really on point why not add a cheeky bow tie, only the truly cool can carry one of those off.

The length of the shorts is important, just above the knee or just below, never crop jeans and NEVER short shorts as seen on footballers in the ‘60s.

So there you have it, bright colours and cool touches are what every man needs this summer, Sophisticated beach glam.

“Long hair minimizes the need for barbers; socks can be done without; one leather jacket solves the coat problem for many years.” – Albert Einstein

Even Einstein knew a good thing when he saw it! If you haven’t circumed to the leather envy as of yet, then now is the time to start (and no we’re not talking PVC or fetish). Going back to the days of Marlon Brando in The Wild One, the leather jacket has become the one reliable staple in every man’s wardrobe. Travelled through from season to season, it, like most things gets better with age.

Whether you’re trying to give the illusion of being “a bad boy”, or if you really are the Johnny Strabler of our time, a leather jacket should be the most prominent piece of your possession.

Although it’s a costly investment, it’s timeless once you choose a good cut.

From bombers to aviators there’s an array of styles to choose from. The key things to keep in mind are – to choose one that complements the clothes that you wear the most, if it’s a statement jacket, then try to tone down your look with plain neutral colours (lets face it you want to look more James Dean not james…) and always get one that you’re comfortable in, if you cant move your arms properly, then it’s a no no!

This season saw Burberry come up trumps on the leather front with more edgy jackets, and accessories. Although Belstaff is always a winner on the quality of leather and style.

Abigail A. Everard

Men, with it getting a bit nippy out there! MACS is now delighted that the Fairisle range has become popular this winter.

Here are some of our favs from Topshop:

Article by mr.cos@mac.com

Check out Skive & Toole, an exciting new accessories brand for gentlemen. Luxurious, yet surprisingly affordable.

Capturing the iconic time of British youth in the mid-sixties, Skive & Toole’s new collection takes inspiration from the two tribes of Mods and Rockers.

The ‘Doherty’ range takes on the hedonistic Mod look that could as easily be spotted on the back of a Vespa or swaggering along Carnaby Street.

‘Jagger’ is the Rocker of the collection; metal zip pockets add a tough edge with inspiration taken from bikers leather jackets-very ‘The Wild Ones’.

Article by mr.cos@mac.com

With London Fashion Week over for another year, it’s as good a time as any to take a closer look at the emergence of trends in men’s suits. Generally, men’s trends are few and far between, compared to women’s, so it’s not surprising that a more classic, preppy trend in tailoring came to the fore.

Velvet jackets are a great trend that has slowly been building popularity over the last couple of years. I love this Tom Ford ‘Mountbatten Sport Jacket’. Particularly showing how just a jacket can look great with jeans.

www.tomford.com

Or a full three-piece velvet suit from Dolce & Gabbana if you feel you can’t get enough of the stuff.

www.dolcegabbana.com

And perennial favourite, but not for the faint hearted, Paul Smith in a really funky, piped offering.

Japanese designer, Mihara Yasuhiro made his name by partnering with Puma since 2000. Before the snow comes back and we have to think of more sensible footwear, have a look at his latest and distinctively Japanese offerings for Autumn/Winter. These silvery numbers are £129.00 from YOOX.com.

Some more great sneakers here too:

mihara.puma.com/collection/

Not to be outdone, Alexander McQueen also has collaboration with Puma in the works for autumn.  Muted, but I like the urban nomad vibe. £132.00

Both available from www.yoox.com.

Article by mr.cos@mac.com

Hey you! Yeah you kitted out in all that trendy fashion. Your iPhone feels left out….What are you going to do about it? Let Mr.Cos help you decide…

Paul Smith iPhone case for 3G/3GS. My sources tell me that their new iPhone 4 case will come in three flavours, but more if I hear anything next month.

Loius Vuitton case for iPhone 3G/3GS/4.

I cant decide if this is the gayest or butchest thing I’ve ever seen.

And finally, a snappy Diesel number in red leather. For 3G/3GS and 4.

Regardless of fashion, your iPhone needs a case, it’s a hefty investment in most cases as most smartphones are these days-protect it.

Article by mr.cos@mac.com

Not all denim shirts are equal. Almost everyone looks good in one. There’s something a little ‘hard’ about denim full-stop. Denim jackets gained a way of prominence in the 50’s with the bad boys of that generation. Shirts are a natural progression from that genealogy. There is a danger of overdoing denim and swathing yourself in an impossible amount of the stuff, but these three shirts deserve a second look…just don’t say, “snow-wash” to them or me.

Paul Smith mushroom embroidered shirt. Love the detail of the embroidery, one for 70’s kids out there. £139.

G-Star Midnight Denim Shirt. Minimal detail, faded patches. Nice! £125.

Diesel Sunka Denim Shirt. Distressed finish with popper front. Zip up chest pocket and epaulettes. £100.

Article by mr.cos@mac.com

‘Manbags’ are bit of a joke, aren’t they? Well, men need bags. Here’s a selection of affordable and super stylish bags/briefcases that can be found on the high street that won’t bust your wallet and leave the ‘manbag’ crying in shame in the corner of your wardrobe…

Classic leather briefcase Marks & Spencer £119

Casual Bag, French Connection £65.

Bag by Reiss, £110

Ok, the last one might stretch that wallet a bit, but worth mentioning…

Leather briefcase by Tommy Hillfiger, £455.

Mr.Cos (aka Axxon N).
mr.cos@me.com

Marc Jacobs collaborative T-shirt with graphic artist duo M/M Paris is inspired by the American flag paintings of Jasper Johns. The micro collection is aptly titled ‘I am a star’, and includes a shirt, scarf and a cashmere version of this T-shirt in grey.

T-shirt, £95

From dandgstore.com

The skull print is the granddaddy of T-shirt prints. I like this one because it doesn’t try too hard.

T-shirt, £48

By John Varvatos Star USA from matchesfashion.com

There’s a poetic beauty to this wild west T-shirt – if you overlook the dead deer…

T-shirt, £40

From allsaints.com

Mr.Cos (aka Axxon N).
mr.cos@me.com