Men's fashion: Key looks for the spring

A British-made wardrobe doesn’t have to be the preserve of the aristocracy, as M&S's Best of British collection returns for a second season

Bloomin' marvellous

Florals bloom over much of menswear this season, but some of the best, and darkest, were by Dries Van Noten. He explored his own archive, too, ahead of the recently-opened exhibition of his work at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs – a must-see if you’re in the City of Light. ‘Inspirations’, until 31 August, lesartsdecoratifs.fr

Scents and sensibility

Valentino designers, Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri, have created this new, utterly elegant fragrance, with notes of cedar, coffee and bergamot. Valentino Uomo, from £46 for 50ml eau de toilette, selfridges.com

Bombers away

Bomber jackets in silk jacquard, suede and techno-fabrics are turning heads. But for a more understated interpretation, look to Fruit of the Loom’s new collection, Seek no Further, whose premium take on contemporary classics will be available at its east London pop-up. £250, seek-no-further.com

And the beat goes on

The frenetic energy and infallible cool of the Beat generation was channelled on the catwalks this summer. At Missoni, pleated trousers and short-sleeved shirts were accompanied by a collaboration with Scottish outerwear brand Hancock – goatee, jazz cigarette and finger snaps optional. From £810, Missoni x Hancock, missoni.com

The brights of spring

Let an injection of colour put a spring in your step. Dunhill's Bourdon Brights collection gives classic pieces a high-saturation make-over – just the thing to make a conservative ensemble sing. Briefcase, £595, dunhill.co.uk

Rudeboy don’t cry

This summer, an exhibition will showcase the dapper Rudeboy look that so epitomised the ska and two-tone scenes of the 1980s, and explore the look’s Jamaican roots. From 13 June, somersethouse.org.uk

Witness the fitness

The sportif trend continues on the catwalks, with cycling proving a key motif. River Island’s new RI Cycle range is designed to inject technical details into the workaday wardrobe. From £25, riverisland.com

Get shorty

As night follows day, designers will propose short suits for summer, and this season Jil Sander, Wooyoungmi and Junya Watanabe offered some of the best. The longer-lines of the 2014 version will come as a relief to those who don’t want to relive the horror of Hi-de-Hi!-style knobbly knees contests.

A shoe in

Clarks kicks are so much more than school-uniform fare. This season, Danish brand Wood Wood has made over the classic Tawyer – and this claret and blue stripe won’t only appeal to West Ham fans. £100, woodwood.dk

Tiger Tiger

The Swedish family-feel label, Tiger, now has an official tartan. The brand’s Scottish designer, Ronnie McDonald, had the idea that Tiger is like a clan, so worked with London Cloth Co to weave its very own tartan. What does a Swede wear under his kilt? Some very natty tailoring, naturally. Jacket, £999, tigerofsweden.co.uk

Jean genie

The idea of a denim jacket raises most men’s hackles, with thoughts of the acid-washes and ripped seams of the Eighties. Fear not, though, as Levi’s premium Red label returns with a collection of workwear staples inspired by the brand’s original designs, circa 1870 – lightweight and lined in silk for a special touch. From £535, Levi’s, ln-cc.com

In the shade

How better to welcome the arrival of the sun than with a fittingly cool pair of shades? Aussie sunglasses brand, Quay, knows a or two about fending off the great solar beast. £25, Quay, topman.com

Firm footing

Formal dressing in the summer months can be something of a chore, as can choosing the right footwear for the season’s more casual take on tailoring. Trust John Lewis to find a solution; it’s introduced a range of modern classics into its successful own-label, offering brogues, Derbys and Chukka boots. Chukka boot, £95, johnlewis.com

Look, no hands!

Backpacks are no longer just for carting your gym kit about, as brands such as Eastpak have brought back classic schoolboy styles. Parisian accessories label Côte & Ciel’s take on the classic is otherworldly – but practical, too, with internal storage compartments and a super comfortable structure. £315, coteetciel.com

Brit kit

A British-made wardrobe doesn’t have to be the preserve of the aristocracy, as M&S’s Best of British collection returns for a second season. With an emphasis on summer tailoring, it isn’t quite cheap-as-chips, but with all the classics ticked, this is more than a one-season wonder. Suit, £699, marksandspencer.com