WATCH out, guys, because this is the summer of the floral shirt, skinny jean and the trucker cap . . . or at least that's what everyone's wearing in the rest of the western world. If you want to keep up with your European counterparts, and dispel the myth that Irish men don't do trends, get ready to be brave. We asked Yvonne O'Rourke, menswear buyer for Arnotts, to help us pick your 10 holiday must-haves.
1. The cap Trucker-style cap, 15, by Bench.
The look: Canadian mountain man meets Texas trucker.
Yvonne says: "The baseball cap is gone and the trucker cap is where it's at now."
Where will you wear it?
Summer hikes, casual barbecues and any kind of holiday.
Wear with: A casual teeshirt or shirt, denims or combats, a messenger bag and shades.
2. The footwear Runners, 60, Converse.
The look: Rock star New York.
Yvonne says: "With the rise of the old-fashioned rock band comes the much missed grunge look in menswear, back on our streets for summer '06."
Where will you wear them?
Everywhere from your local pub to your girlfriend's parents' house, and even into work (if you can get away with it).
Wear with: Your skinny trousers. Dress up your upper half with a smart blazer or shirt if you fear getting turned away at pubs.
3. The jeans Skinny denims, 210, Diesel.
The look: Pete Doherty.
Yvonne says: "Skinny jeans are very now. They have taken off hugely on the continent, in the US and in the UK but have been a bit slower to take off here, although this summer that will probably change" Where will you wear them?
At weekends, for nights out and on holidays.
Wear with: A fitted shirt, blazer or cotton knit for nights out and, for daytime, with floppy tee-shirts or zippy retro jackets.
4. The tee-shirt 'Keep Life Wild' tee-shirt, 60, at Arnotts.
The look: Boy summer.
Yvonne says: "Graphic tees were big last summer and it's the same this year, with a rise in smaller, more exclusive, boutique brands.
People are getting bored with mass-marketing." (2K is exclusive to Arnotts. ) Where will you wear it?
Nights out, lazy days and holiday beachwear.
Wear with: Jeans or combats and trainers.
5. The jacket Blazer, 380, Diesel.
The look: Harry Potter meets American preppy.
Yvonne says: "This blazer fits into the preppy theme where a classic style is funked up with the denim contrast collar and bright lining. This summer, it is a true wardrobe staple."
Where will you wear it?
Dress it up for work, or down for evening and weekend wear.
Wear with: Absolutely anything.
6. The shirt Floral shirt, 115, Diesel.
The look: A new twist on the Hawaiian.
Yvonne says: This slim-fit Diesel shirt is a great high summer piece that conjures up sunshine and holidays."
Where will you wear it?
Parties, on holidays.
Wear with: Jeans at home.
Cut-off shorts for holidays.
7. The jumper Striped jumper, 100, Tommy Hilfiger.
The look: School boy.
Yvonne says: "This piece ties into the preppy look, where we see a twist on classic pieces. It is the staple stripe cotton crew but this summer it's coming in righter colours, and with the contrast trim at the collar and hem."
Where will you wear it?
Casually for lounging around, dressed up for going-out.
Wear with: Jeans or shorts during the day and a pair of cleaner denims and a blazer for heading out on the town.
8. The anorak Red anorak, 160, 'Energie'.
The look: 1950s' Beatnick.
Yvonne says: "This bomber jacket fits the Mod scooter boy look for summer perfectly."
Where will you wear it: Day trips and nights out.
Wear with: Clean white and black tee-shirts, denims and trainers.
9. The trousers Camouflage khakis, 105, Full Circle.
The look: Action Man.
Yvonne says: "The army theme is still here and set to stay into autumn/winter '06."
Where will you wear it:
Weekends and holidays and as an alternative to denim.
Wear with: Dressed down with a tee and trainers, or smartened up with a blazer.
10. The bag Shoulder bag, 65, at Arnotts.
The look: Record bag meets the great outdoors.
Yvonne says: Accessories are key this season and the 'man bag' is big."
Where will you wear it: Both functional and subtle, you could take it anywhere.
Wear with: Anything.
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