For most men, fashion is something of a mystery. Your girlfriend may tell you that red is in this season, but she could just as well say that Santa hats are a cool accessory and you’d probably believe her. While we largely don’t care though, it can still be crushing when you proudly flaunt a new t-shirt or jumper only to be lambasted for looking like a throwback to the 70s or one of the BeeGees (painful memories…).

So what to do? Is it time to start surfing the fashion channels? (Well there are some scantily clad women on there…). The problem with this then is that a) you can look like a ponce who follows fashion too closely (not particularly manly) or b) you can be so fashionable you just look weird to anyone who isn’t up-to-date with the trends. Boy it’s hard to be a bloke…

Forget that, instead what you should be doing is developing your own ‘style’ that gives a nod to the current trends but at the same time transcends them; a personal take on the timeless classics then with a nod to contemporary fashions.

The first thing to consider is your age and your look. If you younger than 22 you might still want to adopt a niche look, such as ‘jock’, ‘skater’ or ‘emo’. This can make fashion very easy for the younger generation so long as you go with the clique that best suits you, for example don’t try and be an emo if you’re 6’4’’, built like a brick shit-house with blonde hair. It just won’t work.

While this is an easy option however, you do risk looking like a drone so even if you’re young don’t subscribe to these looks wholesale – instead adapt elements of the style but combine them with your own tastes. For example to look a bit surfy you could have a sharks tooth round your neck and a summery shirt without buying into all the different brands etc. As a side note, don’t try and look like a surfer unless you actually surf… otherwise you’re just a fraud.

If you’re a bit older however, or just want to look like you know what you’re doing, you should adopt a more classic look. Looking like a skater is really for kids, and you’re not going to impress any hot women or potential employers with a nose ring. Imagine then that you work in an office with a fairly slack dress code – you’re a high flying journalist, smart yet hip and with a large disposable income (you can create the illusion of wealth even on a budget if you know where to shop).

Here you’ll want a few good staples, a nice suit, a good blazer, a funky watch and good shoes (no rubber soles). For casual events invest in some expensive looking jeans and light weight trousers and a couple of casual shirts. Think Daniel Craig or Christian Bale. Another piece of advice once you’re past your teens is not to show off gigantic flashy logos – you’re not a corporate sponsor and the item’s quality should speak for itself.

Now add a nod to the current fashions. One item that’s in at the time of writing (in a casual way) at the moment are lumberjack shirts, which you can wear while relaxing with a nice pair of jeans if you’ve got the cowboy look going on. Another is the cardigan which can look good over a shirt. While 80’s style aviators are also back and can be great for hot weather so long as your face doesn’t get drowned out by them. Skinny jeans and ties can also be added to the mix if you’re that sort. This way you’re classic, not a slave to the fashion, but at the same time acknowledge it showing an awareness – you’re not your Dad just yet.