Plus, how many patterns can you squeeze into one outfit? And a brief history of timelessness.

Although we never like to be too prescriptive when doling out style advice, sometimes there is only one straight answer to a question that we can sensibly give. Should I wear jeans to my friend’s black-tie wedding? No. Can I wear brown in town? Of course. May I reasonably use the term “mankle”? Absolutely not. However, the Style Questions that caught our eye this week are mainly subjective. How many patterns can you wear in a casual look? Are pink jeans cool? Can we define truly timeless style? Tricky things to pin down definitively. But we always like a challenge at MR PORTER, so find out how we got on, below. If you want a style question answered, email asky@mrporter.com or put your query to us on our social media channels (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter). See you next week.

**Saint Laurent has released a pair of pink jeans… How long before pink jeans for men are in fashion? ** From muhammad3393 via Instagram

We can tell you’re a man with your eye on the ball, Mr Patel – Saint Laurent has indeed designed a pair of pink skinny jeans. You could attribute it to last year’s frenzy over millennial pink, but it’s subtler, and you’ll notice that said jeans aren’t violently pink, nor are they rose, but rather like a white that’s blushing a little. This “blushing white” is a shade that’s been appearing on everything from button-down shirts and hoodies to more pairs of jeans (Tom Ford has also released some rather natty ones).

Because the colour is so close to a neutral, you should treat it as such when styling it, meaning you’re best off teaming it with other neutral colours like white or navy. They’ll add an understated point of difference to a smart summer outfit – try them with a piqué polo shirt and a blazer.

So, in answer to your question – it’s not a case of how long before pink jeans for men come into fashion (they’re already here!); it’s how long before they go out of fashion. And although we have no crystal ball to see how long trends like this will be around, the sheer amount of brands who have adopted the colour lead us to believe it’ll be around for a while.

**How many colour patterns, should a casual look consist off? ** From taari1313 via Instagram

Too many cooks spoil the broth, and too many patterns will make you look like a Floridian golfer from 1975. Them’s the rules, I am afraid. We would usually advise going with just one pattern and teaming it with other clothes that are toned down. So, if you want to wear a busy pattern on a shirt or a Technicolour print on your shorts, anchor it with muted pieces. As I said, that is what we would normally advise. But fortune does favour the bold, as someone who had had a few once said. So, if you are feeling confident enough in your sartorial nous, you can up the ante. Within reason.

It is wise in the first instance to maintain a consistent colour palette when you are mixing patterns or you could end up looking like a walking, breathing habderdasher shop. Add bits of colour with your accessories. The second thing to do is vary proportions of the pattern you are wearing: small checks with big ones, broad stripes with thin ones. If you don’t do this, you will end up looking a bit much. That’s the long answer. The short answer is: never more than two.

**Is there a style out there that is truly timeless? ** From broswilson, via Instagram

As with many things in life, the answer is a resounding yes... and no. In this case, the outcome hinges upon your definition of the word “style”. You ask if there is “a” style that is truly timeless. The use of the singular here implies you’re looking for one particular way of dressing that will never age – despite knowing, as we all do, that the world never stops ageing around you.

In which case, we can fairly unambiguously say that there are few individual styles that are truly timeless in the face of an ever-changing cultural context. However, there are certain pieces that you cannot go wrong with. Workwear is a pretty safe bet. Classic jeans, for example, are not going anywhere. Neither is the humble white T-shirt. Or the plimsole. If you need a timeless style icon, Mr Paul Newman is your go-to man. We’re still trying to wear our suits like him.

But let’s try reframing your question. And who better to consult than Mr Yves Saint Laurent, who famously said that, “Fashion fades,” while, “style is eternal”. Unpacking this a little further, you’ll note that his use of the word “style”, unlike yours, is not singular. Rather than referring to one particular way of dressing, he describes an approach, almost a way of thinking instead. And with this subtle change, the answer to your question becomes clearer.

Put simply, “timeless” style isn’t about creating a look that follows the latest trends. It’s about two things: 1) knowing who you are, and 2) dressing in a way that works in context. That context could be your body shape, or your age – which will affect whether you choose a pair of slim-fit chinos or those relaxed cotton sweatpants instead. Or it could be your occupation, a particular activity that you’re undertaking, or the season you’re doing it in – which might mean you opt for a classic charcoal blazer, or a denim jacket.

In each case, what you wear is less important than why you’re wearing it. Dressing in a way that truly reflects your sense of self and is appropriate to the situation you’re in is the first step to achieving, if not timelessness, then a sense of style that lasts more than five minutes.