Brunello Cuccinelli has form in taking the most simple, everyday basics and transforming them into covetable, quiet-luxury staples. Case in point: its impossibly elegant (yes, really) take on cargo shorts. The secret, here, is in the pared-back silhouette (no bulky pocket flaps) and instantly expensive-looking off-white hue, which automatically elevate them. And while us editors are prone to employing the words “investment piece” rather liberally, we’ll place all our bets on these being a firm fixture of your summer wardrobe for years to come.

To style, lean into the luxe look with similarly tasteful pieces in equally subdued hues. For instance, Barena’s subtly striped T-shirt and Boglioli’s lightweight linen shirt both offer wear-with-everything appeal. And accessories are always your friends, but for especially dialled-down, minimalist outfits, be sure to layer them on to create depth and add interest. Think TOM FORD’s cross-body bag, Brunello Cucinelli’s woven suede belt – plus a baseball cap, sunglasses and plenty of jewellery.

Stepping out in a pair of slouchy drawstring shorts needn’t be a sign of defeat this summer. At least, not if up-and-coming menswear designer SAIF UD DEEN has anything to do with it. Here he’s whipped up a pair of cotton-jersey bottoms in an icy blue that’ve been cold-dyed for a washed-out effect. An undeniable statement maker with a picnic-friendly waistline, consider these shorts concrete proof that you can be the most eye-catching dresser in the room without compromising on comfort.

No doubt these will go down a treat at festivals, barbecues and other such laid-back summer ’dos – and for such occasions, don’t be afraid to dial up the fun with your other pieces. For example, why not pile on pattern with Jil Sander’s abstract-printed T-shirt, then contrast the blues with a pair of sunset-orange Mr P. x Cubbits sunnies? Bottega Veneta’s wrinkled nylon intrecciato bag is a sure-fire conversation-starter, albeit conveniently hands-free, and a bucket hat come festival season is a given (this by nanamica is specially designed to keep you cool). Finally, anchor it all with a pair of suede Birkenstock clogs, which will keep the snug-yet-no-less-stylish theme going.

Gorpcore garments more your cup of tea? Nike’s ACG range, as always, has you covered. The brand’s technical take on the cargo short – dubbed the Snowgrass – arrives in a hard-wearing, water-repellent black nylon and a relaxed straight-leg fit. They’re pleasingly pocket-laden, too, in true cargo style, plus equipped with an array of clever-sounding details such as an adjustable webbing belt and a carabiner for your keys.

But note: translating technical outdoorsy pieces into more metropolitan settings means paying extra attention to the complementing garments. Our tip? Try balancing out all that nylon with soft cotton-jersey pieces such as Mr P.’s perky pink-and-red T-shirt and a hoodie by SAINT Mxxxxxx, and throw on a pair of sculptural black Balenciaga shades. A little Maison Margiela never hurt anyone, either: the French fashion house may typically offer its wearers high-fashion kudos, but the soft-yellow hue of these low-top sneakers will add levity to the more serious garments. Finish with plenty of silver hardware to hammer home your style credentials.