Plus, ways to smarten up a punk look, and how to wear socks (or not to) in summer.

Some of our readers want style advice about a specific piece of clothing, and how to wear it. Some want tips on dressing for a certain situation or occasion. Others would like us to build an outfit based on their interests and preferences. This week in our Style Advice column, we have questions which cover all three of these areas of sartorial query. From socks, to punk clothing, to dressing for a plane journey – find out how we answered your style questions, below.

Keep your questions coming – on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. We’ll be answering three more next week.

**What would you recommend to wear when travelling by plane for summer holidays?

From stuartholtom, via Instagram **

In the golden age of travel, that brief slither of time between 1958 and say 1975, flights were glam, seats were wide, dinners were long, and men would invariably wear a suit to travel in.

Of course, as is the way of the world, everything went downhill. Jets got faster but more uncomfortable, airlines added extra rows and removed leg room, economy began to resemble one of the circles of hell, and inevitably people started dressing down. And who can blame them? Should one really submit oneself to the rigour of the suit when you are about to spend hours in an a space no bigger than a dining room chair? Well, truth be told, yes – if that is, you want to get upgraded on that transatlantic flight. And even if there is no upgrade on the cards – say, you are flying to Puglia from the UK – then why dress any different than you would do in everyday life? If you wouldn’t wear a wife-beater in a wine bar, why do so on a plane?

Our advice, then, would be to dress as you would do if you were going out for dinner, dress like you mean it. If you are off somewhere warm, why not try this Boglioli linen jacket in ever-flattering navy, with these Salle Privée Gehry stretch-cotton twill chinos and this delightful Mr P. striped cotton-jersey T-shirt. It is chic, comfortable and sure to get the attention of the check-in staff. Happy flying.

What’s the easiest way to class up a more traditional punk style? ** From loganjhannen via Instagram**

What is considered the punk ethos is probably best defined as a rebellious, anti-authoritarian, even anarchic rally against the establishment and what went before it. In that context, the idea of a “traditional” punk style is perhaps a bit perverse, but we get what you mean. You’re probably thinking along the lines of a mohawk haircut in a vibrant hue, leather biker jacket, fitted graphic tee, ripped skinny jeans and bovver boots.

The good news is that the majority of that gear could fit comfortably into a modern-day wardrobe and is less likely to raise eyebrows than Mr Johnny Rotten being interviewed by Mr Bill Grundy did back in 1976 – give or take the mohawk. Better still, there are plenty of designers embracing the original punk spirit and pushing it into 21st-century style. Take Alexander McQueen, a brand that has that nonconformist aesthetic at its core. Or Blackmeans, a Japanese label that borrows heavily from the British subculture that took hold in the mid-1970s.

In truth, you can find that contumacious attitude in brands as diverse as Vetements, Saint Laurent and Fear of God – even Richard James, a tailor that shook up the decidedly stuffy Savile Row back at the turn of the century. Most of these designers probably wouldn’t class themselves as punks, but nevertheless class up punk.

So, the best way to dress up but embrace punk is to channel the movement’s DIY ethics and defiant nature: wear sneakers with a suit; pop a pin badge on the lapel; have a skinny band tee poking out underneath. In short, show a bit of individual flair.

Socks in summer... what patterns/colours? What socks with shorts? And can I wear anything other than invisible socks with cropped trousers? ** From simplybritishtom, via Instagram**

Oft-neglected, always misplaced – the humble sock is, well, just that. An overlooked part of your wardrobe. An unsung element of the male outfit. The underdog in a fight for attention in the style stakes. But, simplybritishtom, it need not be. Socks should be savoured for what they are. Essential. And what they can be – fun, and something that can make or break your outfit.

Let us explain, in the context of your question. Or, questions, should we say. Firstly – summer is, absolutely, a time to wear colourful socks. And socks with pattern. If you want to explore matters further, here is a Journal feature and here is a Daily piece – both of which should make you thoroughly enthused and knowledgeable on the subject of socks.

When it comes to shorts, however, we have some specific advice. You may want to pull some white, sporty socks half-way up your leg – as is some gents’ wont – and you should feel free to do so. Here are some that might be suitable for such endeavours. But, otherwise, we suggest you are discreet, and plump for some no show socks, like these. This is a preferable route to go down as opposed to, say, no socks at all (issues with cleanliness) or socks hovering near your ankle (schoolboy error).

Now, to your third question. You can, of course, wear socks with cropped trousers. Whether they are no-show to reveal your ankles in summer months, or loud and proud to flash a bit of colour – the choice is yours. Just make sure that the colour of the trousers and the socks go well together. Use your eyes, and your initiative. Red with blue, for example: a good way to stand out. Black with blue denim? Perhaps avoid. Neutral colours are generally safe, too.