Our style experts answer your most pressing sartorial questions.

Trends come and go in waves, and navigating them can be a tricky business. This week in our style questions column we address the changing tides of streetwear, and consider whether the camp-collar shirt is untouchable in this regard. Plus, this summer is shaping up to be somewhat of a scorcher, and we’ve been inundated with questions of how to gird your wardrobe against the heat. Read on to discover what sartorial pearls of wisdom we’re blessing you with this week.

How does one pull off looking fresh and young(er?) while not giving in to the 1990s streetwear craze that’s been all the rage lately?

From @alfianbanjay, via Instagram

Positive news from fashion’s frontlines: although rave-ready streetwear is still popular and likely will be for a while, there’s also a backlash bubbling against it, meaning that designers are making it easier to look cool and current without feeling the need to swaddle yourself in Supreme. Raf Simons, seen by many as one of the designers who originally pioneered streetwear, is one of the brands behind this pushback. “We need a new outline. I know I was part of it [streetwear] myself, but too many hoodies with prints! You know, something needs to shift,” he told Vogue.com’s chief critic Ms Sarah Mower after his SS19 fashion show last month.

For those of us who aren’t really into the whole streetwear thing, this is great news. The key to riding the wave of this backlash, then, is to smarten up slightly, but not to the point that it hints at stuffiness. Think tailored trousers teamed with sneakers or slides, or cargo pants worn with a silk shirt. In other words, the most current thing you can do at the moment is to mix unexpected things together – the low with the lofty. Let’s call it “sharp casual”. A colourful camp-collar shirt, such as this one from streetwise Japanese brand Wacko Maria, will hit the mark in this regard, and will work well paired with some smart wide-legged trousers, like these ones from Gucci.

Will we see the camp shirt style for seasons to come, or has it reached its peak?

From @rafemasters, via Instagram

When we think of the camp-collar shirt, we do not worry about whether it has reached its peak, or if others are wearing one and we should follow suit (or, indeed, rebel). And we do not concern ourselves with idea of a camp-collar shirt being a “trend”. We ask ourselves one very simple question. Is it warm enough to wear one? And if it isn’t, well, it’s probably time to book a holiday. Of course, we are not blind to the fact that the camp-collar shirt had a bit of a resurgence about two years ago, and has been seen on runways and pavements pretty solidly since. And we don’t doubt that fashion designers may make less of them at some point in the future. But this is a piece of clothing that has been around since the 1950s, and some things stick around for a reason. So, if you own a camp-collar shirt and the sun is out – wear it. And if you don’t own one, we can help you acquire one. If you want something simple, carefree and classic – try this one by Orlebar Brown. If you’re in the market for something a little more exciting, try this tropical print one by Hartford. Or just choose for yourself.

How to look good in scorching hot temps?

From @tobecontinued.thrift, via Instagram

There is an old English saying that goes: horses sweat, men perspire and ladies radiate. In scorching temperatures, as in other matters, you should do as the ladies do. You must aim to merely radiate. This is the key to looking good. To look good in scorching temperatures, you must also feel comfortable. Tight clothes, thick fabrics, constraining attire, all these things are fine, can be stylish even, when you are wiling away your time with a gin and tonic in October. But come to wear any of that business when the sun has got its hat on and when you are two drinks down at the Tiki Bar in Cancún, and you will be apt to find yourself caught in an unscheduled downpour from your sweat glands, and that ain’t ever going to be a good look. If you want to make a good impression in the sunshine at, say, some fancy lunch spot, white is your friend (unless you are eating spaghetti) as it reflects heat. Try these trousers from Orlebar Brown, which are made of linen so light and breathable. Pair them on your top half with a shirt, rather than a T-shirt, so you can judiciously loosen a button or two as the mercury rises. This one, by Theory, is crafted in a cotton-linen blend and brings to mind 1930s Riviera style, which means that you will always look cool, even when it’s very hot.