MR PORTER answers your most pressing style questions.

Fashion is cyclical, which means that things we deem extremely uncool now and surely banished for ever – such as deep-V T-shirts, boot-cut jeans or centre-parted hair – may one day make an unlikely return. White socks have long been in this no-go category. But are they staging a comeback? We make the case below.

We also provide suggestions for affordable entry points for someone wanting to upgrade his look on a budget, and offer some gift ideas if you’re staying at someone’s house this summer.

Check in again next Friday when we’ll be answering three more of your style-based questions.

Can you suggest some brands for someone who is starting to dress better, which don’t cost a fortune?

@philipp.wineart, via Instagram

While it’s true that most luxury and high-fashion brands do tend to carry a punchy price tag, the buyers at MR PORTER continue to make efforts to broaden our range at the more affordable end of the spectrum. Allow me to point you in the direction of a few go-tos. Club Monaco and J.Crew are great for basics such as chinos and T-shirts, while Alex Mill is another well-priced and less obvious option to consider. For weekend wear, Mollusk, Saturdays NYC, Onia and Stüssy offer an accessibly priced summery/surf aesthetic. If you’re looking for something more office-friendly, you may appreciate the Scandinavian simplicity and democratic pricing of NN07 and COS. If you can stretch your budget a little more, I would encourage you to consider buying into Oliver Spencer, Folk and Albam – three brands that really hit that aspirational yet attainable sweet spot between high street and high end. In terms of footwear, if Vans feel a little young, go for some Converse Jack Purcells or some Sperry Top-Siders. As for accessories, what about a Timex or Braun watch or a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses?

Your question is particularly well-timed this week, given that MR PORTER’s summer sale is in full swing. A handy tip: hover over the “SALE” category on the top left, click on your size, sort by “price low” and get scrolling.

Are white socks really back in fashion or am I being trolled?

Mr Rich Barker, via email

White socks have been the Pictionary definition of naffness for the past 20-odd years. Even men who knew nothing about fashion knew that much. But as unlikely as it sounds, they are pulling themselves up to make something of a comeback, along with the recent wave of 1990s nostalgia, especially with millennials and more confident/fashion-forward dressers. You will see them sported in different styles, depending on your aesthetic, so let us count the ways.

Sock and slides: this look has been around for a while now, arguably popularised by athletes – particularly basketballers and to a lesser extent footballers – who give their battered feet a breather before and after games. Socks ’n’ slides has become a big look among Supreme/Hypebeast acolytes. The socks need to be pulled up – and if you’re going to wear a branded pair, make sure they don’t conflict with your footwear. Combining Swoosh and Stripes, to pick the most egregious example, is bad juju.

1990s SoCal skater: as our Made In California capsule collections highlighted, the 1990s skate and surf look has made a return with Stüssy, Noon Goons and Outerknown. Think Vans slip-ons or Old Skools worn with cropped, frayed hem black jeans and white tube socks. Converse All-Stars work, too.

Normcore/1990s nostalgia: this is a broad category, but as we’ve seen from Vetements, which is so achingly hip it’s practically arthritic, the 1990s are cool again. The company recently collaborated with a number of old-school streetwear brands from Champion to Reebok to Carhartt, and white socks are very much part of this ensemble.

White-on-white preppy: we’ve all seen those pictures of JFK on a boat, or Mr Paul Newman on a boat, or Mr Steve McQueen… on a boat. How have we been ignoring the fact all these years that they are wearing white socks with their light/white chinos and white tennis shoes? The key thing when going for a preppy look like this is to keep it tonal – and try to avoid sports socks here. These Thom Browne ones are nice, although this Mavic pair is much more reasonably priced.

**When staying at someone’s house, what is an appropriate gift to take for the host?

Simon R-H, via email**

First of all, don’t be a cheapskate. Think of what you would spend if you were staying in a hotel and eating out. Since your generous host is bearing the brunt of the cost and the effort, the least you can do is take them something they will appreciate. A bottle of plonk and some wilting blooms ain’t going to do it, but a lasting gift will ensure your visit lives long in the memory – and should boost your chances of a repeat invite.

Here are a few suitable suggestions: some Aesop hand wash and balm, a set of Cire Trudon scented candles, a Soho Home cashmere throw – all are solid can’t-go-wrong options. For wine drinkers, perhaps a Soho Home decanter, a Tom Dixon wine cooler or an Asprey corkscrew. If they like games, this backgammon set from Folk could be a good option, as could a beach bat and ball set from Frescobol Carioca. If they like photography, what about a coffee-table book or a Polaroid camera?

Finally, leave something witty and irreverent in the guestbook and say thank you properly afterwards. A text or email is better than nothing, but a handwritten card is a touch of class.

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