The expression 'borrowed from the boys' now feels incredibly outdated. It's now so commonplace for women to shop in men's departments (and vice versa) and gender neutral collections are on the rise. It has to be said, our wardrobes are all the better for it. So that's why, with the latest round of men's shows this summer, we're not thinking in terms of what you should borrow but what styling lessons you can learn.
Take the oversized and printed waistcoats at Giorgio Armani - just the thing to reinvigorate your back-to-work wardrobe - or the preppy-with-a-twist jumpers at Wales Bonner (worn with knitted shorts for double the fun). At Dior, Kim Jones presented a collab collection with Travis Scott, rapper and founder of his own brand Cactus Jack. Walking through a set that looked like a cross between marshmallows and desert rock formations, Dior's man will be wearing a a part day glo, part neutral wardrobe this spring, with neon green outerwear, candy floss pink sportswear, jewelled earrings, shearling-lined sliders and sunglasses chains galore.
Here's everything you'll want to earmark for next spring (and copy with what's already in your wardrobe now).
SEE: The Best Trends From The Spring Menswear Shows
1 of 8Dior
As part of his collaboration with Cactus Jack's Travis Scott, Kim Jones presented candy-coloured coats and equally sugary sweatpants. Perfect if you've got a sweet tooth.
2 of 8Giorgio Armani
For office workers navigating a gradual return to the workplace, a full suit might be a step too far after six months spent in a rotation of sweatpants and shorts. Giorgio Armani has a solution in the form of a loosely tailored waistcoat (a garment that also got a showing at Wales Bonner). Imagine how sharp this printed one would look paired with a crisp tee, sand-coloured slacks and mule sandals?
3 of 8Wales Bonner
Inspired by the music, movement and freedom of the outdoor nightlife of Burkina Faso, Grace Wales Bonner drew on the tradition of studio portraiture in West Africa. Sanlé Sory, Burkinabe artist, and his celebrated studio, Volta Photo in Bobo-Dioulasso, where he would capture the self-stylings of young and sophisticated visitors, was her starting point for spring. The preppy jumpers in beige and tangerine, worn with knitted gym-style shorts, were a highlight and just the thing to wear with wide-legged white jeans and fisherman's sandals this summer.
4 of 8Prada
At Prada, the summer-friendly short suit was given a playful twist with the addition of a candy-striped bucket hat (complete with chin strap). Proof, if even you needed it, that it's perfectly acceptable to mix officewear with out-of-officewear.
5 of 8Burberry
Riccardo Tisci showed several meditations on the trouser suit for next spring, including top-to-toe leather and this rather appealing utility two-piece. You could wear the constituent parts separately (the sleeveless jacket over a shirt dress, for example, and the trousers with mesh top) or together for the ultimate in no-fuss suiting.
6 of 8JW Anderson
Short shorts (à la Paul Mescal) seem to be edging out their longer counterparts. Jonathan Anderson showed several styles with logoed knitwear and pulled-up tennis socks (and they also cropped up at Fendi and Prada) . A cute look to try at the park (and so much more comfortable than denim cut-offs).
7 of 8Lanvin
When was the last time you wore a polo shirt? Lanvin's, which were printed and paired with similarly exuberant trousers and accessories, couldn't be further than what you're probably remembering from school gym classes.
8 of 8Ahluwalia
Priya Ahluwalia's third short film, Parts of Me, was an exploration of 'the transcendental embodiments surrounding Black and Brown hair', and the designer's own fascination with hair as a means of identity, protest and expression. As well as incorporating a graphic collaboration with Lagos-born British designer Dennis McInnes, Ahluwalia threaded '60s and '70s Black liberation protest symbols of pride throughout the collection as embroidered badges. For anyone looking for an excuse to keep wearing sweatpants, the designer's smart set is the way forward, particularly when paired with a striped neck scarf to give the whole look an artistic bent.