The best part of my job as fashion Director for Men's Health magazine is attending the Milan Menswear Collection every June. Fashionistas, journalists and celebrities gather from all over the world in a hot and muggy city of Milan to view and review the new summer collections of top international designers.

As always there are some new and exciting trends headed our way. This summer we are seeing the introduction of a more relaxed silhouette as opposed to last years much closer cut styles — much cooler and kinder to those of us living in the southern hemisphere as opposed to the somewhat restricting styles of last year.

The most obvious of this trend is the addition of wider-legged trousers, whether they be formal trousers or drawstring pants. Still teamed with a close-cut and structured jacket, yes — even drawstring pants — worn over t-shirt or shirt, this new look may be more relaxed but still maintains a sophisticated, stylish elegance.

If you're a t-shirt kind of guy, look for deeper scooped V-necks. If shirts are your thing then slim-fit cuts are the style of choice, and this summer you can get away with them worn casually over your trousers.

Ready to step out in style

Say goodbye to the uncomfortable necktie as the scarf (not the winter scarf) becomes the new trend accessory — whether tied loosely at the neck, draped beneath a jacket or worn hanging out the inside of a shirt, it's a great way to personalise your look.

Team with brogues in two tone finishes, roman inspired sandals replace last years leather thong or flip flop, or put on a chic pair of suede loafers and you are ready to step out in summer 08/09 in catwalk style.

Dressier occasions see the tuxedo in all variations still core to a guy's wardrobe but the bowtie makes a surprising and prevalent comeback. It looks quite cool and we haven't seen this quirky touch for some time now.

Add wayfarer sunglasses and your look takes on a trendy fashionable edge as aviator sunglasses are seen less and less this year. The bigger, the brighter, the bolder, the better! And colour? Well black and white will always be in, but this year we are seeing a really cool palette of soft summer shades coming through from icy greys, pale blues, dusky pinks and faded purples to an array of washed desert tones and iced cream colours.

I love the diversity of the collections, with each designer always maintaining their obvious signature yet always an underpinning contemporary trend. Some of my favourite shows this year included Dolce & Gabanna whose collection maintains its ultra sexy and slick edge.

Making a statement

This year as always, this talented team introduced an unexpected addition to their range — satin and silk range of 'loungey' sleepwear in black and white oriental prints. Dressing gowns, loose shirts and boxers with a tactile appeal as made an appearance. But this look may no be fitting for the average guy…

Vivienne Westwood is another of my all time favourites and as per usual the audience was filled with Westwood groupies in hints of tartan, men in skirts, statement hats and elements of English Goth.

Her theme this year embraced the eclectic style mix of Gypsies and though her runway outfits may appear too much to wear as a single ensemble, deconstructed there is an item for each of us to wear.

The audience stood to their feet in adoring ovation as the legendary Miss Westwood sauntered down the runway after the collection in a froth of red hair and a beaming smile. I was quite delighted to spot one of our home-grown models in this show — well done Pierro of Cape Towns Boss models.

DSquared had the audience bopping in their seats and screaming for more as the duo Dan and Dean showed a wearable and glitzy hip-hop inspired collection. The stage was set like a barber shop, break-dancers enthralling the audience and rap music pumping into the auditorium, this energetic show left the crowd inspired and excited.

And last, but never least — what would Milan Menswear Collections be without the King Giorgio Armani? A collection that was sophisticated, strong and masculine, incorporating modern sportswear, leisurely vocation apparel and super-fine suits.

Armani's shows always leave me tingling — they understand the every need of the discerning stylish man. I could go on and on about the more than 20 shows I saw and there were many more that entertained, excited and inspired me.

Down to the basics:

This may all seem a little overwhelming and you might find yourself asking — but what about all the stuff I just bought last summer?

I've only just managed to build up the courage to squeeze myself into a pair of skinny fit jeans and now trousers are in! Do I toss the skinnies then? Heck no! This is why I love the 'crossover' period of fashion trends. We really only see major changes every 10 years or so and yearly changes are just a few tweaks here and there to collars, number of buttons, lapel widths, necklines etc. and unless you are a die-hard fashion junkie it's not really necessary to adapt to these minimal changes on a seasonal basis.

I suggest, add a few new items to your existing wardrobe, freshen up with some new seasonal colours and invest in some timeless classics. This way you will always have contemporary style, without being a 'neurotic trendoid'. Fashion should always be fun and not stress you out — if it feels good, if you feel good then wear it! And keep your cool this summer.

Hot this coming summer:

• Sunglasses: Aviators give way to retro inspired wayfarers
• Shoes: Two-tone or finish brogues, roman type strappy sandals, suede loafers
• Shirts: Nehru or smaller button down collars still slim-fitting and shaped to the body.
• T-shirts: Deeper scooped V-necks and layers of lightweight cardigans
• Jackets: Still cropped short to the hp and structured fitting the shape of the body.
• Pants: Trouser legs tend to be wider and waistlines are higher although the slim-fitting tapered and narrow leg still remains an essential item — both styles are worn with the slim cut jacket.
• Casual jackets: Lightweight track and bomber jackets remain, ribbed at the cuff and hemline.
• Colours: Greys (all shades) cream white and ivory, pale blues and ice cream colours, shades of stone and sand and for the brave varying shades of pale purple and lilac.
• Finishes and fabrics: Still time to shine — sheens, metallics, patent leather and silks as well as wool silk blends for suiting and pure cottons for casual wear.