Plus, how to dress in Tokyo this summer and what <i>The Talented Mr Ripley</i> can teach us all about menswear.

Dressing well is mostly about planning ahead. Whether that’s by considering what you’ll wear on a trip abroad, working out the best way to nail a tricky colour combination, or looking to the silver screen for some style inspiration, the questions we received in our inbox this week can mostly be solved by some simple sartorial groundwork. Planning ahead is itself a slippery skill to master, which is why we have taken the time to answer your queries in more detail. So, from why you should wear linen in Tokyo, to how to make the style of _The Talented Mr Riple_y your own this summer, read on for some elucidation on how to look your best.

As always, if you have a style conundrum, reach out to us via the usual channels (Instagram, Twitter and Facebook), as they say, and we shall endeavour to help.

Is the film The Talented Mr Ripley a good reference for this summer?

reubenldn via Instagram

We commend you on your question, reubenldn, but may we reword it slightly? Is The Talented Mr Ripley ever not a good style reference for summer? Because what could be more timelessly stylish than rich people on the sun-drenched coast of Italy in the 1950s? Or at least Hollywood’s imagination of it. If you like the faded, sun-bleached hues worn by Tom Ripley – and, more notably, Dickie Greenleaf – then you’re in good company, because we do, too. Look no further than washed-out colour, one of our key trends for this season. If you are thinking of stealing some specific looks from the film, how about Dickie’s short-sleeved, pointed-collar shirts, some rolled-up linen trousers and a pair of plimsolls? Or try his beige-blazer-with-a -bold-striped-tie combination. If Mr Ripley is more your man, try square, gingham, short-sleeved shirts and wide chinos. Whatever happens, if you’re wearing a suit or a smart jacket, buy Italian, and make sure it fits. And don’t forget some bright, fitted shorts, a summer staple, whatever your style preference.

**Navy and black: do they work together? If yes, how to make the perfect pairing? **

**aboutaguy via Instagram **

We’re not sure where the old wives’ tale that said navy and black shouldn’t be worn together originated, but it’s essentially nonsense. The French and Japanese have been doing it well for ever, and there’s really no reason it shouldn’t work. If anything, a helping of navy is a great way to take the edge off an all-black outfit, and to add some sophistication to boot. As with all matters of dressing well, deliberation is important, and it’s better if you look like you mean it. In that respect, it’s often wise to choose a navy that won’t be mistaken for black and therefore look faded next to any other black in your outfit. Beyond that, it’s all about styling.

Fortunately, that shouldn’t be too hard. Navy and black lend themselves well to workwear, and a good place to start is with a utilitarian jacket. This navy one from Aspesi is great as a transitional piece for spring, and this linen one from Studio Nicholson will see you right in summer. Team them with a pair of tough black jeans. These from Calvin Klein 205W39NYC cut a contemporary silhouette, which will go nicely under the aforementioned jackets. For the rest of your outfit, it’s a good idea to keep things clean and simple. Allow the black and navy to contrast and don’t disrupt the harmony by choosing something too bright. A striped T-shirt, such as this one from Margaret Howell, should do the job.

I’m planning a trip to Tokyo in August. It will be oppressively hot. How to stay (relatively) cool while remaining decently stylish?

carlheuch via Instagram

We have to admire your gumption, Mr Heuch. August is when the city hits peak humidity, and even among seasoned Tokyoites, it is a notoriously difficult time to dress well. Because of the inevitable crowded train journeys, relentlessly muggy air and profuse sweating, getting from A to B while looking decent is, well, not easy. Japan is well known for its strict office dress codes, although in 2005 the Cool Biz initiative was founded to allow company workers to wear more liberal clothing (and to lower air-conditioning costs) during the summer because it’s too unbearably hot for a suit.

Still, don’t let that put you off. Looking good in Tokyo without melting into a crumpled heap is still possible. To avoid having to duck into every FamilyMart you walk past in an effort to cool down under the air con, stick to breathable fabrics such as piqué, linen, light cotton and poplin. Avoid garish prints, and opt for quieter colours that won’t jostle with each other for attention. You can find some great stuff in this vein from Monitaly, whose designer is Japanese but based in California. The trousers, shorts and shirts will look the part in San Francisco as much as they will on the streets of Shibuya. As a general rule, you’ll look more the part in Tokyo if you keep things plain and simple, so don’t feel you have to accessorise beyond a pair of shades to keep the sun from your eyes. Although, speaking of accessories, a belt bag is a great idea. The Japanese were rocking them in a stylish way long before they were ironically reappropriated by the fashion set. As they say in Japan, ganbatte!

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