Every year, with the change of the seasons, the latest, hippest, and most cutting-edge in fashion styles arrives on the runways of Paris and Milan. Modern designers are like 5 star Michelin chefs, and clothing, accessories, and fashion is a continuous fusion of different cultures and past decades; what is new and in style will always have its reference point somewhere in the past, and designers, like all artists, are always looking to reinvent the past. Men’s fashion for the spring and summer of 2011 is no different. It takes some classic looks and styles and adds a few modern embellishments.

The preppy, yacht rock look will never go out of style. Of course, this does not mean English boarding school preppy. Men just want comfort, class, and elegance. This year, buttoned down shirts are worn with rolled-up sleeves; the shirts are then matched with shorts that have a soft, subtle print, and the look is completed with deck shoes or loafers. A style that has cropped up in shows by Perry Ellis and Michael Bastian is to further enhance the preppy, yacht rock look by complimenting the color blue with a swatch of orange. This color scheme adds to an overall nautical appearance.

Simple and traditional, black is the hot, popular color. On the runways this spring and summer several designers put on shows featuring men clad in head to toe black. Louis Vitton, Simon Spurr, and Burberry have all reinvented the color for 2011. A secondary trend in color has been to bring back the bright, vibrant hues of the early 1990s; party wear and cycling caps are trendy.

Native inspired clothing is also fashionable this season. Traditional plaids have been replaced by native style prints, especially North, Central, and South American designs. Being that prints are difficult to pair with shorts or pants, these pieces of clothing should be used sparingly. However, they will add an element of surprise to any man’s wardrobe.

Finally, the classic urban look remains as strong as ever. In the spring and summer collections, double breasted blazers and crew neck shirts were popular. Clean, sharp lines and an immaculate appearance are important elements for a man’s wordrobe.

Whether you are lounging at the beachside bungalow or out at a nightclub in the city, men’s fashion for the spring and summer of 2011 offers many styles for the modern man to choose from.