Wouldn't life be easier if it were possible for everyone to appoint an assistant, someone to analyse the nuances of our taste and style? These wondrous beings would cut out the trawl and keep a beady eye on the old bank statement to make sure that the only hearts stopping were the ones of ladies spotting the handsome cut of Sonia Rykiel gentleman's Mac of choice.

More importantly these subtle gurus would be able to pop up at the right moments to make gentle (or rather more profound) suggestions for the suitable attire for the All Important Occasions (A.I.O's) that are beginning to creep more frequently into everyday life.

So how can the discerning gentleman, or even just the normal bloke who doesn't relish squirming in a kaftan just because it's 'summer chic' make a failsafe decisions for A.I.O's without looking like an avalanche of 'key trends' have erupted in one 'interesting' outfit? To start, here is a gentle introduction to two potential stylistic landmines.

The Job Interview

Sometimes traffic, buses, pedestrians, nay, even the elements will conspire to thwart even the most carefully planned route to an interview. If there are any reasons that the all important cross-examination isn't a 100% success, let it not be the image of a dazzlingly urbane professional you present with your apparel.

A job interview should be accompanied with the Mantra "smart is more", not terribly original, but then neither is "always be prepared" and it seems to have served the Scouts for a number of years.

A colleague recently divulged that an interviewee had once arrived without his false teeth, a problem probably not too relevant to most CFM readers, but it reminds us of a similar principle; common sense can never be over abundant in these situations and that professional staple, a sharp suit, can make the sort of first impression that will make your CV seem all the more sparkling.

Autumn/Winter 2008 sees both Yves Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta present some fantastic suits with trousers cut beautifully wide if you're willing to challenge the skinny trouser masses. For something in-between, Adam Kimmel is on colour trend with a number of slimmer fitting blue two pieces. For a more traditional style try Armani Collezioni made to measure and Ralph Lauren Black Label (pictured above) for a classic cut. Keep an eye out for Michael Bastian if you're interviewing for a job on a yacht!

Depending on the type of company, embellishments and flair can be key to getting you noticed. Whilst an investment bank or major auditors might not be the place to reveal your inner Russell Brand, even there a contrasting scarf or slimmer tie can imply confidence and understated chic. If you're going for a more creative arena, experiment with bolder colour. Bright block colour shoes, or a matching bold shirt and tie with an unfussy two piece. Even consider a flat cap and man-bag combination as seen on Dolce & Gabbana's catwalks.

Look out for smaller designer boutiques on the high street, and keep in mind Jasper Conran and Jeff Banks, who both have diffusion ranges at Debenhams. For those willing to travel, it's sometimes worth taking advantage of the strong pound and having suits tailor made abroad, Vietnam is particularly renowned.

If you are sprinting to arrive in the nick of time, make sure the dapper cut of your outfit belies the butterflies inside!

Your Summer Holiday wardrobe

Much to the chagrin of the everyday man on the street, Daniel Craig's James Bond has revitalised the image of the Brit abroad. No beer belly, burn and Bermuda's for Bond, rather, a pair of swim briefs and a body that one clearly doesn't achieve through the hearty intake of midnight kebabs.

Debonair beach wear is a must when the possibility of the sand being littered with bikini clad women is even remotely conceivable. Evidence of the beach brief still being the swimwear of choice was seen on Dsquared's S/S '08 catwalks (pictured to the left), with some less daunting thigh skimming shorts thrown in for good measure.

Even better, with Dolce and Gabbana, Etro and Duckie Brown all splashing their casual wear with strong floral prints, you will be able to stroll the sands complimenting the exquisitely styled on trend women who will be wearing similar prints as seen on women's wear catwalks.

Team a plain pair of Cargo shorts from Zara Menswear with a Ksubi Tie dye T-shirt to stand out from the crowd. Or if you're embarking on a more action packed summer adventure, be even more daring in a Dries Van Noten fluro synthetic jacket. Metallic and bright synthetic fabrics will make for a stylish way to keep any brisk winds from chilling. For a beach friendly option, Dries Van Noten feeds the Shoreditch types appetite for Middle Eastern inspired dust scarves, which will look just as stylish in Hawaii as they do in Hoxton. If you're on a budget an array of copycats can be found throughout the high street and in most flea markets.

For simple daywear when checking out the local culture, American Apparel's basic deep V-necks (pictured here) come in a range of colours enabling you to choose between the catwalk's penchant for pastels and sharp blocks of primary colour. Holiday wear is almost the only legitimate time apart from weddings to pair white with white, so team a slim fitting trouser (rolled up at the ankle as an extra detail) with a crisp shirt and contrasting tan belt. Avoid a panama hat unless you have designs to mimic the Man from Del Monte.

Birkenstock (who have teamed up with Philip Lim for a gladiator-esque sandal) and Havaianas are always reliable choices for kicking back by the sea. Swear, Nanny State and Illustrated People have a fantastic range of light and bright plimsolls, all of which can be found on Asos.com, for soaking up the sights. For long lazy evenings, a simple Espadrille or basket weave sandal team comfort with elegance to complete your summer look.

Written by Jenny Haward