The Men’s Guide to Shorts
Even in the denim-dominated world of casual men’s fashion, you’ll find it hard to wear jeans and pants everywhere, every single day. When your ankle-length bottoms are exhausted, it’s time for your shorts to save the day and amp up your usual outfit. The perfect choice on warmer days and balmy mornings, shorts give casual flair without sacrificing fashion.
See All the Shorts
Now that men’s fashion has opened up to a whole gamut of fabrics, you have innumerably more choices of shorts than you would’ve had a couple of decades ago. From the plain to the printed, there’s a pair out there to suit the kind of design you need.
You’ll want to start by picking up a couple of pairs of the basics like plain khakis. A more modern alternative is a nice pair of flat-front black shorts in a similar fabric. The resulting look won’t be as casual, but you don’t lose out on any style in the process. And since you’ve moved away from the middle of the color spectrum, you should pair black shorts with something on the whiter end.
From plain designs, you could take your shorts in one of two directions. On one hand, you could add volume to the shorts with a pair of cargo shorts. On the other hand, printed shorts are also an option if you want an extra dramatic outfit without the extra bulk.
Short Rules
In most cases, shorts can be used very similar to jeans: you can wear so many things with a single pair. But despite the versatility of shorts, there are still a few rules you’ll have to follow to keep your outfits stylish.
First of all, be careful about your footwear; not every pair of shoes out there will look good with shorts. Anything formal – lace-up brogues, say – absolutely can’t go with shorts. Sneakers and sports shoes will usually do, but leather loafers or driving shoes are a better idea if you want to maintain a level of formalness. Topsiders and spectators give an outfit a sporty twist without reducing the style.
Whatever the shoes you end up choosing, skipping on the socks will most likely be your best option. Not only does wearing the extra piece of underwear make you look juvenile, but it also interrupts the line of your legs, making you look shorter. Besides, some shoes like driving shoes and spectators were really made to be worn sans socks.
Because shorts can vary much more than pants, you have to make extra sure that your top works well with the shorts. Always aim for balance: shorts with complex prints should be paired with as plain a tee as possible, while pairs that expand outward have to be worn with torso-hugging tops. When pulled off properly, shorts give you an air of stylish confidence that every fashion-conscious man wants to have. It just takes a little practice to get used to working with clothes of a completely different length.
Further Suggested Readings:
Great Style in Bad Weather
Mens Casual Fridays
Your Cheap Neckties Team