It seems once mother nature decides to crank up even a little heat and sunshine, the shorts come out to play for the boys. It’s that sudden awakening that winter is dead, spring has bloomed, and summer is straight around the corner. Disappointingly, there seems to be a giant overload of board and cargo shorts in the everyman’s closet, and in attempt to kill this summer trend, I give you shorts with purpose.
Every guy should own a classic pair of pleated tailored shorts. Once you’ve found a pair or two, this summer-must can be easily dressed up or down with any outfit, and looks killer no matter which way you decide to play it.
Outfit 1: Pairing a great fitting pair of tailored shorts with a first class blazer is the easiest way to dress up your summer look. Don’t be afraid to wear blazers or long sleeves with shorts! I don’t know who made up that rule, but it’s completely void as proven here. White has been a summer tradition since the 1860s, and can really elevate you to a level of sophistication you may not have even known was in you.
Breaking it up with the jacket gives a nice laidback and contemporary edge. Even with a pair of Chuck Taylors, this guy can’t help the suave and sophistication this look oozes. The key is playing your shorts just as you would a nice pair of trousers, keeping it refined and simple, with a few bites of colour and character. All I’m left to wonder is, what’s in the trolley?
Outfit 2: While this dude may look like he’s posing for a photoshoot, it really just goes to show how a pair of tailored shorts can really class you up. While this look is completely casual, this guy still looks like he’s waiting for his driver to take him to his beach estate. Don’t be afraid to show some leg! I don’t know when the status quo became shorts that lingered down to your ankles, but rolling them up to show a little calf not only sends shivers up my spine, but really brings the look to a retrospective level of manly elegance and casualty.
Keeping it casual is a cinch with a pair of tailored shorts, and even with a plain t-shirt and some accessories, you can easily look like a million bucks. The only way I can really imagine messing it up, is not owning a pair.
Both of today’s outfits were sourced from The Sartorialist.
This week’s Ladies Touch is written by Devon Reid-Clark, a freelance writer and style enthusiast.
Where could I find the shorts in Outfit 2?