'Short' it out

You all might have guessed it from the title what I'm going to write about today. It’s one my favorite thing, Shorts.

Today we will see what different kinds of shorts are there, when you should wear them, how to wear them and lots of other things that you should not do.

Gone are the days when shorts were considered just as beach wear or resort wear. It’s much more then beach wear nowadays. I was born into 'Shorts-not-beachwear' era.

I wear shorts at every possible place, going out with friends, shopping, to the mall, at house parties or just on a stroll.

Shorts are a key component of the male wardrobe, especially as we venture into warmer climes. They offer a break from the heat as well as comfort during it. Shorts are also a very good option when it’s raining and wearing normal pants or jeans is not a very good idea.

There is a new generation of shorts out there that are shorter, slimmer, and cooler than the baggy ill-fitting khaki/Beige numbers you probably own. These shorts have a little more heft and detailing and make for a more substantial look.

I think shorts are probably one of the hardest items to put a decent outfit together with and this is even more obvious when you see other people “trying” to rock them. 

With jeans there are so many shapes, cuts and washes and you know where you stand with them. You can wear anything on the top half (formal or casual) and still easily pull it off. Shorts however are slightly different. Many men do not know how to wear shorts correctly, and do not know what items will look good with them.

Style of shorts is important. Cargo shorts will always have that relaxed casual vibe to them and so should be treated accordingly. Don’t wear a smart short sleeve shirt with them, or wearing boat shoes, it doesn't look right.

Likewise with graphic print shorts or heavy colored board shorts; keep the top and accessories quite plain/neutral colors otherwise it will be too much. You don’t need everything to scream “look at me I’m fashionable” – it comes off quite the opposite and contrived.

You can use shorts in an outfit just like you would with trousers or jeans. However, the type of shorts you wear should be very much dependent on your body shape. 

If you have long/skinny legs, then you need a longer cut in order to give your skinny legs some proportion. Do not wear shorts that are too baggy, because it will just further enhance the fact that they cannot fill them and they will look lost. A pair of hi-tops or sandals would be a good idea as well in order to decrease the length of leg shown.

If you have chunky or short legs, the opposite applies; you can go for a more relaxed fit and shorter length (or simply roll the shorts up a couple of times) in order to enhance your leg shape and length.

If you are lucky enough to have muscular footballers’ legs then really you can get away with anything and the women will still love you. 

Pale legs look much better in neutral tones like navy, beige or chocolate as it does not contrast so hard and make those lily whites stand out. As your legs become more tanned, crank up the colors because anything will look amazing – think bright summer blues, pinks, yellow, and of course the standard monochrome white, black and grey.

Be different with a pair of brightly patterned or unconventionally colored ones. But whether you chose checkered basics or cotton-twill shorts with folded cuffs ensure you buy them trim—they should fit like dress pants, not like frayed frat boy bulky cargo’s. Your pockets aren't meant for carrying melons. Go for a more old-world Tennis length that ends a little above your knees. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bright electric colors. This season it’s cool to look like you stuck your finger in a socket.

If you’re not at the beach, or even if you are put away your flip flops and opt for something smarter. There are much better options of shoes to pair up with your shorts, like boat shoes, espadrilles, slip-ons etc.

Other than chino shorts and formal, tailored shorts you can wear denim shorts. I personally love denim shorts. They don't look as dressy as chino shorts or tailored shorts but a ripped pair of denim short looks really cool. I somewhere feel that denim just accentuate your sex appeal.  

You can experiment more with stripped or printed shorts .this summer stripped and printed shorts are making a huge come back.

Stripes can be integrated into your existing looks far easier than other, statement options. Avoid teaming with other stripes, especially those of a similar width. Too many and you risk resembling a convict, and an unflattering outfit. 

The simplest option is – as with any look incorporating print – to pair your stripes with a neutral anchor, in this case the top half. A white shirt and complementary sweatshirt (either worn or draped over the shoulders) work perfectly with striped shorts to create a look that can adapt to changeable weather and temperatures.

 Camouflage, or ‘camo’, has been an unexpectedly dominant print for a number of years now. Experiment with this military print rather than wearing it the traditional way. Style them in manner far detached from football jerseys and shapeless shoes.

Floral designs on legwear may summon the images of awfully bulky board shorts, but keep the silhouette slim and the length just above the knee for a piece that offers a positive style statement. Tone down the rest of the look with a timeless approach – double floral isn't going to win you any points.

Always remember “Fit Is the KEY”. It’s acceptable if you go wrong with the colors but you should never wear wrong fit. A pair of short which fit perfectly will do the magic.

Hope I did sort out the confusions and problems you had about shorts.

Do let me know what you think about my post by posting your comments and queries.

You can follow me on twitter @Ivan_WLopez and on Instagram @Unique_Ivan