Q. Other than polos, what can I wear with shorts? Dress shirts tucked in look strange and pulled out run too long. You complain about untucked shirts, and, in truth, I'm not a big enough fan to buy the new shorter untucked shirts just for summer. I think if I even tucked them, I'd be afraid they'd pull out when I sat. Is there a happy medium?
A. Well, you are certainly right that short-sleeved knit polo shirts are probably the first choice when choosing tops to wear with shorts. They are exactly the right degree of "casual" -- not as relaxed as T-shirts, and not as ridiculously formal as the blazers-in-Bermuda look.
In addition to knits in polo styles, you can opt for T's, or front-buttoning "wovens" in short-sleeve sport shirts or long-sleeve dress shirts. Long-sleeve shirts worn with shorts look best with a turned up cuff, which will offset much of the formality of tucking the shirt.
Whether you wear your shirts tucked or not is largely a personal preference. Tucked in is usually a more polished look. Certainly, if you are tucking them in, do so evenly all around rather than following the fashion magazine affectation of half-in and half-out. When the rest of you is not model gorgeous, it just looks sloppy. If you do wear your shirts untucked, make sure they are not too full or too long; choose shirts with a somewhat trim silhouette that end no longer than midfly. That should be long enough to stay tucked in.
Solid-color shirts are easiest to work with, but not the only option. You can wear patterned shirts for a nice seasonal look. The best of these seems to be such classic patterns as mini-checked ginghams, small subtle plaids, tattersalls and stripes. And, if you can go one step further and choose a pattern that includes the color of the shorts, you have nailed it. As an example, a small yellow-and-brown-and-white tattersall plaid looks great with khaki shorts.
An element of this decision process is ensuring that you are following the general rules for wearing shorts. A few of them have to do with the appropriate length, how they should fit, what are good colors and what to avoid. While wearing shorts is strictly for informal occasions, that does not mean that there is ever a time when a man should look sloppy and/or not look good. Following a few rules can guarantee that you don't fall into the trap of embarrassing yourself just because the weather is hot and you want to be comfortable.
Length: The rule about dressing in shorts is that they should not be so short that they look like you are wearing them for a sports event (such as track and field) or so long that they cover your knee. Two or three inches above the knee is perfect.
Fit: Shorts should fit as well as a good pair of pants. "Better close than loose or baggy" is a good rule. Pay attention to the fit and how it coincides with your body. If you have thin legs, choose slim-cut shorts that don't accent the disparate proportions. If you are on the heavy side, perhaps shorts are not a wise choice. Large cargo pockets add bulk to shorts (and you) and they do not flatter any shapely man.
Colors: While shorts can be any colors that work for pants, the most versatile are neutral shades, such as tan, khaki, white, olive and navy. It is true that solids are the easiest for coordinating, but patterns are welcome as well. After all, since men are saddled with so many restrictions in their everyday clothes, why not take advantage of the leeway you have in summer when wearing a man's most informal attire?
The goal with shorts is to look casual, not to be an embarrassment. I asked a few women what they thought looked good and what did not on men wearing shorts. They all mentioned shoes and socks (or lack thereof). The (usually older) men who looked the worst in shorts wore them with huge T-shirts and socks. The guys who looked best wore them with patterned shirts, deck shoes or moccasins, and no socks (or with the invisible type that look like no socks and help prevent foot odor).
Other go-withs to consider are belts. Not every pair of shorts requires one, but if you wear a belt, choose something that is informal, such as a braided leather or a striped cotton D-ring style. If you have acquired a new six-pack "overhang," you might opt to skip the belt.
Before deciding on shorts, consider the appropriateness of the occasion. Never for business (except a company picnic). Seasonal events where they are fine include casual eating out locally, backyard barbecues and the beach.
As I have recommended in the past, always check yourself out in a full-length mirror before you leave the house. If what you see doesn't really say good things about you, allow enough time to change into an upgrade that looks better. And finally, when in doubt, wear slacks instead of shorts.
Send men's fashion queries to Male Call:
lois.fenton@prodigy.net
High Profile on 07/16/2017