Fashion reporter Teri Agins answers readers’ questions
By TERI AGINS with select editing by Erik Peterson
Q: This year, I’ve decided to start wearing shorts most of the time when the weather is warm. Last summer in Manhattan, I noted how a lot of men are wearing shorts as ordinary sportswear and even with a blazer. I like that style of dressing. Can you give me some tips to help me look good?
—V.T., Saratoga, N.Y.
A: More men of all ages have discovered that polished shorts can be a versatile and refreshing addition to their casual daerepertoire. The guys who can pull off the shorts-as-sportswear look are reasonably fit, with calves that aren’t super muscular or stick-skinny. Think of a shorts-wearing golfer—without the baseball cap—and with a bit more swagger. Now you’re ready to saunter into a trendy restaurant in an open-collar shirt, madras blazer and knee-length pants.
Pay attention to the details. You want walking shorts, with a hemline just above the knee. Your shorts can be narrow or have a looser, cargo style, but they should have the proper fit: never oversized or too low-rise. (Cheapskate-chic tip: Recycle your long pants—khakis, worsted wools, seersucker and even pale corduroys. Erik can shorten them and finish them off with a hem.)
On top, try cotton oxford shirts rolled up—button-down collars left unbuttoned—and all kinds of knitwear: polos, rugby stripes or V-neck or crewneck sweaters in a thin merino. For this look, shirts look best tucked in. A sweater tied over your shoulder looks cool, as does a linen blazer with the sleeves casually pushed up. Try a safari jacket. Belts or a wrinkled cotton scarf are optional; the idea is to avoid a studied stance.
Your feet and lower legs are on display, so think about your footwear. You will probably go sockless in driving loafers, espadrilles, woven huaraches, fisherman’s sandals, boat shoes or suede bucks.
I also like the foreign-correspondent look: khaki shorts and scuffed work boots worn with woolen socks, which are pushed down so they puddle at the top of the boots.
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