The Perfect Pair of Men's Shorts for Summer
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Unlike the fall and winter, when my packed social calendar requires ensembles of equal attention, the spring and summer allow me to have more laid-back wardrobe. The ideal trifecta of characteristics for menswear during the warmer months is comfort, simplicity, and ease. For me, that translates to a beautiful linen shirt (usually oversized), Belgian loafers, and the right pair of shorts. Here is my best kept secret for the latter.
Classic Fella is a brand that focuses on elegant undergarments. They embody this sort of Americana-ease with a dash of European elegance. Their t-shirts, button-down shirts, and pleated shorts, also, are not to be overlooked. But I especially love their pleated shorts.
Pleated Short in Taupe
classicfella.com
$135.00
It was nearly 80 degrees in New York City when I first took their taupe pleated shorts out on a walk in Central Park with a friend of mine. As mentioned earlier, I hate feeling overdressed when it's warm out, so I styled the shorts with a white tank top, a white unbuttoned linen shirt, and dark brown Belgians. The fit of the shorts was ideal: the inseam landed a few inches above the knee, and the extended waistband allowed me to leave the house belt-free.
We racked up around 5,000 steps while enjoying the sun around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir and dipping down to Bethesda's fountain. Despite the heat, the short's refined pleated shape held up against the elements physical activity, thanks to the twill fabrication.
Similarly, the shorts maintained their shape while gardening in Connecticut the following weekend. That's how you know a warm-weather wardrobe piece is good: it looks great without prohibiting your ability to participate in activity, whether gardening or a brisk walk.
It's safe to say that they aren't a pain to style either, and moving outside of my own outfit formula isn't difficult. Trade an oversized linen shirt for a plain t-shirt or even a polo shirt, or swap the loafers for sneakers or even oxfords (the trendy kids are wearing them with white socks). Either way, the shorts blend seamlessly. For the chillier summer evenings, a cashmere sweater added to your look makes for a nautical, and weather appropriate outfit.
As I begin to button down plans for summer travel, I am almost certain these shorts will be coming along for the ride; whether that's cycling around Nantucket, or sailing around the Mediterranean. If there's a sartorial rule one should live by, it's that the ideal summer ensemble is one that easily transitions from the beach to dinner. These shorts can go from beach to country club to park to dinner, and everything else in-between.
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