The Uncomfortable Zone
August is perhaps the most challenging month of the year to be a stylishly dressed man. It’s hot, it’s humid and with no holidays, you have to wait until September for a long weekend. Add to this, the need to wear a suit or long pants and a collared shirt to the office and it can be an uncomfortable month for dressing. With the temperatures bordering on triple digits and the air so thick you can cut it with a knife, August is definitely the month to loosen things up.
On a recent Friday I had no meetings so I donned a navy and cream gingham shirt, cream colored khaki pants and sand colored suede shoes with no socks. (See my May 1, 2011 post for help on shoes with no socks.) Because I didn’t want to break up the color scheme, I wore a white belt. I’ve worn all of these items to work separately before but that was the first time I wore them together. Admittedly, I was hesitant that morning but the heat wave motivated. I ended up with a work appropriate outfit and even got a compliment!
Now, an ensemble like this might be pushing the corporate casual boundaries in some offices, but if you can pull it off, go for it. If you want to get out of the August uncomfortable zone, you may have to get out of your own comfort zone.
M.R. Style www.letmrstyleyou.blogspot.com
A Short on Men's Shorts
The warm weather has finally returned gentlemen and believe it or not, there are a few companies remaining that still spring for a summer boondoggle for their employees. If you don’t work for one of them, I’m assuming you are well rounded enough to have a social life and a vacation planned thus, a little advice on wearing shorts.
Shorts should be as flattering on your physique as your pants except that rather than hitting the top of your shoes, your shorts should stop just above your knee. Leg lengths vary so you’ll need to try them on but I suggest going with an inseam of at least 10 inches. Your shorts should be comfortable around your natural waist and fit close but not snug around your legs. No shorts hiked up to your navel but no sagging either.
Madras is the current trend in men’s shorts and with so many variations there is a pair that will compliment any complexion. However, if madras is too trendy for you, play it safe and go with a light khaki or seersucker. You’ll look great at both the company outing and on your summer vacation.
M.R. Style www.letmrstyleyou.blogspot.com
