The Best Shorts for Men (And How to Wear Them)

Athletic, relaxed or preppy, shorts are the quintessential summer staple that every man needs but most have difficulty finding.  Shorts, given their casual reputation, can read messy and unrefined if done in the wrong fabrics and if the fit is off. Done well, however, and shorts will read polished, boosting your casual wear for summery looks done to absolute perfection. From short shorts to dressier versions, we take you through the best shorts for men to wear this summer.

The Dos & Don’ts of Shorts

Shorts are most definitely not the easiest clothing piece to pull off. Whether you are someone who lives in shorts or prefers a pair of jeans, first things first, the fit is everything. Not all men have similar proportions, and the way something sits on someone else may not necessarily complement your body. So try on shorts before you purchase them. Strike an appropriate balance and find shorts that will be fitted, but not entirely constricting. Do not opt for shorts in cheap or ‘board-short’ fabrics for everyday wear – this will read juvenile and will not allude a mature aesthetic.

When to Wear Shorts

Causal

Shorts are the answer for relaxed casual looks. Team them with a chambray/linen button down or a simple t-shirt. A pair of espadrilles or boat shoes will elevate your look and are a more appealing option to the typical thongs most gents tend to wear.

Smart Casual

It is important to realise that shorts need to be worn in the right context. We recommend thoroughly considering whether shorts would be ok for the smart casual event you are attending. If so, team chino-esque shorts with simplistic dress shirts and appropriate blazers or throw a lightweight sweater over your shoulders. Loafers and sneaker are great shoes for smart casual events.

Sports Luxe

When it comes to perfecting sports luxe, comfortable shorts are integral, but the way they look should take maximum priority. It’s all about the way you adapt sporty clothing for everyday wear, so ensure your shorts are in basic colours for maximum versatility. Team your shorts with other staples, like rich toned bomber jackets, white trainers and novel baseball caps for a playful take on the sports luxe trend.

Different Types of Shorts

There are many short styles on the market, but we’ve selected three of the most versatile styles that should be a part of your everyday wardrobe.

Cropped Shorts / Short Shorts

The cropped short nods back to yesteryears with its retro vibes and shorter proportions. One of the most versatile short styles, the cropped short offers much in terms of flattering slimmer to medium body types and works terrifically for casual days and nights alike. Versatile tones are great, but don’t be afraid to experiment with a bit of colour given this type of short is typically a casual staple piece. Team your short shorts with white trainers, espadrilles and playful accessories like baseball caps, bright watches and round sunglasses.

 

 

Tailored Shorts

The tailored short is typically reserved for smart casual looks. With their chino vibes and more inflexible materials, they are great for updating dressy casual looks for the warmer months. While they are stylish, tailored shorts are also great for practicality and will allow your legs to breathe. The main thing you should remember when opting for tailored shorts is to find them in versatile colours like navy, khaki and beige, which will afford you a great deal of adaptability for your wardrobe.

Baggy Shorts

Your biggest responsibility when it comes to the baggy shorts is to ensure that they are well balanced for your body type. Proportion is key, so ensure you know what works with your body, but more importantly for your height. Experiment with different fits and textures to ensure that the baggy short will be a flattering piece as opposed to reading clownish or dated. Preserve a much shorter length with your baggy shorts.

 All kinds of shorts available on your neighborhood fashion clothing website @JDConline.com.ng

A Complete Guide to Men’s Wedding Attire

 

Weddings can be a whole lot of fun, but thinking about what to wear to them can be a pain, particularly when there are dress codes involved. The same questions of “Which suit will look best?”, “Do I need a tie?” and “What will the other gents be wearing?” inevitably pop up every time. Then there’s the challenge of dressing appropriately without looking like a clone of every other man invited. Lucky for you, we’re here to help. So, if you want to nail the dress code, know exactly where to inject some personal style, and look suave as hell, here’s your new go-to guide.

Wedding Attire Tips

1. Always check the dress code.
2. Opt for lighter colours for daytime weddings and darker hues for evening events.
3. Most dress codes, other than smart casual, will call for a suit.
4. Good tailoring and well-fitting pieces are essential to looking polished.
5. Always remember to finish off your look with the right shoes.
6. Add fun touches of personal style to your outfit, particularly for cocktail attire.
7. It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed, but it’s also important to feel comfortable.

Formal / Black Tie Wedding Attire

Black tie and formal dress codes are strictly reserved for social occasions that call for a high level of dress. Therefore, if you’re invited to a wedding with this code on the invitation, be sure to dress to the nines. Keep it suave, sophisticated and simple with spot-on tailoring to nail this type of attire.

Black Tie Suits

For a black tie wedding, a black tuxedo is the most appropriate option. Your suit should be well-tailored and fitted for a classic and sleek look. Aim to keep the overall appearance simple by opting for a single-breasted style with a sharp, minimalistic appeal. Also remember that a slim cut tends to be the most flattering and will keep your style suitably modern. As for the lapel, peak or shawl styles are best. If you’re looking for a way to stand out from the crowd, try a midnight blue tux.

Black Tie Shirts

When it comes to your shirt, keep it simple and classic for a black tie wedding. A sharp, white, dress shirt featuring a turndown or wing collar is the ideal choice. Opt for one in a high-quality fabric to ensure your look appears formal and polished. Keep the overall style clean and timeless by avoiding any loud design details. Now, simply finish off your minimalist look with a superbly dapper, black bowtie.

Black Tie Shoes

Shoes for a formal or black tie wedding need to be sophisticated. Be sure to keep yours suitably stylish with a pair of patent, leather dress shoes. Of course, black is the only reasonable choice to go with this dress code as all others would, unfortunately, appear underdressed. Ensure the shape is appropriately suave by choosing a classic style with a narrowed, round toe. Also, be positive that your shoes are well polished, unscuffed and clean before wearing them.

Cocktail Wedding Attire

Cocktail attire demands a look that bridges the gap between casual evening wear and formal wear. It’s also a chance to experiment a little more with your outfit and add a touch of personal style. Mixing clean and classic pieces with more contemporary styles and design details is a great way to pull off this look. In the end, your outfit should give a nod to traditional styles while staying lively with modern details.

Cocktail Attire Suits

When it comes to suits for a cocktail wedding, opt for a well-tailored, semi-formal two piece. Darker suits in navy, cobalt and dark grey are a classic option for cocktail attire. Keep the cut close to the body, but not too tight, for a modern look. Also, keeping your suit mostly classic, add contemporary and stylish touches, such as a patterned pocket square or slim tie. For those of a more adventurous disposition, a windowpane or check suit can also work well.

Cocktail Attire Shirts

When choosing a shirt for a wedding with a cocktail dress code, be sure to select a fitted dress shirt. To play it safe, select either a white or powder blue shirt. If you’re looking for something a little more unique, however, add interest in the form of colour, pattern or fabric. Anything from a dusky pink hue to a bold check and even a unique texture can all elevate your look past the regular. Just make sure that your shirt compliments your suit, rather than clashing with it.

Cocktail Attire Shoes

Choosing the right shoes is essential to creating a sharp and stylish cocktail look. While you may feel tempted just to pull out a pair of plain, black dress shoes, try to choose something a little less stuffy. A classic Oxford with a rounded toe is generally the shoe of choice for cocktail weddings and is a fine one at that. Alternatively, a stylish and formal loafer or doubble monk can make a trend-worthy choice.

Semi-Formal Wedding Attire

Sitting somewhere amidst the worlds of formal and cocktail attire is the somewhat ambiguous semi-formal dress code. Not quite as done-up as formal attire, and not quite as contemporary as cocktail attire, semi-formal can be a hard dress code to pin down. The helpful part is, unlike strict dress codes, semi-formal is less restrictive and more open to interpretation. All you need to do is aim for a sharp and classic look that you’re comfortable hitting the dancefloor in.

Semi-Formal Suits

Formal dressing is about the overall look. Cocktail dressing is about the details. As for semi-formal dressing, well that’s all about the suit. Choosing a great suit that’s exceptionally tailored will go a long way to helping your pull off a sensational semi-formal look. When it comes to colour, opt for more subdued tones. Understated neutrals and washed-out hues will do the trick for daytime weddings while turning up the intensity to something darker works for evening receptions.

Semi-Formal Shirts

Choosing a shirt for a semi-formal wedding needn’t be a difficult task. In fact, it should be quite simple. A classic, fitted dress shirt in a subdued, block colour is your guideline to follow. White will offer gents a more formal look while soft blues and greys tend to appear more relaxed. No matter which colour you pick, be sure the shirt looks minimal and sharp. As to whether you should wear a tie or not, the choice is yours.

Semi-Formal Shoes

The right pair of shoes will pull your semi-formal outfit together flawlessly, so make sure you put thought into your footwear. A dapper pair of brogues, Oxfords or loafers will suit well and elevate your look past those of other guests. Take your style up a notch by dabbling in suede or velvet.

Smart Causal Wedding Attire

While you won’t often see “casual” on a wedding invite, you may see “smart casual“. A favourite for beach wedding, a smart casual dress code invites guests to wear something they’re comfortable in while keeping things slightly elevated. The challenge is to find a good balance between “casual” and “smart” styles of dress. Think about deconstructed versions of formal wear and mixing tailored pieces with more relaxed styles to pull off this code.

Smart Causal Blazers

For a smart casual wedding, a suit really isn’t necessary. If you do choose to wear one, however, make sure that it’s casual. A great lightweight fabric or loosely structured style will achieve this with ease. An ideal alternative to the suit, however, is a blazer and trousers. While you may be tempted to wear jeans, we recommend a stylish pair of chinos instead. As for your blazer, keep it simple and easy going.

Smart Causal Shirts

While you may not need a suit for a smart casual wedding, you will need a button-up shirt. In general, T-shirts are too casual for weddings, so steer clear and opt for something more sophisticated. Keep your shirt classic with traditional colours and patterns in order to elevate your style. Where the “casual” can come in is in the fabric. Lightweight fabrics have a more unstructured appearance and will help your outfit look just the right amount of relaxed.

Smart Causal Shoes

To finish off your smart casual look, pick out a pair of polished casual shoes. Choose between styles such as loafers, driving shoes, and monks to find your ideal footwear. Colours in brown and navy will give your style the perfect relaxed look while remaining sophisticated. Likewise, leather and suede styles will appear more appropriately casual compared to patent leather styles.

The Best Street Style from Day 2 of Pitti Uomo

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Get Pitti Uomo Wear Directly @JDConline.com.ng

11 Best Dress Shoes for Men

Being able to present a polished appearance is a valuable life skill that every gent should have in his arsenal. Whether you’re dressing for a job interview, a formal function or even a date, being able to look the part is essential for success. While your clothes are naturally a major part of how you present yourself, your shoes are just as important. A man’s shoes say a lot about him whether he wants them to or not, so nailing your footwear choice is crucial for projecting the right image. While this may start with the simple choice of a dress shoe, things can get much more complicated from there as you try to decipher which type of men’s dress shoe is best.

Related: 7 Shoe Styles Every Man Should Own

Men’s Dress Shoes

The term “dress shoe” may seem simple but in reality, it’s quite complicated. While it may be one category of footwear, the term can refer to numerous different styles of shoes. From classic Oxfords and Derby shoes to unique Brogues and Monk-Strap styles, dress shoes come in many varieties. Then there are also dress loafers, boots, and the new wave of semi-formal sneakers and sandals just to confuse you. With so many types, it can be challenging to know which style is best to wear, but by following this guide you’ll soon be nailing your formal footwear with ease.

1. The Oxford

The Oxford is a classic men’s dress shoe that belongs in every gent’s closet. It can be identified by its closed lacing system, which features stitching across the bottom. Oxfords also tend to feature a low heel and short back, creating a neat and polished appearance. Perfect for pairing with a suit, Oxfords are a reliable choice for every formal occasion. While black, polished styles easily work for the highest of dress codes, other varieties of Oxfords can suit any number of events.

Related: Men’s Guide to Rocking the Oxford Shoe

 

2. The Brogue

 

Brogues can be a deceptive shoe type. The name actually comes from the process of broguing, which involves adorning shoes with heavy perforations (large pin pricks). As such, shoes which are technically another style, such as Oxford or Derby, are often classed as Brogues because of this decorative addition. Confusing or not, the unique look creates a shoe with personality and style. Best of all, they can be worn with anything from jeans to a suit.

3. The Derby

Like Oxfords, Derby shoes are another common type of dress shoe. Slightly less intricate in design, however, Derbys feature an open lacing system, unlike oxford shoes that have the bottom of the lacing section sewn closed. The comfortable style is suitable for most formal occasions and can easily be paired with a suit. While traditional leather varieties of Derby shoes are perfect for a classic, polished look, other types, in materials such as suede, are ideal for a slightly more casual look.

4. The Monk-Strap

Monk-Strap shoe is a stylish and unique dress shoe. Featuring a strap across the top and a buckle (or two), the sleek design can be worn with a number of formal looks for everything from a business meeting to a night out. The popular and fashionable shoe is also a great choice for gents seeking a polished style with more interest than the standard Oxford or Derby. Just be sure to choose a leather style with a bit of shine to keep the look refined and suitably sharp.

5. The Loafer

Loafers are laceless shoes often featuring a Moccasin-style construction. The comfortable slip-on shoe is perfect for adding a stylishly relaxed touch to formal outfits. Although loafers can work with a number of looks, they pair great with suits, especially those worn with flare. Choose between varieties such as classic Penny loafers and tassel loafers in leather for a unique and dapper look. If you really want to impress, however, a decadent pair of velvet loafers will undoubtedly do the trick.

6. The Driving Shoe

Driving shoes may favour comfort over traditional style, but they’re still a great dress shoe to have on hand when the occasion calls for it. The loafer-style shoe features a gripped sole that extends up the back of the heel. Designed to assist gents with driving, the practical piece of fashion is breathable and light, making it the ideal dress shoe for summer. Perfect for outdoor events, this simple yet stylish shoe pairs best with chinos and a light shirt.

7. The Chelsea Boot

When you think of dress shoes, you may not immediately think of boots, but maybe you should. After all, the right style of boot can provide gents with a great finishing touch to formal looks. Chelsea boots are one such style and can be paired with anything from a casual look to cocktail attire. The round toe, ankle boots feature elasticated sides that make them easy to slip on and off without laces or buckles. Departing with these traditional fastenings allows the Chelsea to create a super sleek and clean look.

8. The Lace-up Boot

Dress boots are another style of boot that can be worn dressed up. Unlike Chelsea boots, dress boots feature laces down the front and finish above the ankle. The slim style projects a subtle utilitarian vibe and offers outfits a slight edge. Perfect for partnering with casual eveningwear and stylish weekend wear, dress boots look best in black or brown leather and will add plenty of interest to your outfit.

9. The Chukka

Chukka boots are a comfortable style of dress boot that finish at the ankle. Their shorter height means that they feature minimal lacing, creating an uncomplicated appearance. It’s this simple yet sharp style that also makes Chukka boots ideal for both smart casual and semi-formal dress codes. Although the style does sometimes appear in traditional leather, it is most commonly featured in suede, which also adds to the shoe’s relaxed image.

 

10. The Sneaker

 These days, sneakers aren’t just restricted to casual wear. The right pair can easily make a modern dress shoe and be worn for numerous occasions. Whether you’re headed to the office, out for a drink or simply wandering around on the weekend, sneakers are a comfortable and cool choice. To ensure your sneakers won’t look out of place next to sharp, tailored clothes, choose a clean and minimal white pair.

11. The Sandal

When it comes to summer, you needn’t sweat your feet off just to look stylishly dressed. While flip-flops are undoubtedly an inappropriate choice for formal and dressed-up occasions, a nice pair of sandals can be just what your outfit needs. Although you can’t rock them to a black-tie function, you can wear a pair to smart casual events and general weekend get-togethers where you want to look your best. Just look out for unique and sleek leather varieties to make your outfit work.