Fashion advice

[BoylenOver]

I've dressed like a 12-year-old for almost 11 years, and while I'm not exactly getting rid of any of my Blues sweaters or Cardinals t-shirts, I would like to start dressing more like a grown-up. I've recently purchased some plain t-shirts and polos, and the next time I work in a more formal environment I think I'd be ok with the dress shirts and suits I've purchased in the last year.

The one place I'm still hopelessly stuck on is shorts. I have two pairs of denim shorts, a few pairs of khaki shorts, and a pair of tan cargo shorts. My scant knowledge and awareness of fashion tells me the cargo and denim shorts are an unquestioned no-no, and the khaki shorts are questionable.

What style/kinds of shorts look good on grown-ups?

[Tim]

I've dressed like a 12-year-old for almost 11 years, and while I'm not exactly getting rid of any of my Blues sweaters or Cardinals t-shirts, I would like to start dressing more like a grown-up. I've recently purchased some plain t-shirts and polos, and the next time I work in a more formal environment I think I'd be ok with the dress shirts and suits I've purchased in the last year.

The one place I'm still hopelessly stuck on is shorts. I have two pairs of denim shorts, a few pairs of khaki shorts, and a pair of tan cargo shorts. My scant knowledge and awareness of fashion tells me the cargo and denim shorts are an unquestioned no-no, and the khaki shorts are questionable.

What style/kinds of shorts look good on grown-ups?

Shorts styles are as cyclical as pants styles. At the moment you would be fine wearing shorts with a patterned fabric, but that wasn't the case 4 years ago, and it likely won't be the case 4 years from now. Khaki and lighter shorts are in as well, but cut slimmer and shorter than in previous years.

To be honest, I'd recommend you buy a subscription to Esquire or GQ and spend a couple months paying attention to the styles featured. That'll give you a high-level, accessible, introductory view into current fashion, both professional and casual styles.

[Surfah]

Shorts are interesting. Jean shorts, jorts, are horrible. I can't remember the last time I wore a pair. Maybe 1994. Same with cargo shorts. Been awhile.

The only shorts I wear these days are Dickies, flat front shorts, with 11" inseam. I like that they're plain. I like that they come in solid colors, black, gray, khaki, navy, red, white, blue, etc. I also like that they cost $15 at Wal-Mart. Most importantly they're long enough to cover my garment bottoms. Gidget thinks I look like a gangbanger in them. I just remind her that I'm west side 4 life.

[DrumNFeather]

Shorts are interesting. Jean shorts, jorts, are horrible. I can't remember the last time I wore a pair. Maybe 1994. Same with cargo shorts. Been awhile.

The only shorts I wear these days are Dickies, flat front shorts, with 11" inseam. I like that they're plain. I like that they come in solid colors, black, gray, khaki, navy, red, white, blue, etc. I also like that they cost $15 at Wal-Mart. Most importantly they're long enough to cover my garment bottoms. Gidget thinks I look like a gangbanger in them. I just remind her that I'm west side 4 life.

Agreed on the jorts...I'm a little more flexible with wearing cargo shorts.

[FN Phat]

Gidget thinks I look like a gangbanger in them. I just remind her that I'm west side 4 life.

Could have something to do with the fact that you look like a cholo.

I heart the Dickies shorts

[Surfah]

Could have something to do with the fact that you look like a cholo.

Elbows out. Side to side.

[YOUTUBE]LPD_mRGegEI[/YOUTUBE]

[Fiyero]

BO it's this easy: it's August and you live in a desert; there are adults everywhere sporting shorts. The next time you're out in public, pay attention to what guys are wearing and whether you like the look or find it to be dorky.

[falafel]

Shorts are interesting. Jean shorts, jorts, are horrible. I can't remember the last time I wore a pair. Maybe 1994. Same with cargo shorts. Been awhile.

The only shorts I wear these days are Dickies, flat front shorts, with 11" inseam. I like that they're plain. I like that they come in solid colors, black, gray, khaki, navy, red, white, blue, etc. I also like that they cost $15 at Wal-Mart. Most importantly they're long enough to cover my garment bottoms. Gidget thinks I look like a gangbanger in them. I just remind her that I'm west side 4 life.

Surfah,

What's the time requirement before those shorts start feeling comfortable? I've seen some at walmart, and they feel like they're made from recycled surf boards.

[Surfah]

Surfah,

What's the time requirement before those shorts start feeling comfortable? I've seen some at walmart, and they feel like they're made from recycled surf boards.

Never holmes. You're supposed to keep the creases so you stay sharp ese. Don't you know I'm loco?

It takes a few washings. Probably more than a few. With my recent weight loss I had to buy some new ones because Gidget was really complaining about my cholo-ness. I have had some for 2 months now and they are still a bit stiff. I don't mind it though. It doesn't irritate me. Once they are broken in though, they are the best. And they last forever. My older fat boy Dickies have lasted me years.

[TripletDaddy]

BO...from what I can tell:

Denim shorts: burn ASAP. These are horrible.

Plaid shorts: still fine, but last summer's rage.

Cargo shorts: like plaid, still fine, but wear with caution.

Skinny shorts (slim cut): new and cool. These are often sold as cutoffs with a tiny hem. If you can find them, buy them and bask in your sartorial hipness.

Good call on the suggestion to subscribe to a mens clothes mag. I think the female posters here will agree with me when I say that most guys need help in certain areas....whether they realize it or no.......dress clothes, pants, suits, shoes, belts, watches, grooming, ties, matching, or whatever the situation may require. And since you are trying to impress girls, asking a bunch of married guys is generally not a great idea (although that isn't to say that the answers given here aren't good ones).

[Surfah]

Good call on the suggestion to subscribe to a mens clothes mag. I think the female posters here will agree with me when I say that most guys need help in certain areas....whether they realize it or no.......dress clothes, pants, suits, shoes, belts, watches, grooming, ties, matching, or whatever the situation may require. And since you are trying to impress girls, asking a bunch of married guys is generally not a great idea (although that isn't to say that the answers given here aren't good ones).

This is sage advice. Gidget dresses me.

[MartyFunkhouser]

I am with DDD get rid of the denim shorts as soon as possible. Other than that, I have no advice. I wear shorts despite Mrs. Funk's dislike of them, but would never wear denim shorts.

[RC Vikings]

I have two pairs of denim shorts

If you roll these up on the bottom you might as well wear a white tee shirt with a pink triangle on it also.

[beefytee]

This is sage advice. Gidget dresses me.

Agreed, my fashions have greatly improved since getting married (but still isn't great) no thanks to me.

[cowboy]

This thread has confirmed my suspicions that I am a fashion moron.