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Seasonal Staple

Casual Shorts

Warmer weather means outside activities and that calls for some good shorts. Not the baggy pair of shin-skimming cargo shorts you wore back in college or the ultra-tailored designer ones that feel too precious. Just easy-going shorts you can feel good about kicking around in, that still look sharp when paired with a washed button-down shirt (sleeves rolled, of course), or even an unstructured sport coat like this guy here. Hitting just above the knee, they should be made of cotton and cut to a slightly relaxed, comfortable fit. And ideally, they should be paired with your favorite simple, throwback sneakers.

A look from Beams' spring/summer look book, "Dress and Casual."

J.Crew, $70

Folk, $220

Gap, $45

Club Monaco, $90

Asos, $47

A Note
on length ...

While there aren't hard and fast rules when it comes to the length of your shorts, you should aim for a few inches above the knee. Keep in mind, if you're under 5' 9" or have thicker legs, shorter shorts will make you look longer and leaner. Taller gents or those with thinner legs should opt for shorts with hems that hit closer to the knee.