Get Shorty

Craig of That Dapper Chap puts together 3 looks from 3 very different pairs of shorts from Jacamo

Every guys knows how to wear your standard denim shorts, chuck on an old T Shirt and some trainers and your done. And we all have those slouchy jogging shorts like we sling on for chilling out in front of the TV. But what about a smarter look with shorts? What about red shorts? Or white? How would you wear patterned shorts? Well, have no fear That Dapper Chap and Jacamo is here to help

LOOK 1 - The White Shorts

A lot of guys think that white or stone coloured shorts are difficult to wear. Do you team them with a plain white shirt? Can you wear a darker colour on top? And if so what shoes do you wear?

Well, below I've chosen a light blue floral shirt, perfectly summery, and it elevates the shorts and gives them a much more refined look than you would achieve if you were to simply add a white shirt or T shirt. Jacamo have a wealth of shirts available, take a look, there's bound to be something you like there.

Adding the classic brogues and a straw trilby creates a very British look. Add a bag for your phone and wallets etc and you're all set for that summer picnic.

Stone coloured Black Label Stone linen shorts £28.00

Blue Black Label floral jacquard shirt £30.00 

Woodland leather satchel £203.00

Williams and Brown straw hat £7.00

Trustyle brown brogue shoes 45.00

Look 2 - The patterned shorts

Patterned shorts are easily avoidable because there aren't many examples of patterned tailored shorts out there. Embrace pattern but make it the focal point of your look, and keep everything else simple. 

Adding a patterned shirt will just make you look like you've been at the dressing up box, so I've chosen a classic white Grandad shirt, white trainers and a grey cap to maintain a relaxed and less formal look.

Joe Browns funky paisley shorts £35.00

White Black Label Grandad shirt £30.00

Grey Label J Snapback cap £15.00

Woodland black leather messenger bag £44.00

White Vans Atwood lace up casual shoes £50.00

Look 3 - The Red Shorts

Red! urgghhhh, what do you team with red shorts? Easier to just to walk away right, and choose the navy option! Unlike patterned shorts you can go ahead and team them with a patterned shirt, but make sure that within the pattern there is a colour that matches or compliments the colour of the shorts. This floral shirts is just the ticket.

With the sunglasses, brogues and bag all carrying the same red brown hue, it will create a very cohesive look and will be smart enough for the office. Just avoid socks!

Red Williams & Brown Chino shorts £25.00

French Connection long sleeved floral shirt £50.00

Woodland leather cross body messenger bag £116.00

Trustyle leather brogues £45.00

French Connection sunglasses £47.00

So, if you want to take the plunge and move away from denim, navy or basic shorts and want to inject a bit more personality into your look, go for something a bit different. When you do, please post a picture on social media and tag That Dapper Chap and Jacamo to get noticed!

FIND JACAMO

      

What I Wore Today - Boden & John Varvatos

Craig of That Dapper Chap shows us his look for this weekend and shows off his new John Varvatos weekend bag.

When I chose this red and blue striped sweater by Boden I couldn't wait to wear it, but being in the midst of summer, the opportunity hadn't yet arisen. Not that today was a particularly cool day, more that I couldn't resist wearing it any more! With its thin knit in cotton and cashmere it's a great fit and so soft and easy to wear.

With the sweater I wore a pair of stone coloured chino shorts and kept the red and blue theme going with the wristwear and laces in the tan lather brogues.

If you're off for a weekend by the sea like myself you'll need a great bag. This canvas weekend bag by John Varvatos fits the bill. The fact that it's lightweight to begin with is a huge plus. I have leather weekend bags and they are heavy even before you've filled it with everything that you need for your time away!

It's a very roomy bag and even after I'd packed everything I needed I still had some room left inside. I love a bag that comes with handles and a strap as it makes it much more versatile than a bag with just one or the other.  It's faux leather handles are large enough to fit over your shoulder too, so you have three carrying options. The only downside for me is a distinct lack of pockets so if you needed to take passports and documents you'll need to carry them inside the bag itself or somewhere else which could be a pain.

While you may know John varvatos from his time designing for Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, you might also know that he has his own range of clothing along with a great range of fragrances which are available at Debenhams.

I didn't take a huge amount of stuff for my trip, the idea is to chill out, drink wine and relax with friends rather than have to worry about looking stylish. We all need some total chill time right!

Where It's All From

Weekend Bag: John Varvatos

Red & Blue Stripe Sweater: Boden

Tan Leather Brogues: Burton Menswear

No Show Socks: Primark

Stone Chino Shorts: Primark

Sunglasses: Primark

Straw Hat: Primark

Watch: Daniel Wellington

Bead Bracelets: Home Made

Anchor Phrep Bracelet: Paul Hewitt

THANKS FOR READING!

The Tailored Short - Office wear or beach wear?

That Dapper Chap explores the concept of the tailored short as office wear and gives us some do's and don'ts.

It's a debate which splits opinion, should guys be able to wear shorts to the office? Men argue that as the weather gets warmer that the ladies have more options available to them, and that what they do have available is more acceptable within the office environment. In short (no pun intended) they are jealous.

The short suit. Tailored and expertly accessorised

THE DEBATE

The whole smart casual thing has never sat well with me. It could work, but it's a case of 'give them an inch and they'll take a mile'. The minute you say 'smart casual' a lot of guys see it as an opportunity to dress like they're about to go and fix up the garden. Faded jeans with torn hems and a polo shirt is not 'smart' by any stretch of anyones deluded imagination, even if "it does have a collar" Grrrrrrr.

Every summer I hear the same groans "I wish we could wear shorts" Why? Does the air conditioning not keep you cool enough at your desk? Are your legs that great that they must be shown to the world? Do summer cotton or linen trousers not combat the incredibly average summer temperatures that we experience for the two days of summer we have here in the UK? Come on guys, we're not that close to the equator! 

It's all down to the fact that the majority of men have little desire to make an effort to look good, dress smartly and evoke an image of professionalism.

A tailored suit with a crisp white shirt and tie. Getting it right.

TAILORED SHORTS

Having said all this I do own and I do wear tailored shorts. I much prefer these to the standard nylon, drawstring sports shorts that 'grace' our streets as soon as the temperature rises above ten degrees, and burst into flames the second they meet a naked flame. Sports shorts should be kept for, you guessed it, SPORT. If you don't do sport, don't wear them! Have some self respect.

Me in my pink tailored shorts, floral shirt and brogues

HOW NOT TO DO IT

A friend and colleague approached me recently and asked if I'd seen an article in a local newspaper. His wry smile made it clear that I needed to take a look. Upon seeing the piece my immediate thought was that it was a joke, honestly, but reading on I realised that it was a serious piece, and I admit to be taken aback by the images that went with the it. Prepare yourself!

The article, like this, is about the possibility of wearing tailored shorts for work. Great. Lets debate, lets discuss our opinions and reasoning, lets agree to disagree if we have to. But one thing that I will NOT agree on is how they have attempted to present a positive example of how this look should be styled. Are you ready? Grab a cushion to hide behind as it's a real horror show!

The gents in their tailored shorts. Image property of EADT

A closer look at the shorts. Image property of EADT

The first thing I want to say now is that the shorts themselves are great! Great colours and great cuts. I like them and would wear them. the shorts are not the problem here.

In the article, found HERE, it states that the stylist in the store where they embarked on their fashion faux pas, questioned not only their credibility but also their shoes! I'm not surprised! He is clearly a gentleman of taste. Shoes aside (which, yes, I do have major issues with) it's the socks that make me want to pluck out my eyes with a blunt pencil. What is it about British guys and their bloody socks!? We(British men)have been ridiculed for years about our decidedly dogmatic approach to frightful footwear, particularly the tendency to wear socks and sandals. The above styling is just one step (a really really small step) away from that! Don't ask me what that's all about, I have no idea!

Office appropriate, stylish and sockless. Another example of how to get it right

Losing the socks may go some way to making the look more acceptable to me, but we also have the braces issue (yes, for me it's an issue) Again, I like and do wear braces, button on of course. Maybe it was a sartorial challenge, a concept testing and boundary breaking approach that they were after. On the other hand maybe it was just four blokes messing around in a clothing store, like kids at the dressing up box. 

It doesn't work. If I'm wrong, please tell me. leave a comment below. I don't claim to know everything, or that I am right all of the time. Sometimes I get it wrong, but when I do I certainly won't post pictures of it in a daily newspaper. Slow news day? maybe?

Another example of how this look works really well

HOW TO DO IT RIGHT

There are few fundamental rules (or suggestions) that I'd like to bring your attention to when opting for an office appropriate look with shorts. Firstly, don't wear socks and please, please don't wear rubber based slip on shoes or anything that fastens with velcro like the guys from my local rag! Go for a soft leather brogue or a loafer. Both are very classic styles and lend themselves really well to a smart look with shorts.

Great use of colour and perfect for the office

A belt will make the look smarter, add detail and negate the need for braces. Braces and shorts are not a good combination and you run the risk of being split in two and offending passersby with an unsightly and ugly bulging camel toe. Trousers offer some traction at the knee and calf to prevent them sliding up too badly. Shorts don't. Beware.

Shorts, blazer, belt and brogues and great combination

The light coloured jacket gives a real summery look

Two dapper gents, perfectly attired in their shorts

A great use of bold colour, making a statement

Another dapper summer look

 

Nick bateman looking great in this beige summer short suit and bow tie

A well fitted shirt will work wonders, long sleeved and well ironed in a poly cotton mix to keep the look professional. A tie will look great but keep it on trend, maybe knitted and square ended. Maybe something with a preppy feel. Think Ralph Lauren.

I wouldn't be tempted to wear a waistcoat with shorts, as like the braces it's just wont compliment the look. However, a matching jacket or smart sports coat, like the one below will. 

Perfect for the summer and smart enough for the office

The short suit, available from Next

Next are currently offering a few suits where you are able to buy the jacket, trousers and shorts all to match, this is a great option. The navy textured short suit above is available HERE for £105

The light stone, cotton suit below is also available in four pieces, trousers, jacket, waistcoat and shorts so you can mix and match at will. Check it out HERE

The stone cotton jacket from Next

The matching stone cotton shorts, from Next

So, it can be done and it can be done well. While you've never see me walking in to the office wearing shorts I won't hold it against you if you do, especially if you do it well. If however you wear horrid shoes, black socks and clip on braces with a dreadful tie, don't ever expect me to speak to you again!

THANKS FOR READING!