Seamless Summer

For some reason men in this country struggle with summer fashion and it really isn't difficult. I don't think the problem is men being self conscious, if anything its the opposite, men don't seem to care what they look like and that causes problems. For example, a bare chest and a pair of tatty old sports shorts is not a good look, you can't even make a case for it.

Summer is simple, stick to what you're comfortable in (NO not bare chests with sports shorts!). If you're a little low in confidence stick to colours you know you can cope with: white, grey, navy, blue and red. Try to avoid black as it soaks up the sun and gives a closed impression. If you're high in confidence then push into the yellows, pinks, greens and purples. When it comes to pairing shorts with tops, its even easier, light one half, darker the other. So cream shorts, navy shirt and so on. Light on both halves is passable but dark on both isn't.

Another thing men struggle with is buying shorts. There are so many different styles available it can be hard to know what to get. For more formal shorts, go for some flat fronted chino style shorts or even some pressed golf shorts, such as this pair from Ralph Lauren.

For a more versatile pair, go for denim shorts. Let's face it everyone has cargo shorts so mix it up a bit. For those with slimmer legs, go for a slim fitting pair such as these from asos. Those with larger legs go for a loser fitting pair. Length is also key with shorts, generally the rule to follow is just above the knee is the shortest you can get away with.

Pairing t-shirts with shorts is also simpler. Polo shirts go with basically any pair of shorts and are a must for every man. If you don't own one then white is the best colour to go for as it goes with nearly everything. For a more casual look a printed t shirt is a great buy and very in style this summer, there are great deals out there is you act now such as new looks 2 for £15 (see in store.) Another style that is very in are hooped t shirts, these work great with denim shorts and can give you a slimmer looking figure. Try something like this from Red Herring, but act fast while its still cheap!

Finally, men please, please, please buy the right size! Forget what size your wife says you are, measure yourself up and buy a shirt that fits. There's nothing worse than seeing a medium in a small or a large. A fitted £10 shirt looks better than a non-fitting £100 shirt.

That's it from me today, I'm off to soak up some sun. Till next time.