It’s that time of year gentlemen, time for your knees to get some fresh air again., it’s time for shorts. I’ll go on record and say that I’ve never been a big shorts guy, it could be my skinny legs or the fact that good shorts are hard to find (I’m going with the ladder). Recently however more than a few designers have made some great shorts, I’m partial to Shipley & Halmos and Band of Outsiders. Before you pick up a new pair of shorts here are a few thoughts. Fit is crucial, which is true for all clothing, but so often men buy shorts that are ultra baggy and end up getting lost in all the fabric. I like to think of shorts as a pair of slacks that have been cut off, meaning they’re still fitted, just, you guessed it, short. Length is the next issue a lot of men have, mainly the question of the correct length. My rule of thumb is keep it above the knee, you’re not 17 anymore, but you don’t have to go crazy. Right now shorts are a huge trend, so if you’re a more forward you can try a shorter length, but for most guys you can’t go wrong with a few inches above the knee. Finally, and some would argue most importantly, is your choice of footwear. This may seem simple but deciding on a shoe is crucial in any outfit, shorts being no exception. Here’s my advice, buy the following: a leather deck shoe or loafer (my favorite is a washed grey slip-on by John Varvatos), a canvas lace up , and a simple leather sandal. Those three will cover any short related conundrum you may find yourself in. If you keep it simple and pay attention to fit you’ll get a ton of mileage out of your shorts, and just as many compliments. Most importantly you’ll feel good, and when you feel good you’re confident. And nothing looks better on a man than confidence.