Comfortable, easy and uncomplicated—these are the hallmarks of a warm weather wardrobe. You ditch the unnecessary (see: layers and socks) and one could argue that as we creep towards Memorial Day, pant legs would be classified as superfluous. Make sure your closet is stocked with the essential shorts for the season. And while there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the length, there is definitely a target to aim for: about an inch or so above the knee.
Printed
Printed
Easy-going, comfortable designs that you can feel good about kicking around in. Because they're heavy on prints, pair them with a simple shirt.
American Eagle, $44.95
Carhartt WIP, $125
J.Crew, $59.50 / $41.65
CPO, $54
Scotch & Soda, $119
Denim
Denim
The key to pulling off the new class of denim shorts is keeping the fit nice and relaxed.
Tailored
Tailored
With a trim fit that's akin to your favorite pants, these trouser-cut shorts are the ones you can dress up with a pair of wing tips or white bucks.
Life After Denim, $98
Apolis, $108 / $79.98
Wallace & Barnes, $69.50 / $48.65
Saturdays NYC, $105
CPO, $49
Denim
Sweats
Because you could use some sporty shorts that are as comfortable to wear on the couch as they are in the gym.
Zara, $35.90
J.Crew Factory, $27
Reigning Champ, $95
H&M, $24.99
Club Monaco,
$89.50
Club
Monaco,
$89.50
Make Your Own Shorts
Recycle a pair of old pants or jeans and make your own shorts by cutting them off and fraying the edges. Here's how to do it.