the bermuda shorts.

for some reason, i now have this sudden fondness towards shorts.

i know the "leggy" trend in men has been around for quite some time now, yet it wasn't until yesterday that i actually wore pseudo-short shorts (cut above the knee). i've always been a tad bit conscious about my legs since i've always thought they're not long or toned enough for display. as a matter of fact, i shocked myself yesterday for having had the guts to cuff my bermudas above the knee.

photo: the Sartorialist

it never really occurred to me how the length of one's shorts is actually essential to the look that one is trying to achieve. until this moment, that is. now i know why some men prefer to wear theirs shorter than the usual Quicksilver/ Billabong cut. i see that unlike boardies, they make my legs look longer and they make my entire outfit look sleeker. which apparently means, this can help make any guy look more proportioned and less sloppy. nice, 'di ba?

the British Army in Bermuda (where the shorts first became popular). circa 1930s.

but of course i'm talking about bermuda shorts. obviously, there are different kinds available in the market. these are more tailored and can oftentimes be worn in dressy occasions. take note that unlike cargo shorts or baggy khakis, its hem can be cuffed or un-cuffed around one to two inches above the knee. that means they're really made short. so don't just fold any type of pair you have lying around your closet thinking that you can use them for this look. 

some inspirations:

Louis Vuitton S/S 2009

Neil Barrett S/S 2009

Versace S/S 2009 (my favorite)

Veronique Branquinho S/S 2009

this is how i wore them. what do you think?

here's a few tips if you plan to wear these shorts:

fit is of primary importance. pick a trimmer style. avoid those loose baggy ones, unless you have big muscular legs. or else you'll end up having two toothpicks hanging below your torso. for the length: just above the knee is perfect. don't go too long OR too short (well, that's another story).

i also suggest you wear them with rolled-up long-sleeves or an open jacket. believe me, you won't go wrong with that. as for footwear: loafers, slip-ons, moccasins, and other dress shoes are the most appropriate. and yeah. please don't show your socks.

canvas and rope.

espadrilles.

i'm sure you've seen them around Zara. they're casual sandals with uppers made of  canvas (or cotton fabric) and flexible soles made of rope (or rubber molded to look like rope). if you're like me, you're also probably wondering why nobody has ever gotten them yet. or at least, you've never seen anyone wearing them here. 

photo: the Sartorialist

European men have been wearing them during the summer. it actually became quite a trend. personally, i like how they're shabby and chic at the same time. undoubtedly casual, but not at all rugged. unfortunately, it's a bit too late for me to be wearing them now (unless, of course, i go to the beach or anywhere sunny) since we're currently "enjoying" the rainy season.

espadrilles at the Gucci S/S 06 runway show.

wait. familiar ba?

oh. by the way, i can't help but post this photo.

yup. that's John F. Kennedy wearing his own pair.

it actually makes me want to go on a cruise. don't you think they're perfect for the Mediterranean islands?  i can just imagine myself walking around the shores of Rondinara beach, south-east of Corsica (France), in 'em sandals.

but yeah. baby steps. perhaps sa swimming pool muna ako for now.