Summer Wardrobe Advice

I have only recently discovered this forum and am looking for some help with assembling a summer wardrobe. I have a few polo shirts, but I am not sure what to do about shorts/shoes. I was going to go with some plain khaki, gray, or navy shorts (I assume black is as unacceptable in the shorts world as it is in the pants world). I am a bit at a loss as to what to do with shoes. I guess boat shoes would be an option, but I just don't think the style is for me. Any other recommendations? I would be wearing these without socks.

Also, are short-sleeve button-down shirts acceptable when paired with shorts or jeans?

Thanks

Did I post this in the wrong forum? If so, please let me know.

I just need help with a few basic questions:

1. Shoes (or sandals) that go well with khaki/navy/gray shorts

2. Are casual short-sleeve button-down shirts acceptable? Or should I stick with polo type shirts?

3. Are black shorts acceptable?

Thanks

Thanks for the suggestions so far. In terms of the short-sleeve shirt, I am not talking about dress/work shirts here. This would definitely be a summery/casual type of shirt. I will probably just end up with some linen shirts with the sleeves rolled up.

I will just skip the black shorts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tben 

Quote:

I am not expert here, there are many, but I will try to be as helpful as possible.

 

1. A boat shoe or casual loafer should do the trick. There has been some complaints about Sperry here recently so I would check out Sebago. I personally have a pair of brown and a pair of navy boat shoes that I wear frequently throughout the summer. As far as the loafer, a calf-skin in a cognac color is a nice touch. Also, I am not sure how old you are, but I am relatively young and mix a couple of pairs of weejuns in every once in a while.

2. I personally despise short sleeve button-downs, I think it makes the wearer look like middle management. I prefer a long sleeve linen shirt, sometimes rolling up the sleeves.

3. Again, I am not a fan of black shorts. Mix in some nantucket red, green, or yellow, it won't attract the sun and it will make you stand out a little more than the other guy wearing the black or khaki dockers shorts.

 

Hope this is a good, basic start.

I am 35 years old, so I suspect on the younger side of forum members. As for boat shoes, I just don't think I like them for me. So does a casual penny loafer look ok with shorts and no socks?

Quote:

Originally Posted by unbelragazzo 

I agree with tben's response. With the caveat that I never wear shorts unless I'm at the beach or working out, and recommend that all other gentlemen do the same. In particular, definitely avoid black shorts.

So you don't wear a pair of khaki or navy shorts to a summer barbecue or something like that?