You're Hot Then You're Cold

The late great Alexander McQueen’s Spring 2006 Collection

The pairing of a blazer with shorts is a very touch-and-go look, one that's been on the fashion radar for years... and this summer it's in full effect. A reader asked me how did I feel about it, and I have to tell you, I'm not quite sure. It can go great, or it can go very, very wrong.

Yeah, you DON'T want to look like a British schoolboy

Because of the unfortunate and unavoidable Harry Potter nature of this look, I think it's much easier for girls than boys to rock a blazer with shorts. A structured jacket adds a touch of prep to a rock-and-roll ensemble by dressing up a casual pair of jean short shorts easily. No matchy-matchy fabrics, girls, if you don't want to wear jeans, and you MUST keep the jeans above-the-knee length.

But how many men do you see in jean short shorts? Unless you're Marc Jacobs, you have to find the perfect short to pair your pair your blazer with: they can't be made of the same material, too short, or too long.

Helloooo! Show em how it's done

The man above hit the perfect stride. Here is how you wear a blazer with shorts; as relaxed as possible. His shorts and blazer are both casual, so the jacket of a cotton khaki material with an easy fit goes perfectly with the cargo short.

The just-above-the-knee hit of the short also keeps the look in check (go too short and you are definitely a prep student; too long and you're just slouchy). The footwear should also go casual to avoid looking too formal. Flat sneakers like the men above, sandals or even a pair of monochrome saddle shoes could all work.