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HOW TO STYLE
MEN’S SUMMER SHORTS

Whether you’re holidaying abroad or staying closer to home, shorts are a summer essential. Here’s how to style them for any occasion

What to wear with denim shorts

Shorts are a must for summer, but styling them can be tricky. Here, two of our M&S Insiders – Dan (@marksandspencer_dan) and Rob (@marksandspencer_rob) – show how they’re styling this seasonal staple.

Made with durable, cotton and cut in a modern iteration of the classic five-pocket design, these denim shorts are a versatile addition to your weekend outfit roster. Follow our M&S Insider Dan’s lead and team this hardwearing summer staple with a retro-inspired knitted polo-shirt in an eye-catching colour (bonus points for bold stripes) or give it an upgrade with a breezy white linen shirt and simple slip-on leather sandals for a sunshine-ready look that’s perfect for laid-back al fresco lunches.

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What to wear with chino-style shorts

Pared-back style meets all-day comfort in these linen-rich chino shorts, as worn by M&S Insider Rob, which feature an elastic waistband for essential stretch and Buttonsafe technology. For a relaxed, preppy look that’ll keep you cool when exploring sun-drenched European cities on your holidays, add our stripe shirt made with breathable linen and wear-everywhere leather-look white trainers. Heading out for sundowners? Switch the trainers for soft suede loafers for a look that’s sophisticated enough for hitting the taverna.

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What shoes do you wear with shorts?

When it comes to choosing the right footwear to pair with your shorts, the golden rule is to keep it simple. If you’re wearing relaxed shorts, such as cargo or jersey styles, trainers work well; look for breathable styles to keep feet cool during hot weather. Choose white or paler shades such as ecru for a lighter, summery feel. If you’re planning on wearing shorts on holiday, invest in a pair of suede or leather sandals to wear with tailored or chino-style shorts for balmy al fresco dinners (always make sure your feet are ready to bare – if not, invest in our manicure kit, pronto). Loafers and deck shoes always look on point worn with smart shorts – just resist the temptation to add socks. Our M&S Insider Rob shows how it’s done.

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Words: Sarah Lafarge