This means that Seattleites have to approach how they dress a bit differently from other folks, of course.
For some ideas, let's review some of the photos from The Industry's "Fashion Kills Hunger" fashion show a week or so ago.
Layering continues to be a staple of dressing for Seattle. When the wind picks up, or if you plan on staying out into the colder evening hours, having a stylish sweater or jacket to put on becomes a real lifesaver -- and that goes double if you need to loan it to the lady joining you for the evening.
To layer successfully, think about using a bolder piece along with a solid color piece that complement each other - such as in the picture to the right. The plaid button down underneath goes very nicely with the white sweater top, which is designed to look like a sweatshirt, bringing in a hood and front pocket, but is much more tailored and has a wider neck line, allowing the shirt underneath to show through and contribute to the outfit.
Each piece should bring something to the table, as opposed to wearing a great outfit, only to be covered up by a mismatched fleece jacket or logoed sweatshirt.
As for the shorts versus pants debate, consider your options and what you are doing on a given day. If you have any plans to go to a nice restaurant, especially for dinner, the shorts must be left at home, or changed out of prior to arriving at the restaurant. However, if you're planning to be outdoors most of the day, the right shorts are a very feasbile option.
If you go the shorts route, make sure they hit right around the middle of your knee, not much higher or lower. Shorts create a visual break in your profile -- having them at the right length minimizes the effect of that break. Since we all have knees, that becomes a natural place for the shorts to end. Another thing to remember in choosing your shorts is how they look when you sit down - if they're too short, they will reveal the generally unkempt upper leg region, which unless you've been to the tanning salon and have done something to spruce the area up, is not something most of us want to see.
Of course, if you go too long, you run the risk of looking like you accidentally put on a pair of ladies' capri pants. When shorts stroll down too far below the knee, it again creates an unnatural look and breaks up your profile in an unflattering way. If nothing else, it looks like you just couldn't make up your mind which way to go.
As for fabric, it goes without saying that denim is not an option. Jorts, or jean shorts, are simply something that must be avoided for any man of class, style, or fashion. Jeans were originally a piece of work apparel, and shorts convey a sense of leisure and relaxation. Jorts present a mental conflict, if you will. They are two things going in opposite directions thathave unfortunately been brought together in a union of unholy matrimony.
Thankfully there are plenty of cotton based options that should give you plenty of options to choose from. Feel free to be as bold as you want with your shorts, or go for a more subtle look and pair them with a distinctive shirt.
If you go the pants route, the natural inclination may be to wear a pair of jeans. However, there are numerous other options that provide you a fresh look.
Many stores in Seattle, such as Oslo's and Butch Blum, are carrying five-pocket pants, which are designed like jeans, but are made from a cloth material that has a higher level of refinement from denim, but doesn't stray into the level of business attire. They aren't your typical pair of side-pocket khakis that many men have come to avoid because they recall business clothes. Rather, these are comfortable, flattering pants that fit like jeans but look much classier.
Of course you have options with linen as well - a favorite summer fabric. Light and airy, wearing linen is a joy of warmer weather, although you have to accept that it does wrinkle more than other fabrics. But it provides both a tremendous look and feel for the wearer, and is something that should be mixed into any stylish man's wardrobe.
When it comes to shoes, let's start by leaving the athletic shoes and white athletic socks at home. Athletic shoes and socks are meant to be worn only when doing something athletic. Like the five-pocket pants, there are plenty of options that combine stylishness with comfort. Look for lighter options such as driving shoes, boat shoes, or slip on loafers. In the summer, it is totally appropriate to go without socks - or if that doesn't feel like an option, go with a very low no-show sock that slips over your foot but is hidden once you put your shoes on.
You also have the option of wearing sandals - but remember that all sandals are not made the same. Shower shoes, those cheap flip flops you buy to wear while showering at the gym, are not at all appropriate. Rather, lean towards something leather, or leather with a comfortable rubber sole. As a general rule, the thinner the sole, the classier it looks. This means that your hiking sandals, or those designed to be worn in the water as protection for your feet should not be worn outside of those environments. And absolutely, positively, never ever -- no socks with your sandals. If you have to wear socks, wear shoes.
Bring your look together by incorporating a light colored belt made of canvas or leather, add a fashionable hat and sunglasses, and you'll be ready for whatever weather Seattle'ssummer has in store.