How to Wear Suspenders with Shorts

Summer is here and with the heat comes the shedding of extra layers of clothes and shortening and lightening of attire whenever possible.  Suspender lovers may find themselves wondering: Can I get away with wearing suspenders with shorts? The answer is - absolutely!  Not only do shorts and suspenders look stylish, but many wearers of this style feel that losing the belt during the summer months contributes to the free and easy vibe of the season. Pairing suspenders with shorts is a look that can take a few tries to master. Luckily for you, we’ve put together a little list of a few tips and rules to help kick-start your shorts-with-suspenders journey the right way. Too Formal or Not Formal Enough? Suspenders are a fantastic way to add some elegant flair to any outfit. On their own, shorts are typically thought of as a more casual style choice, but how you dress them up can make a world of a difference. Paired with shorts, suspenders can immediately raise the caliber of the whole ensemble. For a full blown formal look, we suggest opting for button suspenders or combining your suspenders and shorts duo with a blazer or tie. Definitely a Winner: Solids and Suspenders When you’re donning any eye-catching accessory that you know will turn some heads, it’s best to make sure that the rest of your outfit is grounded in a way that makes your fashion-forward style choice an interesting visual and not an eye-sore. Shorts in solid colors like navy, black or even pastels can help keep the spotlight on your suspenders and the unique silhouette of this pairing.  If you want to add pizazz, adding a hat or designer sunglasses can lend extra interest to this style. Florals and Graphics, Not So Much Wearing shorts that heavily feature prints, graphics or floral patterns can make a bold statement without having to accessorize. Graphic shorts demand attention, so why detract from it? Adding suspenders to an outfit that already features a heavy print, can tip the scales just over the edge into “I don’t know where to look” territory. Suspenders are great, printed shorts are great, just maybe not at the same time.  At most we recommend a subtle striped short or shirt when wearing summer suspenders. Clipped Suspenders for a Casual Look Shorts might be the official symbol of causal style, but did you know clipped suspender can have the same effect? Accessorize your shorts with clipped suspenders to drive home that chic, yet easy-going casual look. Shorts, Suspenders and Socks - Oh No! Lastly, unless you are going for a nerd or grandpa look, we recommend skipping the socks when wearing shorts and suspenders.  Nothing says "geek" more loudly than a pair of knee-high socks and shorts.  Keep the shoes simple and stylish - loafers, tennis shoes and sandals are all excellent choices when wearing your suspenders-and-shorts ensembles.  And above all else - skip the socks!  Compare the two photos below - enough said! Save Save Save Save Save Save Save