I have seen many summer shorts that have caught my eye but none as dazzling as these by Jodi Arnold. Made of a cotton and linen blend, the Glistening Low Rise Shorts would upgrade the usual casual outfit for day, while adding some pizzaz and sexiness for the evening. You could pair these with cute flats or be a little more flirtatous and wear heels. Price: $190.

One of the trends seen in many lines for Spring 2007 was the men's business suit with shorts, rather than pants. The Perry Ellis design, pictured, illustrates the idea. Designers love it and seem to be convinced that it is the wave of the future.

Not one to dash their hopes, but this is one trend that won't carry over once it is off the runway. Men don't want to wear them and the buyers for stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks know it; the suits are being passed over at almost every level. While the idea of being cool and comfortable in a professional environment is appealing, it doesn't seem like the business community is ready to embrace the business short look.

The two reasons that men can't wear the short suits are (1) a lack of appropriate footwear and (2) hairy legs.

Though sometimes the fashionistas turn up their noses at shorts, realists know that they can be the most comfortable choice for summer wear. After all, there is no sense in sweltering away in a pair of jeans when you can look equally good in something light and breathable. Shorts are super-short this season for women, but the men's shorts are very fashionable and easy to wear.

Keep in mind a couple of rules when choosing shorts, though. First, don't choose a thick material. It will look bulky and unflattering, not to mention that some of the cooling features will be lost. Linen and cotton/linen blends are the way to go, like these Cargo Shorts from J. Crew ($60). Second, don't take a cue from women's fashions and instead stick with shorts that are above or at the knee. A relaxed fit and a not-too-low rise will increase their wearability, like updated Marc Jacobs Bermuda Shorts ($158). Tees, polos and button-down shirts can be paired with shorts, but try not to match them to the point where it looks like you're wearing a jumpsuit, particularly if either shirt or shorts involve a print. And finally, never wear socks with your shorts and sandals. Please.

 

Men have it easy when it comes to swimsuit season. No struggle to fit into the teeny weeny bikini and for the most part men's swimsuit styles don't change much. Which can be part of the problem, a man can wear the same monochromatic basic pair of swim trunks for years. A much needed upgraded comes from Vilebrequin which creates trunks for men and boys in a variety of fun prints. Developed in St. Tropez in the 1970s, the suits have classic style but their distiinctive prints make them more interesting than most men's swimwear. The suits have side pockets, a velcro back pocket and are designed to be quick drying.  The suit comes with a spinaker cloth bag and a water resistant wallet. The Green Shrimp Okoa suit shown here sells for $165.