Is it me or are shorts getting shorter? I’m about to stock up for summer and I want to get it right!

Mr Dapper: “Stocking up” suggests you intend to purchase more than one pair. If that is so, I urge you to invest in several styles rather than tether yourself to a sole cut that may be out of favour next summer. Diversify your portfolio, as it were. At my age, I am happier in reserved bermudas not too tight on the thighs, such as those by Daks in khaki, light blue or navy (HK$2,490; Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2868 5122). Also consider Shanghai Tang’s reversible shorts in navy and yellow (HK$1,680; 1 Duddell Street, Central, tel: 2525 7333). Just what “short” means, of course, varies. I would put the classic shorts at a knee-length of about nine inches. Hopefully, the extreme below-theknee lengths of 15 inches and longer are a thing of the past.
Mr Dandy: Like anyone goes around with a tape measure! You’re right on the money, reader. Nothing says Summer 2014 like noticeably shorter shorts. It’s all about the tailored short-shorts, like the perfect pair I found at Black Barrett in black, army green or navy (HK$1,390; Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 0386). They look just as good with a tucked-in button-down, a belt and loafers as they do with a white tee and flip flops. Club Monaco has gone shorter, too, in beige, or plain or printed blue (HK$790 to HK$890; Times Square, tel: 2118 3515). Try Izzue’s burgundy or black pair for only HK$599 (Hysan Place, Causeway Bay, tel: 2890 7081). If that’s too short, Chocoolate has a great range in several colours for HK$399 to HK$459 (9 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, tel: 2575 2109).

My shoes are looking (and smelling) worse for wear/ware after all the rain. What’s this I hear about waterproof trainers?

Mr Dapper: I don’t know, but it might well be a little devil on your shoulder, attempting to lead you astray. I hereby appoint myself the angel on the other side, sent by a divine power to inform you that God invented Wellington boots for a reason. Several, actually. First, they keep your feet dry. Second, they save your real shoes. Third, the right pair of Hunters can look perfectly spiffy between appointments or in the country.
Mr Dandy: Man, I don’t know about this look, either, but I had a look around since you asked. I hate to say it, but it sounds like you’re looking for a trainer version of Crocs. Guess what? The brand makes all sorts of lace-ups, top siders and slips-ons, as well as the clogs we all know and love (HK$498 to HK$728; 47 Queen’s Road Central, tel: 2810 0469). In that vein, there’s also the superlight lightweight foam-injection molded-EVA Canadian shoe brand Native (HK$440; Marathon Sports, Times Square, tel: 2506 3139). Wait. Did you mean something sportier? Oh. Then check out the slip-on made of plastic, rubber, mesh and wetsuit-like fabrics by Adidas (HK$319), Nike (HK$459), Columbia (HK$759) and others at Marathon Sports. But, please, change into real shoes before you hit the office.