If you’re still fighting the battle for best-dressed man in the room this season, then deliver a knockout blow by pulling on a shorts suit.

While we’re not great believers in cropped tailoring at the office or your average upscale wedding, there’s definitely a time and a place for baring your legs while wearing a blazer – a rooftop cocktail party, perhaps?

But before you pull on a shorts suit, there are rules to consider. Take a look at our guide to gutsy summer smartwear, below.

1. Keep It Informal

There’s nothing worse than witnessing a guy who’s tried a bit too hard to smarten up a shorts suit. You’re not Pharrell, and whatever swanky do you’re heading to this summer isn’t the Oscars, so just be cool and wear yours with a plain crew neck T-shirt or white linen shirt layered underneath.

Remember, if you are heading somewhere that stipulates formal attire, there’s no substitute for an actual suit. Sure, these lopped off versions make a killer alternative to wearing, say, lightweight chinos and a sports jacket, but they should never be considered a straight swap for the real deal – even in summer.

Image: Zara Summer 2015

2. Find Your Fit

You’re already playing a risky game by throwing short tailoring into your seasonal wardrobe. So to ensure your silhouette and proportions don’t get completely thrown off by baring your legs at the same time as layering up with a blazer, make sure everything fits perfectly.

Opt for slim cuts that sit close against the body for a slick, refined look or, alternatively, go for a shorts suit in something like a deconstructed linen or seersucker for a more relaxed, laid-back take on the trend.

Image: Gant Rugger Spring 2015

3. Mix It Up

If you decide to give this whole shorts suit thing a whirl, the beauty is that you can mix and match your blazer with whatever tailored shorts you like, within reason.