Summer is an opportune time for many things: mowing the lawn, exercising outdoors, temporarily running away from all adult responsibilities (AKA going on holiday) and trying things you’ve never done before, such as falling in love or, you know, wearing a romper.

Only kidding, you should never wear a romper. There are, however, other pieces worth trying this summer. Like those warm-weather staples you may have been putting on the long finger for fearing of royally effing them up. Well, now’s the time to take the plunge.

These are summer’s most difficult wears, and how – according to the experts – you should wear them.

Cropped Trousers

Cropped trousers have two main advantages: they allow air to circulate that sweaty shin-ankle area, and they proffer a welcome alternative to regular trousers, which although objectively fine, can get pretty dull if worn day in, day out.

But tread carefully. Opt for the wrong crop and you’ll be left convincing your mum that no, seriously, you haven’t robbed her three-quarter threads. The perfect length for a cropped trouser ends a couple of inches above your ankle.

“Cropped trousers make your feet the focus, so major consideration also needs to be given to your choice of footwear,” says Lee Goldup, a menswear buyer at designer retailer Browns. “For a casual take on the cropped trouser, pull them on with a pair of sneakers and steer clear of visible socks.”

For a smarter take, try a pair of classic Derbies. “If you’re going to wear socks with this slightly more formal shoe, make sure they’re plain (preferably ice-white) and not too short,” he adds.

Short-Sleeved Shirt

Most short-sleeved shirt #stylefails stem from one misconception: that they are basically the same as long-sleeve ones. Sure, there are a few instances where a shirt’s shorter cousin will do the job, but the safest way of styling one successfully is wearing it not like a shirt, but more like a T-shirt.