I have a summer fashion question: what do reasonably fashionable men wear on their legs in warm to hot weather? I wear slacks every day and have a couple pairs of cutoffs for yard work or hiking. I feel absolutely silly wearing shorts in public. Plus, ankle socks or what? Is denim more breathable/comfortable?

You know what they say about snug denim and hot weather ("butt zits"). I don't think you should feel silly about wearing shorts in hot weather; there are plenty on the market right now that are a nice medium between too short and too cargo-y, with a lot of well cut, very trouser-esque versions that are handsome and unassuming (Frances May has some good ones, and their spring/summer sale starts Friday).

The issue of men's footwear is always a tough one. Mandals are usually unbearable. Flip-flops in basic black scream "fuck it" and are therefore hard to argue with. A pair of sneaks you can slip on and/or wear without socks is a decent if sometimes smelly alternative. I've seen men wear espadrilles and pull it off, but that's not recommended for everyone. I'd look for a decent, walkable slip-on, something that serves the same effect as boat shoes but with less 2009 in them, or like Toms with less flaccidity in them. It's an ongoing struggle, for sure, and most guys I know just opt for sneaks.