The phrase “It’s shorts weather” has finally resurfaced, which means it’s time to tie an anchor to it and send it back to the shadowy depths from whence it came. It is not shorts weather, nor will it ever be – as far as style is concerned.

Don’t get me wrong, I think shorts are very refreshing and feel great when the weather’s nice, but you won’t see me wearing them to class. Shorts should be relegated to the basketball court, the beach, or any other place where physical activity will happen. Otherwise, it isn’t necessary to expose anything below the knee.

Shorts simply give off a boyish feel. It’s difficult to look manly in shorts, especially if they don’t fit. Most of the time, this applies to cargo shorts. Use common sense gentlemen – only wear cargo shorts if you’re toting cargo. They’re unnecessarily baggy and unflattering to anyone’s figure.

Going too far in the other direction can be just as bad. Nobody wants to see your Lieutenant Dangle, chief.

If shorts are a must (maybe you have really sweaty calves), then approach them the same way you would pants. Slim, but not skin-tight, and solid colors. If shorts didn’t look young already, they’ll make any man look like a toddler if they’re sporting a plaid pattern.

Also, as a general rule-of-thumb, shorts look better when cut just above the knee. This will make you look slightly taller, and a slim cut will make you look slimmer.

Lastly, my greatest warning for shorts is to avoid, at all costs, the travesty that is jorts, or jean-shorts. Just don’t.

Connor Tarter is a 21-year-old junior from Dallas, Texas.