FASHION

UNLIKELY STYLE ICON: PAUL MESCAL

By Emma Strawbridge, 19 June 2024

We all love Paul Mescal, but to be honest, we love his shorts more. The Normal People and Gladiator II (coming soon!) actor has become infamous for his short shorts, always seen sporting them with sweats and trainers around London, and Instagram's gone wild for it. But he took things one step further this week, when he attended the Gucci menswear show at Milan Fashion Week in a pair of striped Gucci shorts (essentially boxers), a blue shirt, socks and black loafers – and you know what? It's a vibe.

Paul Mescal at the Gucci Menswear show, MFW | ASOS Style Feed

Picture: Getty

THE INSPO:

The formula to the look is nothing new, but everyone's favourite internet boyfriend's love of short shorts has reignited *our* love of short shorts, so here are three ways you can incorporate his style into your summer wardrobe.

Shorts, shirt and loafers | ASOS Style Feed

#1: GOING FOR THE BOYFRIEND EFFECT

We call this the: 'I just fell out of my boyfriend's wardrobe' look. The boxer-style shorts, the oversized button-down, the slouchy socks and mensy loafers – it’s effortless style at its finest, but still looks elevated.

GET THE LOOK:

ASOS DESIGN oversized cotton shirt in light blue, £24
ASOS Weekend Collective boxer short in yellow stripe, £26
Topshop Cooper leather loafer with gold trim in black, £46

Hoodie, shorts and trainers | ASOS Style Feed

#2: PUTTING COMFORT > EVERYTHING

This is your new Sunday morning attire. You’ve just rolled out of bed, are taking a stroll through the park with an overpriced coffee and have nowhere in particular to be. But if Paul Mescal walks past, you know you’ll get a nod of approval.

GET THE LOOK:

Tommy Jeans International Games unisex hoodie in indigo, £95

adidas Originals satin sprint shorts in blue, £33

adidas Originals SL 72 OG trainers in green and lilac, £80

Track Jacket, Ballet Flats and Running Shorts | ASOS Style Feed

#3: CHOOSING TOMBOY-FEMME 'FITS

This one's for the people who want something a *little* more girly. Swap out the trainers for ballet flats and frilly socks, then opt for retro sportswear on top. It's giving tomboy femme and it's Mescal-approved.

GET THE LOOK:

Nike Streetwear woven jacket in red and black, £99.99

Nike Running Aeroswift Dri-Fit mid rise shorts in white, £69.99

Topshop Bethany leather square toe unlined ballet flats in black, £38