Business meeting on top. Cocktail party on the bottom?

No, we're not talking about the return of the mullet. Rather, the latest trend in menswear: the shorts suit. From the waist up, a shorts suit resembles your average business professional attire with a button-up jacket and tie. But from the waist down, the usual trousers are replaced by a pair of cool, cropped shorts. The bold look is usually complete with shoes … sans socks, of course.

J. Crew, Topman, Asos and Barneys are among the retailers selling the shorts suit this season. Music star and fashion icon Pharrell Williams may be credited with (or blamed for) the trend, which took off after he wore tuxedo shorts to the Academy Awards this year.

Not everyone is a fan. "No! This is a crime against humanity," said Alex Hoeppner, a Minneapolis accountant. "What's next, short-sleeve suit jackets?"

Aimee Blanchette