How To Wear Shorts To The Office

This post isn’t going to be for everyone.  Obviously some people just can’t wear shorts to the office.  But for those of you who think your company dress code is a bit more lenient and may allow you to show a little knee, here are a few tips to help you get it right.

Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you can slack off in the style department, and just because you pull on a pair of shorts doesn’t mean you’re suddenly forced to be super casual.  With enough effort, you can look just as polished and professional as any business-savvy career gal, all the while keeping cool in the summer heat (and showing a little leg to boot).  Follow the tips below to make your summer wardrobe office-friendly (and envy-inducing) without breaking a sweat.

 How To Wear Shorts To The Office

1. Always be mindful of length.  No matter how pulled together and professional your look, if your shorts are too short, the entire outfit is ruined.

2. Pair high-waisted trouser shorts with a classic blazer for an effortless office-approved outfit.

3. Go the suit route.  You may be wearing shorts, but this is a cohesive, corporate outfit that makes you look conservative and business-minded, nothing less.

4. Try a romper.  Yes, it’s technically shorts, but calling them out as such is gravely underselling their true potential.

5. Along those lines, remember skorts?  Yep, you’re wearing shorts to the office, but can anyone even tell with bottoms this discreet (and cute)?

6. Go for something different.  Fancy shorts are everywhere, so instead of relying on the good ol’ khaki and black trouser standbys, go for luxurious fabrics and patterns to dress up an otherwise boring outfit.  This look may just be shorts and a blazer, but it’s conservative, classy, and office-ready.  Who can say this look is unprofessional and weekend-only?  I’m hearing crickets.

 7. Play up the top.  If you have simple shorts and a blazer or cardigan, pair them with a dressy top.  This one below offers more shape and adds an element of retro-chic with the ruffle.  Just be sure that the top you choose isn’t the type of top you would wear for a night out with your girlfriends.  Go for a high-cut neckline, conservative patterns, and luxe fabric.  Would you wear it to a meet and greet with Hillary Clinton, paired with pearls?  If the answer is no, find a different top.

Are you allowed to wear shorts to the office?  What are your go-to outfits and top tips for showing some leg in a corporate environment?  Let us in on your style secrets in the comments section below!

After graduating from college in ’09, Allyson Barkan flew off to Greece to teach English Literature at a private high school and explore Greek and European culture for a year.  Since returning stateside, she now works in Entertainment Public Relations in New York City.  For travel advice, stray observations as a 20-something in the big city, and the occasional hilarious misadventure, follow Allyson atwww.allysonbarkan.com and on twitter at @aebarkan.