By Gretta Monahan
It’s officially summer, people — time for vacations, real air conditioning, beach days, Popsicles and spray tans. And that means it’s also time for shorts.
But you also have this thing called a “job.” And unless you work at a county fair, as a lifeguard or at a nightclub, that means some wardrobe choices just aren’t going to be appropriate — more so if you work in an office. And yet, who wants to wear a suit or pants when it’s 90 degrees out?
A happy medium does exist — and there are three big things to consider when determining when and where workplace shorts can actually work:
1. What’s your workplace dress code? Is there an official set of rules dictating “no jeans, ever” or “casual only on Fridays”? If so, shorts are probably off the table as an option. That means that a certain level of appropriateness is expected, and shorts (yes, even longer, mid-thigh versions) will be frowned upon. Best not to risk all the hard work you do there by one day’s wardrobe decision.
2. What’s your company’s (and industry’s) overall attitude toward individuality? Even without an official written dress code, there are still certain unwritten rules. If, for example, you work in a legal office or a court, in finance or a bank, or at a conservative school, odds are that management wouldn’t appreciate employees wearing something they feel wouldn’t represent the philosophy and attitude of the institution. However, if you work for a summer camp, a fashion designer, an artist’s studio, a nature preserve or any other industry that emphasizes either creativity or outdoorsy-ness, you’re home free to wear shorts.
3. Good judgment. So let’s say your workplace passes the shorts-friendly test. There is still the question of good taste. In any office — even creative ones — shorts should never be too short (make it mid-thigh to the knee). Too short can mean too much skin, which is downright distracting (for you, co-workers and customers). And at the end of the day, anything that distracts from your work says to everyone that your job is not your first priority. Professionalism first, if you want to be taken seriously.
On the styling front, show good judgment in how you wear shorts. Don’t just throw them on like you would after a day at the beach. Choose tailored shorts in a more formal fabric (silk, linen and the like). In an outdoor job, you can be more casual. But in an office, if you style them as you would a pencil skirt or pants, they’ll look just as sophisticated. Tuck a well-fitting blouse into them, consider a chunky belt and always — especially with shorts, since your feet will stand out more than ever — go for a beautiful or statement-making shoe.
