Can You Wear Shorts to Work?
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The other day, The New York Times had a quick video on “how to elevate a classic white tee,” a story that we've also done here at Corporette. But I was taken aback by her suggestion for an “office look”: tailored shorts… with a sweater wrapped around her waist, which she describes as “a nice accessory that adds a bit of contrast.”
Now, our focus here at Corporette has always been for more conservative offices — but I was still surprised that a) she featured pants elsewhere in the video! and b) shorts + sweater-around-waist was the only “nice office look” she could come up with.
(Honestly, I even raised an eyebrow at the sweater tied around the waist in the first shot, where it looks like she's wearing a skirt!)
When Are Shorts Appropriate for the Office?
So, the questions for you:
- can you wear shorts to your office?
- for your office, would a sweater wrapped around your waist be an OK look?
- if yes to both (or either), are there any business casual rules that you recognize or have been told?
My Take on Tailored Shorts at the Office
Obviously, every office is different, and the trick is to know yours. As we've noted many times over the years, if you're new to a job or internship, we recommend waiting a few weeks before venturing too far from classic business casual staples like trousers, tops with sleeves, and closed-toe shoes. During that time, pay attention to what your colleagues are wearing — and when they're wearing it.
One rule of thumb I've picked up from readers over the years: watch the mid-level employees, not the partners or executives. Senior people have often earned more professional capital in how they dress, while the mid-levels tend to have the clearest sense of what's considered appropriate day to day.
That said, we've discussed short suits at the office recently (after reading WSJ advice to wear a tailored shorts suits!), how to wear shorts as an adult, and the best shorts for summer (which admittedly needs an update). We've also had other discussions on what not to wear to work.
Social media images via Nordstrom.
Still no, on shorts to work. It doesn’t matter how cute they’re styled online, what blazer they’re matched with…just no. Don’t be that lady.
No
Yes, of course. Particularly when your itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini is in the wash.
If your office job is at the local gym, then yes. But generally, no.
Given that men regularly wear cargo shorts to my office, I feel like if the answer is yes anywhere, I’m probably at that place. But it still feels like no – casual shorts are too short, and knee length shorts styled like this feel too fashionable.
shorts are fine for my tech casual office. Women who wear shorts are usually doing a length between mid thigh and above the knee. so not little running shorts or 3inch inseam jean shorts.
Theres a full spectrum of fashionista business casual outfits to I just dropped my son off at daycare in leggings and a tee.
the company hasnt spontaneously combusted because of leggings or shorts yet.
Gretchen, stop trying to make shorts for office happen.
tbh I wouldn’t be shocked if I saw a super polished version of this appear on someone who tends to be fashion-forward. Like, the kind where the legs are so full that you need to look twice if it’s not actually a skirt.
Saw this today in my office business casual/ casual office. Not recommended, probably not within our published dress code, but not on my team so, shrug.
It’s time to quote Amy, the “I would wear a chicken suit if it helped me get ahead,” poster from 2010.
God I wish I could wear shorts to work.
I work in a lab with crappy A/C and long pants are mandated.
They are one of the few items specifically banned in our agency dress code.
I think it’s funny that people are so dead set against this. There’s constant talk here of wearing band tees and sneakers to the office. Why are shorts worse?
No.
The hardest of nos.
I think it’s interesting how stubborn this dress code rule is. They’ll allow jeans, t shirts, sandals. But shorts? Unheard of. I wonder why this one is so intractable.
Even out here in laid-back world of the PNW, shorts are still a definite no on our office. I don’t see that changing any time soon.
I have often worn shorts to the office. Wide legged shorts that look almost like culottes.
Tailored, pleats front shorts that are knee length.
Skorts.
(Never with a jumper tied around my waist.)
I’m all for shorts at the office as they are more practical than skirts the same length. Federal government office and PR office in Australia, for context.
I’m kind of surprised at the hard line in the comments – I know this is a know your office thing, and that I’ve worked exclusively in software/techie firms, but I absolutely would and have worn shorts in the office. I won’t wear short shorts, but 10″ inseam is plenty modest and no shorter than a knee length skirt. I did it when I worked in a 200 person all in office gig, and I’ll do it tomorrow at my current gig (smaller company, mostly hybrid except for occasional coordinated days in our small office). Knees out!
No shorts.
I might tie a sweater around my shoulders if it turned suddenly hot and I had no other way to carry it, but it would be a utilitarian decision. Would not tie one around my waist. It looks bulky and juvenile.
It’s strictly not forbidden to wear shorts at my office, but it’s not a good look and only 0.01% of the colleagues wears them Even tailored shorts have to much beach vibe.
You can wear a sweater around your waist if you’re moving from a to b, like you can wear outerwear. They look silly and disorganised during desk work and meetings.
‘not strictly forbidden’