How to Wear Shorts to Work (If You Dare)

If your corporate dress code is pretty relaxed on Fridays, you can easily get away with wearing shorts to the office—but cutoffs and a tee are definitely not how it works. My office’s air conditioner is constantly broken on the summer’s hottest days; it’s almost like clockwork. When the forecast calls for 90 degrees+, I know I’d better dress my coolest possible, and wearing shorts to the office almost becomes a necessity. They’re often more comfortable than dresses (hello, swamp thighs), and if done right, they do look downright professional. Granted, it doesn’t work for every office, but I’m grateful for our casual Fridays that do allow for a bit of leeway in the corporate dress code department.

If you’ve never worn shorts to work before but have seen people around your office do it, this is the summer to get on board. Dare to rock shorts to work! All you need are these tips on how to wear shorts to work and look polished while doing it. Check out the tips, plus my favorite work-worthy pairs in the slideshow.

What do you think? Can you get away with wearing shorts to the office? Weigh in in the comments.

More Office Style:

How to Wear Shorts to Work (Dare to Do It!)

Choose the Right Style

Denim and canvas shorts definitely have their time and place, but your afternoon meeting with the higher-ups is not it. Opt for a pair of slightly loose fitting shorts with a tailored fit. Think crisp and pulled together, not lazy and laid-back. When in doubt, consider whether the shorts would look right with an office-appropriate top, such as a blouse or blazer.

Pictured: Splendid Tie-Front Shorts, $88

image: Nordstrom
Length Matters

Who wears short shorts? Definitely not you when you're at the office. Again, save those more casual styles for your downtime—this means sticking with shorts that are roughly the same length as any skirt you would wear to work. Of course, you don't want to go too long either or you risk appearing dowdy. Bermuda length is always a smart and sensible option for a corporate environment.

Pictured: Vince Side-Buckle Bermuda Shorts, $195

image: Neiman Marcus
Top It Off

What you wear on top is key to bringing the entire look together. This is obviously not the place to wear your favorite lived-in tee, but it's a great opportunity to rock a work shirt or lean blazer in the same color family as your shorts. Slip a contrasting blouse or camisole underneath to achieve a thoughtfully planned look. If you happen to have an especially laid-back dress code, skip the matchy-matchy routine and mix and match your blazer and shorts for a more creative approach.

Pictured: LOFT Shimmer Jacquard Riviera Shorts, $60

image: LOFT
Colors and Prints

You don't have to sport a fuchsia hibiscus print to look summery chic. Embrace classic patterns, like neutral stripes, that resonate well in professional settings and also play well with most conservative tops. If you can get away with a bolder print, look to colorful stripes or a geometric pattern to break up the monotony of typical workday attire. And don't shy away from color, although vivid hues like electric yellow and neon pink are typically best saved for after hours.

Pictured: Nordstrom Collection Structured Print Silk Shorts $168

image: Nordstrom
Footwear Fun

Don't even think about wearing flip-flops—but you knew that, ladies. If you're tall, a pair of sleek flats in a classic hue is a great choice for finishing your look with flair. Shorter women might consider a low-profile wedge or heel to add a few inches to their frames without appearing overdone or flashy.

Pictured: Tory Burch Reva Ballet Flats, $225
The Bottom Line

It can be fun to let your hair down a bit and head to the office in a pair of shorts, but remember to honor the overall dress code by keeping it professional. Simple accents, like delicate jewelry or a structured tote bag, add to the formality of your look. A creative office may permit trendier ensembles, but conservative is the way to go in any other environment.

Pictured: Ann Taylor Curvy Walking Shorts, $49

image: Ann Taylor