How to Wear Spring Shorts to the Office

Each spring, the topic of dressing down for the office is sure to come up. Whether you can wear a pair of shorts into the office and still be taken seriously is entirely influenced by which pair you choose and how you choose to wear them. Whether you work in a corporate environment or a simple "mom and pop" establishment, you can find the right shorts to wear to work this spring.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Pick the Right Pair

1. Make sure the fit of your shorts is appropriate for your body type. Shorts that are too tight will never be acceptable in the workplace.

2. Select a length that is both flattering and modest. This is especially important if your work requires you to bend over frequently. The office is no place to put on a "free show." Shorts should seldom fall higher than just above the knee for office wear.

3. Pick a pair of spring shorts in a fabric that is more appropriate to the workplace, such as light wool or linen suiting. Just as you wouldn't wear a suit made of nylon or spandex to work, your work shorts shouldn't be made of materials more suited to the gym.

4. Make your accessories choices wisely. What you wear with your work shorts can make all the difference.

Dress Up a Pair of Shorts for Work

5. Create a suit look out of your shorts for a smart work look. Depending on the season, you may be able to find complementary or coordinated garments to complete your ensemble.

6. Choose a more formal button-down shirt to wear with your shorts and make sure that it is well pressed. You should strive to look as well groomed as possible when you wear shorts to work.

7. Shop for a coordinating jacket in the latest trendy style. Whether it's a swing silhouette or a cropped look, your jacket can tie your whole work look together.

8. Wear shoes that are workplace appropriate, such as a pair of close-toed shoes or pumps.

9. Use jewelry and accessories to make a more put-together look. An oversized brooch on your jacket lapel or a coordinating leather belt around your waist will bring the entire ensemble together.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to truly embrace the "wear shorts to work" lifestyle, consider pursuing a career path which is consistent with this fashion phenomenon. Careers in video-game programming or those related to working out of doors seem particularly sympathetic to this desire.
• Know your office policy. Some offices forbid shorts altogether while others allow them only on specific days like "casual Friday."