PureWow Editors Are Proof You Can Wear Shorts to the Office. Here’s How

Jillian Quint, Editor in Chief

“I've always told my husband that it's totally acceptable to wear black jeans to a nice restaurant, and I think the same holds true for shorts and an office. Something about the dark wash dresses them up, and because these guys are high waisted and cuffed, they feel more tailored than your typical denim cut-offs. I pair them with heels and something super-business on top to make them even more profesh.”

Simple, classic and a total no-brainer, high-waist shorts in a dark hue and sturdy fabric will always look great with a crisp button-up shirt. And while Quint’s heels add a fabulous finishing touch, you could also opt for pointy-toe flats or sleek loafers.

Marissa Wu, Associate Editor

“Fabric matters with shorts, and I think cotton/linen is probably the least formal you can get away with. In general, more structured fabrics also look more professional. Cut matters, too. I think I can get away with these shorts at the office because they are high waisted and slightly flared in the hips and thighs instead of hugging my body too tightly. Also, it’s about balancing the overall outfit! For example, if you wear denim shorts, maybe throw on an oversized button-down or cardigan and some nicer shoes that aren't sneakers.”

Wu notes that solid hues may be easier to style for the office, but that doesn’t mean you need to eschew prints and patterns altogether. Just be sure to pick something that reads more “I’m headed to the office” and not “I’m headed to the cabana.” Stripes, gingham and plaid can all pass as professional, especially in muted or neutral hues, while tropical flowers, candy-colored waves and tie-dye are better suited to weekends.

Delia Curtis, Assistant Editor

“I absolutely love wearing shorts to the office in the summer. I overheat so badly, and sweat is something I'm *always* concerned about. That being said, I think there are definitely ways to wear shorts that are office appropriate. Fabric, fit and length are all crucial. I think anything shorter than mid-thigh would be too revealing to wear in a business setting. I feel more comfortable moving around knowing that a bit more of my body is covered. I also think a looser fit seems to be the way to go. With this ensemble, I chose to pair my shorts with a blazer and knee socks. It reminded me of a British school uniform which definitely feels more formal in my eyes, but the denim shorts, white tank, funky jewelry and space buns dress it down a bit, making it an ideal outfit for my particular office setting.”

I adore Curtis’s spin on British school uniforms (very Thom Browne) with the high socks, loafers and blazer. It’s fashion forward without being too casual, despite incorporating casual denim.

Taryn Pire, Food Editor

“I think it’s subjective, but for me making shorts appropriate for the office is more about fit than length. My shorts are short enough to show off my tattoo and expose my thighs, but because they’re looser, I felt I could wear them to the office. I also paired them with a button-down blouse and loafers to dress them up a bit.”

If you’re going to rock denim or a shorter hemline, follow in Pire’s very stylish footsteps and opt for classic black staples—loafers, a leather belt and a chic blouse—to help balance out the casual nature of your shorts.

Madeline Merinuk, Assistant Editor Branded Content

“I think shorts are great for the office in the summer. If they’re a length you feel comfortable with and styled in a business casual way, they can be a stylish outfit option, especially for those scorcher days when commuting to work feels like walking through the desert.”

Comfort is key here. If you feel self-conscious in your shorts or are second-guessing whether or not they’re appropriate for the office, you can assume they’re not. Looser fits that flare away from the thigh (but don’t veer into baggy territory) look and feel much more posh than skin-tight silhouettes. When in doubt, try wearing shorts on a casual Friday and see how you feel before breaking them out for that Monday meeting.