Is it appropriate to wear shorts for work? (Office based)

[Someaddedsugar]

So I've seen some black tailored shorts in the Reiss sale and was wondering if this sort of thing would be appropriate with tights and flat shoes for work in an office?

I often wear shorter dresses and skirts, always with tights and either heels or flats, but I'm not sure whether I could get away with shorts without looking like I was on a night out!

That’s almost to the knee though.

That dress is nowhere near knee length.

The shorts are lovely but definitely not office wear.

It’s only an inch or so above the knee. The shorts are no where near that length

No. I worked in the city years ago and a couple of women from the German desk came to work in shorts. We thought our (female, trouser-hating Director) was going to have a fit. It was quite funny though as they really didn't see the issue (and very deadpan argued their amazement at her blustering).

It’s only an inch or so above the knee.

Are you talking about the Ted Baker one?! I would wear a skirt an inch above the knee to work but would not wear that Ted Baker one. It looks way shorter than an inch above the knee.

I think tailored culottes / shorts would be ok but only if a modest length. They're really nice shorts but waaaaaaay too short for office wear. A skirt that length would also be inappropriate even with black tights.

I also work in a very informal industry. I'd say on a low key day with no clients in and very thick black tights and very covered top half then maybe. Anything else then no.

No!!!!

I've worn tailored shorts to work longer than these with opaque tights and knee high boots and was told off for my inappropriate office attire. In my office you can get away with some relatively relaxed attire but short skirts/dresses/shorts and too much boob are always a no-no.

These might be ok depending on your office.

Not sure what you’d do about tights though.

Nice shorts, I also work in an office as a professional, some questionable outfits from some people but I wouldn't wear those to work.

I cannot think of any job/work situation where this shorts would be appropriate workwear. Not one.

Have you got legs like that?! She looks fab but yes, it's night out wear not work.

these shorts, not this shorts.
Well I could say ‘this short’, as in a red lip, a jean, if I were in the fashion industry.

Depends on your office surely! If you have to ask then it's probably inappropriate for your office!

Told off at work???? Really??? I have seen people wearing short dresses in my work and they look ridiculous esp working with children. Noone has ever been told to go home or told off!!!!
Anway, the shorts are way to short imo and so is the dress.

@NC4now I did look at those but also wondered what to do about tights!

It's a strange one as our office is totally varied; a lot of the men wear traditional office shirt/trouser combinations but the women are totally varied with everything from leggings and a long tee to trouser suits. Even our manager (female) comes in wearing jeans and leggings when she doesn't have client meetings.

I think there are two questions, one whether any shorts could be worn where you work; sounds like a yes for you, and I can think of a range of workplaces (DH's for a start) where shorts in general are fine (DH wears them in the summer).

A different question is whether or not those shorts are appropriate. I would think not, due to the length, at least not for an office based job. I can, however, think of jobs where they would be OK: swim instructor (though they might be a bit nice for that!), farmer (or any outdoor work where you work on your own and aren't meeting clients), there must be more.

I think it very much depends on your office. What a lawyer might consider inappropriately casual would be too smart by far for a software engineer or scientist.

The shorts are very short but in a casual office I doubt anyone would really care unless you were silly about them and kept making comments about how short your shorts were. Wear them with thick black tights, flat black ankle boots and a black crew neck jumper over a white blouse and act like they are completely appropriate and no-one will care.

@CountFosco I'd never thought of it like that and that's great advice. They'd be worn with thick black tights and a black funnel neck jumper (v similar to your suggestion).

I'm a graphic designer with no client contact and I fully agree if I was a lawyer etc I would think the shorts were inappropriate however in my role I'm not sure they are if worn in a discreet manner...

I am a lawyer so perhaps why I said no earlier

No.

I run an office for a pro sports player, I doubt if any office is more casual than ours but those particular shorts would still be too short ( and with my legs they would also be a crime against humanity)

That is a gorgeous outfit. I totally would have worn it ten years ago but not for work. It's very much a going out outfit imo. Only you know the dress code at your work place though. Do you get on well with your workmates? Perhaps you could forward the link to them and ask their opinions.

Graphic designer? Then definitely OK, creative industries always can push fashion boundaries more with officewear.

There's a woman who wears short with opaque tights in our office. Nobody bats an eyelid.