Is It Ever Okay To Wear Shorts To Work?
A US trend for summer cut-offs at work is spreading. FHM weighs up shorts on a date, pastels, cargos, denim cut-offs, check and beige – and how to buy the right pair for the office.
Let’s face it, it’s nice to feel the calming breeze on your junk as you buy and sell shares or confiscate packs of custard creams off shoplifting tramps. Nice it may be but – and it’s a big but – your shorts could be jeopardising your career prospects. As a new US trend for companies letting their employees don cut-offs to work during summer makes its way to other countries, FHM assesses the pros and cons, so you and your knees can leave the house in safety this summer.
Can I wear…
Shorts on a date? A sure-fire no. It shows you’re not taking the occasion seriously. Only excused if the date is a BBQ, and then wear the loudest pair you can. But be warned: you will go home alone.
Cargo shorts? We’re sitting this one out for now to see where it goes. The style is hotly tipped for a return, but we still carry the mental scars from the first time around.
Check shorts for a sales meeting? There is no doubt that check shorts are smart, but since they are also playful, we would advise you to wear it on the beach or at a beer party, not at office.
Pastel colours? One hundred percent yes. Pastels are bang on trend this year, a great alternative to chinos, super-summery and have that cool Miami Vice look.
Denim cut-offs? Don’t judge us, but yes, you totally can. It’s been a big alternative look, but it’s going fully mainstream. Wear with a washed-out, vintage-look T-shirt.
Beige at golf course? The beige-coloured shorts is a complete winner and a perfect way to spend your weekends at a golf course or in a mall. Team them with polos and you’re good to go!
How short is too short?
Go for a mid-length, just above the knee – not too long, not too short.
Make sure you buy the right shorts
1. Material: Natural materials, a cotton or linen as opposed to nylon or anything sporty and synthetic, will give you that professional edge.
2. Length: Go for a mid-length, just above the knee. If you buy them a bit longer, you can always roll the hem to an ideal length.
3. Colour: Keep these colours muted. Shades like plum, navy and classic beige keep a more formal feel.
4. Wear with… A soft un-padded suit jacket, an Oxford button-down shirt and a toned-down plimsoll like a Vans Era.
The verdict
Ralph Evans, management guru and career strategist: “Never be caught in shorts unless you’re a lifeguard – there’s absolutely no reason why you should rock up to work in them.”
Will Barnes, FHM UK Fashion Director: “There are plenty of workers not fortunate enough to be allowed to don shorts on the job. So all of us who can should join forces with the lifeguards of our land and wear a pair in solidarity for those who aren’t so lucky.”
From the August 2012 issue of FHM India.
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