Work appropriate: The best tailored shorts for the office
Meet the corporate dress code compliant styles promising to see you through a scorching summer
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I don’t need to tell you it’s been a very hot summer. And while rising temperatures and long evenings might be drawing you to lidos and parks at the weekend, the nine-to-five still has to be done. My biggest struggle, and one I’m sure is universal, has been choosing cool but appropriate outfits to wear to work, when all I really want to be in is a bikini. The item I keep reaching for? Shorts.
Shorts for work may seem like a controversial option, but choose office-appropriate lengths and silhouettes, and you’ll effortlessly survive any heatwave while remaining professional. Thankfully, this season’s styles offer just that, with designers including Anine Bing, Toteme, and JW Anderson dressing the capital’s commuters.
The secret to getting shorts for the office right is simple: leave the hotpants at home. Save them for festivals and beach days; Anything too short will simply look inappropriate. Keep them long, opting for cuts just above, on or below the knee and look to pleated, tailored and non-denim styles to achieve a stylish look that still adheres to workplace dress codes (even if the rules have slightly loosened due to the high temperatures).
Once you’ve chosen your preferred design, pair with a crisp white shirt for a polished aesthetic and add a smart blazer for important meetings. Alternatively wear with a tucked in T-shirt for a less tailored, casual Friday appeal, or a matching top for a co-ordinated ensemble, and style with ballet flats, loafers, or heeled sandals alike.
In short, go long, accessorise accordingly and you can’t really go wrong. Need some inspiration? Shop my favourite styles that will work just as hard as you this summer.
Anine Bing Brice pleated shorts
Tailored with pleats, these grey shorts sport an elegant elongated silhouette that will pair perfectly with white shirts and tees alike. Complete with loafers and gold jewellery for a put-together look.
Khaite Auggie pleated shorts
A sharp silhouette with soft pleats in an off-white ivory shade, these shorts perfectly balance a controlled cut with a relaxed feel for an effortlessly smart look. Keep your palette muted and pair with a neutral top, and throw in some gold earrings to offset the whole outfit.
Proenza Scholer White Label Clip printed shorts
For a splash of colour that’s still sophisticated and office-appropriate, these forest green shorts are the perfect answer. A high-waisted, knee-length silhouette with wide pleats, they’re functional, flattering and offer an alternative to your usual neutral office tones.
Max Mara Bermuda shorts
A stylish safe bet, these shorts are smart, sleek and an office wardrobe staple for summer. Rendered in a classic black and structured with pleats, the go-with-everything style looks just as good with a matching black waistcoat or a crisp white shirt as it does with a colourful floral blouse.
Toteme white denim board shorts
While I know I said to steer clear of denim, I’ll make an exception for this chic white-wash pair. A crisp knee-length with pressed front creases, the minimalist style offers an understated but refined summer look that’s both office and weekend appropriate.
The Frankie Shop Marfa Bermuda shorts
You can always rely on The Frankie Shop for workwear, with its signature elevated everyday styles. These shorts are highly versatile and office-appropriate thanks to their classic black colour and knee-length design, and are complete with pleats for a polished, tailored finish.
Aflalo Bromer satin shorts
For something slightly more relaxed with a modern sensibility, these shorts are made from crinkled satin in a golden beige shade for a refined, soft and contemporary look. Wear with a tank top and heels and they’ll double up for chic dinner dates too.
Valentino Garavani pinstripe shorts
If you’re a fan of patterns, pin stripes are the perfect option for work, putting a playful and interesting edge on the classic tailoring style. This pair does just that, rendered in a grey hue with contrasting white stripes for a polished and preppy aesthetic.
Read more: Summer cover-ups for the beach and beyond
