Poll: Should You Wear Shorts To Work?

Every summer, women in the workplace are faced with the challenge of wearing something comfortable that’s still office-appropriate. While school dress codes dictate skirt lengths and occasionally even monitor undergarments (not okay), workplace protocol isn’t always so clear.

Skirts, dresses and even rompers tend to be in the clear for office protocol, but shorts remain a topic of great debate. Men fought the anti-shorts attitude last summer with the #FreeTheKnee campaign and fashion publications have praised culottes and formal shorts as acceptable workplace attire for hotter months. But that doesn’t mean you should sport cut-offs in the conference room.

“It all depends on the industry you’re in,” Kate Weiss, the vice president of human resources at Time Inc. told InStyle. “If you’re in finance, probably not. But in a more creative environment, you probably can. Ask yourself: If you’re called into a meeting with senior leaders, would you feel comfortable wearing shorts?”

And now we’re putting it to you, Motto readers: Are shorts cool at the office?