Is it okay for a man to wear shorts at work? How to get it right

Getting dressed for work mid-summer proves a sartorial quandary, especially when it comes to wearing anything other than a suit, writes Lee Holmes

Fendi Spring Summer 2016 (Getty Images)

Most of us, let’s face it, are in two minds about whether it’s acceptable to wear shorts to the office in summer. The very idea of sporting something so casual in the workplace is enough to set teeth on edge. However, wearing your standard long trousers in August can have its drawbacks and heat coupled with humidity can leave you feeling trapped in your very own circle of sweaty hell. Something’s got to give.

Once you've overcome the quandary of whether it is appropriate enough or not, actually finding the perfect pair of working shorts is not an easy task, primarily because this is not just about repurposing your holiday wardrobe for your fellow work mates’ amusement – buzzy prints and patterns are always a no-no at the day job. And there's also nothing attractive about wearing shapeless shorts either, so your aim is always to find a fit that's akin to your usual suit trousers while keeping fussy details, such as pleats, simple.

Prada Spring/Summer 2016

What you actually wear with these shorts will also determine whether you're a success or not. Teamed with a smart shirt – never a t-shirt – and accessorize with a good pair of leather shoes. It’s also worth remembering that there aren't many men who can pull off the tailored jacket with matching shorts combo without looking like an over grown school boy. Instead, mis-match with a relaxed unlined blazer.

Obviously, all of the above becomes a moot point if you've pencilled in that all important meeting with one of the big wigs. Here, the prudent thing to do – especially if you want that promotion – is to leave the shorts at home; a high level business meeting shouldn't ever require you to get your pins out.