Corporate Too Casual? Men Wearing Shorts To Work
Lindsey Pollak
Multigenerational Workplace Expert | NYTimes Bestselling Author | Keynote Speaker | Executive Coach | Board Vice Chair at FourBlock
August 8, 2017 By Lindsey Pollak
If there’s one multi-generational work topic that never goes out of style, it is surely the question of appropriate work dress codes. And, summer…I’m looking at you.
In fact, The New York Times ran an article Aug. 2, 2017, titled, “Blame the Millennials? For Men, Shorts at Work Is a Thing.”
Two things struck me. For starters, let’s stop “blaming millennials” for anything and everything. In fact, surely we should be thanking them for any contribution they’ve made to an updated dress code: We can all agree that the more relaxed dress code is appealing to all generations. I don’t think anyone misses wearing a tie in the sweltering summer months. And, after all, remember that it was the Boomers, who introduced Jeans Friday.
The second is the enduring nature of this dress code discussion. In fact, I had to laugh because exactly nine (nine!) years ago, I wrote the blog post below on shorts, also, yes, spurred by a New York Times article. (Just call me a faithful reader!)
So, while we’ve been shaming younger generations for almost all of time, we’ve also been talking about shorts in the workplace for almost a decade.
SO, ARE SHORTS APPROPRIATE WORK ATTIRE?
There’s no question that even the most buttoned-up industries have transitioned to a far more casual vibe.
But there’s one piece of style advice that is always work appropriate, and that is to know your audience. If you’re more junior, look around the office and note what your boss (and boss’ boss) is wearing. If you have a client meeting, know what will be acceptable in their world.
And, whenever in doubt, always err on the side of more professional, since no one wants to be known as “Shorts Guy” or “Sundress Girl.” In my book, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than slightly underdressed, particularly in professional settings.
Hemlines and trends will come and go, but “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have” will always be your most important fashion commandment.
(And for the record, in my book Anderson Cooper is still welcome to wear shorts!)
Interested in more career tips and insights on the changing workplace? Please subscribe to my blog at www.lindseypollak.com/blog. Thank you for reading!
This post originally appeared on lindseypollak.com.
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7 年I've always been taught for the dress for the job that you want. I'm certainly not a fan of people wearing shorts to work, jeans, or flip flops. I believe that in a professional environment we should dress accordingly.
Career Coach who provides practical career advice for early to mid-career professionals that increases their confidence, clarifies values and career direction for career happiness and success!
7 年Like everything else in life, there is balance and making judgment calls when you would wear shorts to work and when you would need to dress more business like. How do you want to be perceived by others? Wearing shorts can project casualness versus a shirt and pants. Not saying it is right. First impressions do count!
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7 年Jake Rose
Breaker of Hiring Barriers, Commander of Culture, the Unburdened (of subjectivity)
7 年Intelligent people spend less time on things that are arbitrary and maximize their day. I'm not saying I want to wear shorts, I think it's a bit much. There's an argument to be had however on time saving / brain power saving. You will spend two-weeks time of your overall life (living to 75yrs) matching your socks after doing your laundry if you wash 1-2 times per week. The math for suiting up has to work out to months, what would you do with 4-5 extra months of life?