This post may contain affiliate links, and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
It’s a surprising thought, but recently, Elizabeth and I found ourselves chuckling about how shorts suits are starting to appeal to us! This newfound perspective was further sparked by a compelling article I came across in The Wall Street Journal, which provided some unexpected advice. With this fresh take, it seems like the time has come to explore the evolving world of short suits and their place in contemporary fashion.
It’s clear that not every style of shorts suits is suitable for the workplace (for instance, the one showcased above from Revolve may not fit the bill), but we should ask ourselves: are there any shorts suits that can work in a business casual setting? What criteria should we use to determine which shorts suits are appropriate for a professional environment?
Reevaluating Our Past Opinions on Shorts Suits
To be frank, I don’t recall ever formally providing advice on short suits. However, I do remember hosting an April Fool’s Day “Hunt” for shorts suits, which was quite popular at the time. It perfectly encapsulated the general sentiment about shorts suits back then: they were considered somewhat of a joke. They seemed more appropriate for socialites or those in their twenties rather than for professional women in the workforce.
Fast forward to 2025, and it’s astonishing to see how shorts suits have made a significant comeback and are now everywhere!
Key Insights from The Wall Street Journal on Wearing Shorts Suits
A recent article in The Wall Street Journal featured a fascinating Q&A segment that caught my attention, particularly regarding the question of wearing tailored shorts to the office:
Can I really wear tailored shorts to the office?
Absolutely, but length is critical. If you’ve chosen a pair that falls above mid-thigh, you’ve gone too high, says [Laura Vinroot Poole, the owner of Capitol, a clothing store in Charlotte, N.C.]. A great shorts suit, relatively easy to throw on, can do a lot of the styling heavy lifting, says [New York fashion consultant Erika Veurink. ]. She suggests steering clear of black, as it can make the ensemble appear too severe. A bonus? Knee-length shorts might even create the illusion that you’re wearing a skirt suit.
Exploring the Acceptability of Shorts Suits in Business Casual Offices in 2025
Ultimately, it’s crucial to understand the specific culture of your workplace. As workwear norms have evolved, particularly for younger professionals, it’s important to keep abreast of these changes. If you missed our previous discussion regarding The Washington Post‘s article about Congressional interns, I highly recommend checking it out. When compared to questionable choices like a sheer babydoll dress that barely covers one’s backside (*tip of the hat to Ellen*), shorts suits start to look remarkably professional. (Yes, the examples were that shocking!)
Interestingly, I’ve often noticed that when shorts suits catch my eye, they usually feature a vest. Personally, I find the waistcoat trend appealing, as it can create a chic and polished look when paired together.
For instance, this beige set from Nordstrom’s house brand, Open Edit, includes several matching pieces. Add a blazer on top, and you’ve got a stylish office-ready outfit.
So, is it appropriate for your office? Perhaps this is not the right question to ask; rather, you should consider whether it aligns with the culture of YOUR workplace. The essential factor is to reflect on your own judgment regarding appropriateness, which may not always be in play when someone opts for an outfit like, ahem, a bum-brushing babydoll dress. (I can’t help but emphasize this particular dress again—it was quite a sight!)
I’ve also observed that shorts suits can look quite chic when made from summer fabrics like gingham, linen, and seersucker. Take a look at this example from Ann Taylor:
Additionally, I’ve found that shorts suits look sophisticated when paired with double-breasted blazers, like the one from J.Crew.
Assessing the Suitability of Shorts Suits in Conservative Office Environments
If you hold the position of CEO or a senior partner, feel free to express your style freely. However, for those who are in junior roles, I would strongly advise against adopting this trend.
Readers, what do you think? Have shorts suits become more widely accepted in professional settings? Are you embracing this trend in your workplace or observing it among your colleagues?
