15 pairs of shorts you'll want to wear to the office and exactly how to style them.

It's wild to think there was once a time when the state of Texas banned women from wearing shorts in public - because how dare they show their knees. Thankfully, it's no longer considered blasphemous, and women aren't shunned by the townsfolk anymore for showing a bit of leg. In fact, it's so normal now that we reckon you can get away with wearing a pair to work.

I can already see you hyperventilating. I get it. The thought of wearing shorts to work makes you feel like you'll combust into a ball of flames the moment you swipe your keycard.

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You keep thinking about what your misogynistic co-worker Derek is going to say, and you question whether it was appropriate to rock a pair to the office. Well, I'm here to say screw Derek and screw anyone who tells you otherwise! (Besides HR. Always check with HR).

Unless your company follows a strict dress code that forbids you to wear shorts, show skin and wear anything but corporate wear, shorts are most likely fine. And if you do get written up, just say, "Basmah from Mamamia said that I can wear it", and that should let you off the hook.

Jokes aside, when wearing shorts into the office, follow the same "rules" you would use for skirts in terms of length, fit and fabric. For example, I would opt for linen over denim - actually, I would opt for any material over denim, unless your workplace is in your dad's basement.

I can already hear you telling me to stop yapping and to just get on with the recommendations. So, without further ado, here is how to style shorts so they're office-appropriate.

Wear tailored shorts over a more relaxed fit.

Tailored shorts still allow you to remain comfortable while looking put together. Image: Getty.

Tailored shorts are going to be huge in 2024, I can feel it, and it's because they're a perfect in-between. They look put together and professional, but like regular shorts, are still comfortable and easy to wear. For summer, invest in a black and white pair, and team it up with a t-shirt, statement belt and flats. It's a minimalist's dream outfit. You can also wear it with a matching blazer to really help elevate the entire look.

If you're someone who prefers to wear colour over neutrals, then apply the same "rule", and keep the top half more monochrome so it doesn't clash with the vibrancy of the shorts.

What we recommend:

DISSH Rowan Tailored Bone Short, $99.99.

Image: DISSH.

Tussah Eden Shorts, $89.95.

Image: Tussah.

Everlane The TENCEL Way-High Drape Short, $133.

Image: Everlane.

Zerafima Dusk Tailored Short, $179.

Image: Zerafima.

Target European Linen Blend D-Ring Belted Shorts, $45.

Image: Target.

Next Australia Friends Like These Summer Belted Shorts, $66.

Image: Next Australia.

Wear a matching set or romper.

A matching set is fun and effortless - and looks like you put a lot more thought behind your outfit than you actually did. Image: Getty.

A matching set or romper is a great way to make people think you put a lot more effort into your outfit than you actually did. But don't be fooled, while it may look chic and trendy, that doesn't mean it's not practical and comfy. Not only is the guesswork of creating an outfit completely eliminated, but they're so easy to move around in that I'm questioning why we don't wear matching sets ALL the time. There are so many cute options on the market right now, but I recommend sticking to ones that aren't too revealing.

What we recommend:

CIDER Floral Buckle Pocket Romper, $49.

Image: CIDER.

City Chic Winslow Print Short, $89.95; and Shirt, $89.95.

Image: City Chic.

You + All Orange 3/4 Sleeve Shirred Bodice Playsuit, $65.99.

Image: You + All.

Showpo Salvador Two Piece Set, $89.95.

Image: Showpo.

Suzanne Grae Linen Smart Short, $49.95; and Shirt, $49.95.

Image: Suzanne Grae.

Wear a vest as a top.

Pairing shorts with a vest is a match made in heaven. Image: Instagram @elissaburns. 

A matching vest with a pair of shorts is one of my favourite looks to come out of summer so far. Not only does it ooze sophistication, but it also appears professional enough to wear to the office. With so many different styles of vests available, I recommend the Sophia Richie-esque cut, with the smaller neckline and the buttons going from top to bottom. Not only is it more workplace-appropriate, but it helps balance out the amount of skin on show. If buttons and small necklines make you feel suffocated, then opt for one with a v-neck, or a tie belt, to help cinch in the waist. 

What we recommend:

Kookai Ariel Short, $150; and Vest, $140.

Image: Kookai.

Selfie Leslie Philomena Pleat Shorts, $65.99; and Vest, $69.99.

Image: Selfie Leslie.

Peppermayo Born For Bordeaux Linen Short, $69.95; and Vest, $79.95.

Image: Peppermayo.

DISSH Sloan Coco Linen Blend Short, $119.99; and Vest, $169.99.

Image: DISSH.

If you want more fashion, beauty and lifestyle content from Basmah Qazi, you can follow her on Instagram @basmahqazi.

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Featured Image: Getty.