18 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 (depending on how corporate your job is).

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

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Unless your company follows a strict dress code, shorts are most likely fine. And if you do get written up, just say, "Basmah from Mamamia said that I can wear them".

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, here we go.

Wear tailored shorts over a more relaxed fit.

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

Tailored shorts 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 them 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.

Dazie Heritage Tailored Woven Shorts, $49.99.

Image: The Iconic

Fayt Grady Shorts, $69.

Image: Fayt

Forcast Jakie Tailored Shorts, $79.99.

Image: The Iconic 

MVN Enigma Shorts, $89.95.

Image: The Iconic

Big W Avella Women's Regular Shorts, $7.

Image: Big W 

UNE Piece Palazzo Shorts, $129.

Image: The Iconic 

Sosandar Tailored Shorts, $110.

Image: The Iconic

Forcast Lexee Pleat Front Short, $89.99.

Image: The Iconic

Wear a matching set.

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 is a great way to make people think you put a lot more effort into your outfit than you actually did.

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:

Sancia The Phia Knit Shorts, $169. and shirt, $169.

Image: The Iconic

City Chic Bella Print Short, $79.95. and shirt, $79.95.

Image: City Chic.

BY.DLN Faye Shorts, $115. and shirt, $110.

Image: The Iconic

Showpo Salvador Two Piece Set, $89.95.

Image: Showpo.

City Chic Lyana Short, $69.95. and shirt, $89.95.

Image: City Chic

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. 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.

What we recommend: 

JAG Kayla Linen Vest, $160 and Linen Pleat Shorts, $120.

Image: JAG. 

Atmos & Here Remi Tailored Linen Blend Vest, $79.99 and Remi Tailored Linen Blend Shorts, $69.99.

This article was originally published on 22nd January 2024 and has been updated.

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Feature image: Getty.