Ask Mary Lou

Each month, Mary Lou answers (and we post!) a fashion question from one of our site visitors. If you have something you want to know to help pull together your wardrobe with style and confidence, ask away!

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For October, 2006:

Q: I attended your seminar on 9/26 at the NEQCA Fall Forum at Lombardo's and found it absolutely fascinating! I enjoyed it so much and could have spent another few hours listening to you. My question is this. Do you think a pair of wool tweed or plaid “stadium shorts” paired with a nice short blazer or twin set and tights with heels or boots is appropriate for work? Thank you so much for your attention and wonderful lecture!

A: I'm not quite sure what you mean by "stadium shorts." If they end at or above the knee, I would consider them too causal for work unless your office environment is very informal and casual. In fact, many of our most conservative clients (i.e. banking, law and financial services) do not allow any type of shorter style pants any time of year. If what you are describing are "gauchos" — which end below the knee to mid-calf, I would consider them more office appropriate for some workplaces as they are cut more like skirts and cover more of the leg.

If you do decide to wear these styles to work, the trick to wearing these looks correctly in any professional environment is how you present them. Tailored jackets, twin sets and tights all sound like the right choices. Tall boots and wrap sweaters with "gauchos" look smart and fashion-forward. If you are going to wear "city shorts" (my term for shorts ending at or just above the knee), tights and loafers would probably be a better choice than boots in cooler weather. In my opinion, boots with shorts would be a bit of a "disconnect” in terms of proportions/style for work.

I hope this is helpful. It’s hard to give a totally accurate opinion without seeing the outfit! The devil is in the details when dressing for work so there are no absolute answers to most professional image questions. Follow your heart and your gut and make good choices for both you and your employer!