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Wear-To-Work Shorts

20 Polished Pairs Of Shorts You Can Wear From Workdays To Weekends

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Welcome to Get The Look, a series where we highlight current trends and the products worth buying to pull them off.

Getting dressed for work isn't always the easiest—it can be tough to come up with new and exciting outfits five days a week, let alone ones that are both office-appropriate and comfortable in the rising temps. Thankfully, there's an entire category of shorts that are a step up from your denim cutoffs that you'd like nothing more than to be wearing right now. You know the ones—they're made with linen, cotton, or crepe, have polished high waists and pleats, and oftentimes have coordinating blazers and jackets to match. These styles provide the same look as full-length trousers but feel way breezier, and what's more, they can easily shift from desk to dinner when the time comes. When you're not wearing them with a crisp button-down or silk top, they work just as well with pretty summer blouses, tank tops, and heeled sandals.

With that in mind, scroll on for our expert-approved edit of the best shorts to shop and wear to work this summer. From a lightweight Tencel option you can pull off at the office and the beach to a sunny yellow pair in a corporate-approved length, there's something for every taste and budget on the list below. 

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April 11, 2023

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Collections feature quick, easy-to-shop roundups of data-backed products in trending categories. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

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J.Crew Cuffed High-Rise Suit Short

$98

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This pair has subtle pleats for just the right amount of polish.

Banana Republic Palma 4" Linen Short

$80

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Say hello to your new favorite spring neutral.

Madewell Clean Pull-On Shorts In Linen-Cotton

$50

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Flat in the front, stretchy in the back.

Donni. Twill Pleated Shorts

$168

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Here's a sunny yellow pair perfect for brightening up your weekday wardrobe.

Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Taylor Linen-Blend Trouser Shorts

$37

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At this price, you may as well grab the other colors, too.

Reformation Francis High Rise Pleated Shorts

$148

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Just wait until you see the equally cute denim version.

Loft Paperbag Shorts

$60

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The paperbag waist makes these shorts extra flattering.

Banana Republic Alva Linen-Cotton Short

$100

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Pair these with a pretty white top for summer parties or the matching blazer for work.

Express Stylist Super High Waisted Pleated Tailored Shorts

$68

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Extra high and extra flattering, these shorts come in two other colors: neon berry and bright orange.

J.Crew Limited-Edition High-Rise Suit Short

$118

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This pair was made for business meetings, as was the matching cropped blazer.

Madewell The Neale Short

$75

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Navy is the new black (but they come in a pretty hue called dried rose, too).

Wilfred Paperbag Short

$98

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These shorts are made with Aritzia's beloved "Crepette" fabric that's just as polished as it is breezy.

Banana Republic Cruise Pleated Cotton 6" Short

$100

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With their 6" inseam, these shorts are ideal for those that like a little extra length.

Gap Softsuit Shorts

$60

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Once you feel how soft these are, you'll want all four colors.

Karl Lagerfeld Paris Tailored Shorts

$100

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Available in black and white, these chic shorts were made for dressy dinners in the summer.

Wilfred The Effortless 5" Short

$98

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These shorts come in a whopping nine colorways, and there are multiple jacket options to pair with them.

A New Day High-Rise Linen Tailored Shorts

$22

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Tailored shorts under $25? Yep.

Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra High Rise Tailored Short

$65

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Abercrombie's tailored pants have gone viral for good reason, and the retailer's tailored shorts are no different.

Banana Republic The Adventure Pleated Short

$80

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Complete with cuffed hems and a contrasting button, these shorts look great with a simple white tee for casual days.

Grace Karin Bowknot Tie Waist Shorts

$28

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You can grab these flattering shorts for less than $30 and get them in two days thanks to Amazon Prime.

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