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"Now he is worried about not wearing a tie, losing the socks and sporting loafers," says Thomas. "Otherwise, guys run the risk of feeling like an English schoolboy."

Fashion was so much easier in the 1950s. Suits, white shirts and ties for the gents. Skirt suits, stockings with girdles and closed-toe pumps for the ladies.

Now we're "business casual," and what that means isn't clear. Throw in summer heat, and things get even more confusing. Are capri pants OK? What about ties with short-sleeved shirts? Can men wear sandals to work?

Executive coach Pamela J. Holland, co-author of "Help! Was That A Career Limiting Move?," says shorts for men are a no-no, unless the president of the company is wearing them and encouraging it.

Thomas says she would prefer the same fashion rules apply to men and women although she acknowledges that it is harder for men to pull off shorts. Most men's shorts are cotton and work best with a more casual top and shoe, she says.

She suggests men wear a short suit or pair "smart shorts" with a matching blazer - if they are comfortable the boss won't mind and have some fashion-forward nerve.I

n a more casual office environment, knee-length polished and tailored shorts are fine for women, says Thomas.

"It's a tough time of year," says Bobbie Thomas, co-host of Style Network's "Fashion Police." "You are trying to balance comfort with being professional."


While dress codes vary from place to place, some general guidelines can keep you cool and professional in the office:

But fashion experts are split on whether men should wear them.

Related Topics:

• fashion clothes in summer