Everyone's favourite mobster Tony Soprano was once advised "A Don doesn't wear shorts."

Fashion designer Tom Ford put it like this: "A man should never wear shorts in the city … shorts should only be worn on the tennis court or on the beach."

It's a controversial view, and not one that sits particularly well with our Australian climate. Yet plenty of people agree. There's an unspoken rule that men should never be seen wearing shorts in white-collar workplaces.

I get that shorts can look naff or too casual, but so can a pair of jeans and a T-shirt — and we seem to be OK with people wearing those to work these days. So what's the deal with shorts?

As the weather heats up, it's time to ask that perennial male fashion question: are shorts ever OK in the office?

'Shorts aren't always a deal-breaker'

Stylist and personal image consultant Julian Burak grew up in Silicon Valley, a place famous for software, high salaries and baggy shorts.

"You go to a typical office there, and there are men wearing shorts, sandals and a polo top. They're tech guys: they don't really care. They don't have to worry about facing clients, or things like that," he says.

It's not a look Julian would recommend, but it does highlight an important point about office dress standards — what's appropriate depends on where you work and what you do.

"In Australia the work uniform has always been a suit. It's really formal. In the past five years in the US, even in Wall Street, dress codes have been more casual," Mr Burak says.

"The thing is, there's still dress codes that we need to abide by. Typically, in the workplace, shorts have been more casual, and haven't fallen into that office dress code."

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If jeans and T-shirts are staples in your workplace, shorts are more likely to be well received.

Your legs might lead to a few raised eyebrows but if that's a risk you're willing to bear, Julian's advice is go for it.

"Shorts aren't the biggest deal-breaker but if I was meeting up with clients or in a formal setting, then no, I wouldn't wear shorts," Mr Burak says.

"There are ways where you can take the casual dress standards and making that look really smart and sharp.

"The worst thing that could happen is someone saying, 'Hey mate, don't wear shorts'."

Julian's tips

For a smart-casual look for the office, pair tailored shorts in cotton or linen with a long-sleeve button down shirt.

For a smart-casual look for the office, pair tailored shorts in cotton or linen with a long-sleeve button down shirt. In terms of fit, look for shorts that sit on the knee or just above the knee.

In terms of fit, look for shorts that sit on the knee or just above the knee. Colours like navy or black work well, because they reflect those we see in suits. Olive or brown shorts also work well.

Colours like navy or black work well, because they reflect those we see in suits. Olive or brown shorts also work well. Leave your black work shoes at home and opt instead for a derby, a loafer or — for more casual settings — a minimalist sneaker in a block colour.

'You might be pushing the casual boundary too far'

Before buying work shorts, first ask yourself: is it the kind of workplace you can get away with being causal? ( Pexels: Pedro Sandrini )

Christina Robért, a stylist based in Melbourne, is less enthusiastic about shorts in the office.

"If you wear shorts, you run the risk of being seen as not having dressed for the occasion. Even worse, it could be seen that you're disrespecting your clients," she says.

"There might be some industries that are open to shorts, like advertising agencies, but you don't want to shoot yourself in the foot by trying to be a trailblazer."

She suggests asking yourself a few questions before rocking up to work in shorts:

Is wearing shorts in line with the image you want to project of yourself?

Is wearing shorts in line with the image you want to project of yourself? Is it in line with your company's dress code?

Is it in line with your company's dress code? Would your boss wear shorts to work?

Would your boss wear shorts to work? Are there alternative options available?

Wearing shorts tells the world that you're casual and laid back — rather than "I'm here to do business".

"Shorts have the connotation that you're relaxed — you think about school uniforms and the beach," she says.

"If you have your accountant or lawyer turning up to work in shorts, you may really think twice about how professional they are."

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Instead, Ms Robért suggests thinking about alternatives.

If it's hot, you could opt for a pair of lightweight chinos and a linen or cotton shirt.

Another good smart-casual option is a pair of jeans matched with a button-down shirt and a lightweight blazer.

If you wear suits to work in summer, she suggests looking for a lightweight wool suit — which will breathe — or a smart cotton suit.

Christina's tips