Consider twice before wearing shorts to work, advises etiquette expert, even during heatwaves and hybrid work arrangements.

At my high school, a common phenomenon was known as "getting Schenked."

Mrs. Schenk, one of the school's administrative assistants, called you out or punished you for being out of dress code, even though it didn't sound like an act of violence.

The dress code at my school was strict, with boys required to wear shirts and ties and girls prohibited from wearing dresses or skirts above the knee or dress pants. Casual attire such as sweatshirts, sneakers, jeans were not allowed. Mrs. Schenk was known for being one of the strictest enforcers.

Over a decade has passed, and my current workplace has a less explicit and enforced dress code.

In today's work environment, where many individuals work from home part-time and the climate is warming, CEOs like Mark Zuckerberg are often known for their casual style. As a result, many adults in the workforce, including myself, ponder what is and isn't appropriate attire for the office.

Having a personal dress code is crucial in establishing the tone of your work environment, according to Elaine Swann, an etiquette expert and founder of The Swann School of Protocol, as shared in a CNBC Make It article.

"Your professional behavior is distinguished by it, which establishes the atmosphere and separates you from your clients."

Swann advises on creating a professional style guide, including what not to wear to the office.

'Stay away from shorts'

Swann states that there has been a recent shift away from strict dress codes.

In the post-pandemic era, the appropriate dress code for work has become more nuanced as many workers have transitioned from working from home to returning to the office.

In contrast to the strict dress codes on the New York Stock Exchange trading floor, where casual wear is still prohibited for personnel and guests, my experience in media-based jobs in New York has been marked by more relaxed dress codes. Even my high school has recently adopted a more casual dress code, allowing sneakers and abandoning the daily tie requirement.

A recent Gallup poll of over 390 workers in the U.S. found that most workers (71%) wear business casual or casual street clothes to work. The interpretation of this may vary among individuals.

Some things should still be off-limits, though, Swann says.

She advises that shorts, which have become controversial as work attire during heatwaves in the U.S. this summer, should be reserved for jobs involving children or creative environments.

"When you wear shorts, it can make you feel more relaxed," she says. "I suggest avoiding shorts because they can lead to a leisurely mindset."

In many work environments, Swann suggests that even if shorts are dressier or have longer inseams, they may still be perceived as unprofessional.

Swann advises against women wearing spaghetti-strapped tops to work, but more formal sleeveless tops and dresses may be acceptable, "depending on the style," she explains. For instance, a T-shirt with cut-off sleeves differs from a sleeveless sheath dress.

Dress to put yourself 'in a place of authority'

Your attire can reveal a lot about you, and others may judge you based on the clothes you wear, even if you don't share their perspective.

Swann explains that their goal through their fashion choices is to establish a standard and assert authority.

It is crucial to dress in a way that enhances the perception of the company you represent when interacting with external clients or stakeholders, as advised by Swann.

It's safer to adhere to more formal dress codes when interacting with professionals, even if you and your colleagues prefer casual attire like shorts or athleisure.

According to a recent LinkedIn poll by CNBC Make It's executive editor, Jenna Goudreau, there is a split opinion among respondents regarding the acceptability of shorts in the workplace. While 43% of over 330 respondents believe that shorts may be acceptable in certain circumstances, 45% strongly disagree and consider them unacceptable. Only 12% of respondents believe that anything goes these days.

Your personal dress code

Swann provides tips for looking professional and confident while maintaining individual style, even if a strict uniform or dress code is not required at work.

Swann suggests that neutral and muted tones are no longer the standard for business attire. Instead, she recommends experimenting with colors and silhouettes that enhance your skin tone and body type. You should feel comfortable wearing colors and patterns that reflect your personality and preferences.

Ensuring comfort through proper fit is crucial not only for appropriateness but also to convey confidence. Constantly adjusting your clothing can communicate discomfort and insecurity.

Swann states that feeling confident in your attire enhances your chances of appearing self-assured.

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