Long shorts may be the hot look in fashion this summer in the United States, but they won't be seen in many offices.
Carrie Lannon, owner of Lannon Communications, a Chicago public relations firm, told the Chicago Tribune that only the three employees who deal with clients in the fashion industry will be allowed to wear long shorts at her company. She won't be wearing the shorts either.
"Fashion clients understand, but our non-fashion clients would wonder why you're wearing shorts to a meeting," Lannon said. "I feel they are too casual for the president of a company to wear into a meeting. A skirt or long pants denote more authority than the shorter pants."
Companies that make women's wear are hoping that the long shorts, referred to as "city shorts," "Bermuda trouser shorts" and "walking shorts," will revive the market this summer. Sales of shorts have been down while sales of long pants and skirts are up.
One advantage of the longer cut short is that it appeals to women of all ages.
But in the office, shorts appear to be the place where managers draw the line, even on casual Fridays.
© Copyright 2006 by United Press International
