‘Inappropriate for work?': Worker's outfit question completely divides

News.com.au

27-05-2025

A woman has kicked off a major debate after asking if her outfit was 'inappropriate' for work.
The US employee, who goes by the name faithxfe online, claimed in a now-viral TikTok that someone at her work had complained after she turned up to her job in shorts.
The woman, who later said she works for a non-profit organisation, showed the outfit in question, which consisted of a black, long-sleeve button up shirt, denim shorts and heels.
In the caption, she said she was told by her work that her pants were 'considered short shorts'.
Since being shared a few days ago, the video has exploded, being viewed more than 9.6 million times and attracting more than 17,300 comments.
In the comment section, people were divided, with some agreeing the shorts were inappropriate, some defending her outfit choice and others taking a more nuanced approach.
There were many users who were adamant that there was no situation in which shorts would be appropriate to wear in an office setting.
'As an HR Manager.. if you're in corporate America I cannot think of an instance where shorts are appropriate,' one person said.
'That's not a work outfit at all. Sorry,' another wrote, with another claiming that young people 'really don't understand business casual'.
There were also those who noted that there were situations in which shorts are appropriate to wear in an office, but it was the style of short that made it inappropriate.
'Work shorts can be appropriate depending on the material and the length. This is a no on both accounts,' one said.
Another claimed if she had chosen shorts that were more tailored with 'slick, clean lines' then it wouldn't be an issue.
Others said whether the outfit was appropriate depended on the job, with people stating denim shorts would be OK at settings such as a gym, daycare or in a bar.
However, there were still many people who came to the TikToker's defence, arguing people should be allowed to wear shorts into the office in 2025.
'I'm sorry, but am I the only one that think these are appropriate?? Like guys let's be real, we are in the year 2025 where shorts should not be an issue,' one said.
'These comments are crazy, how exactly do shorts prevent anyone from doing their job in an office?' another asked.
One added: 'I don't see why business dress can't include shorts, especially if there's no interaction with customers/clients. Why do we have to dress like damn president to sit at a desk for eight hours.'
After reading the comments, the employee conceded that she wouldn't be rocking shorts into work again anytime soon.
'I fear I let other peoples outfit decisions influence this horrible decision. I'll be sticking to jeans and pants from now on. Maybe a maxi dress or skirt.. never again shorts,' she said.
In a follow-up video, she showed herself heading off to work in jeans and a white cardigan.
However, there were even people who thought this outfit still wasn't appropriate, prompting the worker to explain that all her colleagues dressed casually.
She claimed wearing jeans in her workplace was the norm, stating she had even seen people turn up in yoga pants and leggings.
The worker said that some commenters were just being 'dramatic' but she had decided to take the situation on board as a 'learning experience'.