Are you unknowingly breaking office dress codes? This employee’s “normal” outfit has everyone talking!
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If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet on a Monday morning, coffee in hand, and wondered, “Is this okay for work?”—you’re not alone.
The world of office dress codes is a minefield, especially as more companies call employees back to the office after years of remote work (and, let’s be honest, a lot of sweatpants).
But what happens when your idea of “normal” work attire sparks a full-blown debate? That’s exactly what happened to Alejandra Carreño, and her story has the internet buzzing.
Alejandra, who works at an affordable housing nonprofit in sunny California, thought she’d nailed the business-casual look: a black long-sleeved top, heeled shoes, and a pair of jean shorts.
Not the ultra-short, festival kind—just regular denim shorts. But when she wore this ensemble to the office, it didn’t just turn heads; it turned into a full-on HR moment.
After a few side comments from coworkers, Alejandra’s manager pulled her aside.
“Oh, before I forget, I do have to tell you that someone mentioned a complaint about your shorts. Short shorts aren’t allowed,” her manager said, according to an interview with People.
The manager even admitted, “To me, they seemed fine. I didn’t see anything wrong with them. I think you look nice, but unfortunately, I do need to let you know we can’t wear short shorts or short skirts.”
Alejandra was baffled. There was nothing in the company handbook about shorts, and her outfit didn’t seem out of place—at least to her.
So, she did what any modern employee would do: she took online, asking, “Are my shorts inappropriate for work?”
The video racked up over 11 million views and unleashed a tidal wave of opinions.
The comments section quickly became a battleground. HR professionals, office veterans, and style enthusiasts all weighed in:
Source: @faithxfe / TikTok
“As an HR Manager… if you’re in corporate America I cannot think of an instance where shorts are appropriate.”
“Shorts should never be in an office.”
“Just because something isn’t revealing doesn’t necessarily make it appropriate for work.”
“I’m confused how this outfit left the house in the first place.”
Others pointed out the lack of clear guidelines, with some noting that office dress codes are often unwritten, unspoken, and—let’s face it—sometimes outdated.
The confusion around office attire isn’t new, but it’s gotten more complicated in recent years. With the rise of remote work, many of us got used to a more relaxed dress code
Read next:
Have you ever been called out for your work attire? Do you think office dress codes are too strict, or are they necessary for professionalism? And what’s the most confusing dress code rule you’ve ever encountered?
The world of office dress codes is a minefield, especially as more companies call employees back to the office after years of remote work (and, let’s be honest, a lot of sweatpants).
But what happens when your idea of “normal” work attire sparks a full-blown debate? That’s exactly what happened to Alejandra Carreño, and her story has the internet buzzing.
Alejandra, who works at an affordable housing nonprofit in sunny California, thought she’d nailed the business-casual look: a black long-sleeved top, heeled shoes, and a pair of jean shorts.
Not the ultra-short, festival kind—just regular denim shorts. But when she wore this ensemble to the office, it didn’t just turn heads; it turned into a full-on HR moment.
After a few side comments from coworkers, Alejandra’s manager pulled her aside.
“Oh, before I forget, I do have to tell you that someone mentioned a complaint about your shorts. Short shorts aren’t allowed,” her manager said, according to an interview with People.
The manager even admitted, “To me, they seemed fine. I didn’t see anything wrong with them. I think you look nice, but unfortunately, I do need to let you know we can’t wear short shorts or short skirts.”
Alejandra was baffled. There was nothing in the company handbook about shorts, and her outfit didn’t seem out of place—at least to her.
So, she did what any modern employee would do: she took online, asking, “Are my shorts inappropriate for work?”
The video racked up over 11 million views and unleashed a tidal wave of opinions.
The comments section quickly became a battleground. HR professionals, office veterans, and style enthusiasts all weighed in:
Source: @faithxfe / TikTok
“As an HR Manager… if you’re in corporate America I cannot think of an instance where shorts are appropriate.”
“Shorts should never be in an office.”
“Just because something isn’t revealing doesn’t necessarily make it appropriate for work.”
“I’m confused how this outfit left the house in the first place.”
Others pointed out the lack of clear guidelines, with some noting that office dress codes are often unwritten, unspoken, and—let’s face it—sometimes outdated.
The confusion around office attire isn’t new, but it’s gotten more complicated in recent years. With the rise of remote work, many of us got used to a more relaxed dress code
Read next:
- Think twice before wearing shorts on a plane—flight attendants explain why
- Are your tattoos or clothes getting you banned from flights? Shocking airline dress code revealed
