Shorts at the office? The question is whose servant you are

It is that time again. Temperatures rise to 35 degrees. In the open office, gefrörlis and warmbloods battle for control of the air conditioning. And certain style lovers about calmness. Because the higher the temperatures rise, the more men in shorts become. And that’s a problem. For example, for our former editor-in-chief and neo-CEO Mo. But listen for yourself:

On one side of the short-term conflict is the army of pragmatists. Your offense is to adapt to the situation (high temperature) (fitting of shorts). They reject immutable principles (always wear long pants). Pragmatists recognize that this comes with a certain lack of style. Style is just one of many priorities – and it’s not necessarily at the top of pragmatists’ lists. There are other things there. Comfort, for example. Or security.

Where (as with style) there are exponents that leave the path of pragmatism when it comes to security issues. These fanatics can be recognized by at least four cat eyes per bicycle and by the fact that they also have their fluorescent vest(s) with them in the supermarket – including helmet. Of course completely right. Other people with shopping carts mean danger. It’s easy to be overlooked – and a wagon like that on the side in the hip… It’s easy to get your back. But I digress.

On the other side of the short conflict line are the style lovers. They do not adapt to the situation. Style always comes first. Like religious believers, they stick to their dogmas at all costs. For example, a small accumulation of heat or hours of suffering. The main thing is that the pants go over the ankle.

Like among ex-smokers and vegans, the newly converted style aficionados are the worst. Muezzin-like, they sing to people unsolicited several times a day to convert them (or to rub their noses with their indignation). The sinner seldom hears anything new. You don’t have to study in Milan or Paris to recognize shorts as a style crime. Yet the pulpit is busy preaching: “Never combine more than three different colors! And this wine has a chocolate nut in the box, or oak barrel.” Thank you. Thank you very much. lead me to the light

Nevertheless, even among style aficionados, there is always the arrogance common to many insiders. The only question is: is it justified in this case?

Style is an attempt to score points with looks. This desire is legitimate and, in its proactivity, a thoroughly positive narrative – after all, it makes our society more respectable.

However, once this venture is frantically – no longer pragmatically – pursued, a stench of uncertainty creeps in. This is based on the fear of being judged by other people, strangers. She is not proactive, but born from a defensive attitude.

Does that justify arrogance? With all due respect to our society’s concentrated judgment: I’d rather listen to my glands.