8th Street, 9am

It may be shorts and flip flops weather, but you can’t wear that to work every morning – or can you? We set out to see what everyone’s sporting to the office by staking out 8th Street near two subway stations from 8:30 – 9:30am. One thing’s clear: the rules are changing. Flip flops and shorts are getting dressier, and work dress codes are getting more flexible. But that’s not to say you can’t do it in style.

Cuffed shorts are de rigeur this summer. This military pair gets dressed up with wedges, a simple black tank top, and Chanel bag.

Maybe it’s the New Orleans effect, but I’m a sucker for white linen on men these days, like this crisp white linen blazer with unfinished hems at the pockets. In New York, take the look out of the Deep South by pairing white linen with dark pants.

An inversion: white linen pants with a dark blazer. Plus no socks for the ultimate in preppy chic.

Skinny gray wash jeans are the way to go right now, worn here with a deconstructed white top and white ceramic watch. Classic black gladiator sandals, still going strong this summer.

Sunglasses in a ’50s cat-eye style look rocker chic with platinum blond hair and a minimalist black outfit.

Gunmetal gray is a neutral of choice this summer – seen here in shirtdress form. Flip flops should be streamlined and slightly dressy, even just for walking to work.

If you can wear shorts to the office, wear this: the perfect combo of nautical striped tee, tailored shorts, flats, and a blazer. A substantial leather bag keeps this outfit from looking too beachy.

Love the urban uniform of a gray and black stripe cardigan, white tee and an Amsterdam-style black bicycle.

Mexican-style mesh tote bags, like this Viva Zapata one, are a clever and practical way to carry extra stuff to the office in hot weather style.

Love the sleek simplicity of this cardigan and black dress with a thin gold belt, an outfit that goes easily from the office to after work drinks.