Before Chloé, Paris, March 2012.
I hesitated to post this photo (the wind was a little crazy that day!) but I think her outfit is a nice example of how to wear shorts in a sophisticated, office-appropriate way (well, depending on where you work of course!). And you can't go wrong with the crisp, classic combination of nautical navy + white (updated with some chunky peep toe wedges).
Recreate her look (kind of):
Diane von Furstenberg New Boymuda white eyelet walking shorts, 3.1 Phillip Lim Bermuda shorts with skirt overlay, Catherine Malandrino shorts with cutouts, ASOS longer length smart shorts or Yves Saint Laurent cotton-canvas shorts
Parker navy collared wrap top  or A.P.C. pleated washed-silk pussy bow blouse
Chloe peep toe leather wedges (in caramel) or dark green