Gen-Z Can't Dress for the Office: A Look Into Fashion in the Workplace

Fashion has always been a form of self-expression, but we are expected to suppress this when entering the professional world. A trend circling TikTok decided to take this struggle and find new ways to dress professionally while not sabotaging personal style. Dubbed the “office siren” style, this trend quickly backfired as some Gen Z influencers crossed the line between personality and professionalism. As Gen Z transitions into the workplace, employers are unprepared for the culture they grew up with. Unfortunately for the younger generations, this has led to wider concerns and conversations about Gen Z in the workplace. 

The office siren look can include but is not limited to, an all-black ensemble with a kitten heel and mini purse. Small square glass and a slick back ponytail are a must along with a dark and sexy eye look. A pop of color or print often finds its way into this look, whether included in a scarf, bag, or belt. The office siren is seen as very sensual and seductive, not shying away from a mini skirt with plenty of thigh or a button-up that accentuates the cleavage. As one could imagine, though, this trend has not fared well in the actual workplace. Many young adults are finding it hard to dress professionally in general and fashion brands are not guiding them down the right path. Instead, companies are taking advantage of trends such as these and making “sexy office clothes” that in no way would pass in a genuine office setting. These looks have especially plagued those who dress more feminine, with many corporate jobs not always being comfortable places for women, especially young women. 

Circulating social media recently are stories and accounts of older managers not hiring Gen Z candidates. Even worse, they are firing them shortly after being hired with seemingly no explanation. However, many job sites claim it’s due to a lack of development within the younger generations. In an article from Forbes, writer Bryan Robinson, Ph.D., states, 

“The younger workers are criticized for having too many rules, refusing to comply with corporate demands, being oppositional and lacking etiquette, reliability and flexibility.”

With the already prominent hesitation to hire Gen Z employees, even a little moment in interviews and the office matters. The Covid-19 pandemic left many young adults behind in terms of social skills and work ethic which has come to light in recent years. Having to stay home and cooped up without much interaction with other people resulted in many people losing the desire to work or learn. Our fashion sense also wavered because there wasn’t much of a need to dress up as we were located in front of a screen all day. 

Since lockdown has ended, there isn’t much of an excuse to continue dressing for home instead of the workplace. Companies also need to do a much better job of making work clothes that are both functional and stylish. There shouldn’t be a need to lose our personalities in office clothes. It’s a rough lesson for both consumer and producer to learn but a valuable one. Don’t be afraid to experiment with professional fashion by including patterns, colors, and accessories. 

Strike Out,

Orlando

Written By: Anna Reed

Edited By: Nina Rueda & Erika Ryan