Workplace fashion has undergone remarkable and drastic changes over the past decades. For a very long time, one’s professionalism and ability to get the job done was linked to what one wore. The corporate world is known for requiring a style of dress that is often dull and grey: wear your dark suits and keep it moving. Things are changing now and the corporate world is loosening up a little bit. We’ve been bankers rocking up to work with happy socks and trendy loafers or brogues. More colour is being added to the workplace wardrobe and the tie is starting to lose its clout. People are starting to realise that professional and doesn’t have to be boring. People are either dressing up for work, with lost of colour and accessories, or they are opting to dress down, with the focus being comfort.

For those whose environments will not allow for jeans, unless it’s Friday, there is a growing of making the professional look a bit more fashionable and exciting. Instead of just ironing a white shirt and pairing it with a grey skirt and black puns, people are more intentional about looking good while maintaining a sophisticated appearance. Elegance is the name of the game as people are careful to buy the latest heels and accessorise when putting together their outfits for work. Of course, not everyone goes to great lengths but the point is that there is a change in how people think about their office fashion. Employees have more choice when it comes to what they want to wear. You can choose to dress to the nines or be super casual.

 

 

As noted by Crate|ov Clothes, an exclusive online styling service for men, “Most workplaces are becoming more chilled…And the most noticeable change – dress codes are becoming much less formal and a lot more casual.” Chinos and jeans have become the norm, as well as simple button-down shirts. Dark colours are being taken over by light blue and beige hues. People have become quite laid back and business casual has become a corporate aesthetic of sorts. Companies in the tech space or in the creative industries are even more laid back then corporate. Jeans can’t be worn any day and in any form (stripped, dyed or faded). You can wear pumps, heels or sneakers. What we wear to work and meeting with clients speaks to the industry that we are in and whether we work for someone else. The more casual a person’s work outfit, the more likely it is that they work in the creative or tech space, or they are self-employed.

As office dress codes change, the meaning of a professional look is changing. That which is considered professional in one setting might not be considered professional in another. But the truth remains: the workplace has become more chilled about what we can wear to the office and more style is being incorporated into our 9 to 5s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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