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Who holds the authority to dictate appropriate office attire? With the evolving fashion landscape, particularly as Gen Z enters the workforce, it’s crucial to explore the implications of what the Wall Street Journal refers to as ?Gen Z’s new rules for office wear.? Are there outdated conventions that no longer hold weight, and what guidelines remain relevant? For newcomers to the corporate environment, understanding what constitutes suitable office clothing can be daunting. It?s essential for them to navigate these uncharted waters with insight and confidence.

A thought-provoking article published recently in The Wall Street Journal highlights the fascinating shift in workplace dress codes as younger generations bring fresh perspectives on professional fashion choices. This shift is not just about clothing but symbolizes a broader cultural change that challenges traditional norms and encourages creativity.

As Gen Z steps into the professional realm, they are dismantling long-standing conventions regarding workplace attire. Items such as crop tops, pajama pants, and miniskirts are now considered acceptable. Classic pieces like suits and pencil skirts are experiencing a modern makeover, with trends such as ?corporate fetish,? ?office siren,? and ?corpcore? gaining traction online. Brands are actively promoting non-traditional workwear that resonates with these emerging trends. ?

[Olympia Gayot, the creative director of women?s and Crewcuts at J.Crew] noted that J.Crew does not adhere to a singular perspective on what clothing is deemed appropriate for work. ?If you want to wear a miniskirt with a blazer to the office, I think that depends on where you work,? she stated. ?You have to make that judgment call.? Gayot highlighted the significance of styling; for instance, a miniskirt can appear more modest when paired with a sweater and tights, demonstrating the importance of context in fashion choices.

It?s worth mentioning that the chic tweed jacket showcased above is part of J.Crew’s ?wear to work? collection, while the matching tweed skort is not included. The debate continues around whether the inclusion of a skort enhances or detracts from its suitability as office attire. Another compelling insight to consider is:

Heather McLean, executive vice president of product at Aritzia, pointed out that despite the marketing trends, many of these styles were not necessarily designed for the office environment. The brand has also launched cropped blazers and cinched waist options intended for evening outings rather than professional settings.

This raises an intriguing question that often varies based on industry and geographical location. The appropriateness of office wear can differ significantly depending on the unique culture of each workplace.

I vividly recall, albeit with some embarrassment, wearing a very short miniskirt to my first professional role at the women’s magazine Family Circle. Notably, the office predominantly employed women, yet my proximity to the Editor-in-Chief, who often hosted influential guests, added an extra layer of consideration.

I chose a black corduroy skirt paired with black sweater tights, but to my surprise, a more seasoned junior editor approached me in the hallway and gently advised that if my fingertips didn’t reach the hem of my skirt, it might be worth reconsidering my choice. This moment stuck with me, partly because she embodied a more bohemian style, contrasting with many older colleagues who adhered to traditional skirt suits.

Ultimately, understanding your workplace culture is paramount. The question of who gets to define appropriate office wear remains complex. We often recommend that younger professionals observe the mid-level employees around them for guidance, but in today?s landscape, where many mid-level staff work remotely, this may not be the most reliable benchmark.

While actual dress codes can provide a framework, they often become outdated quickly. I remember a workplace policy from the last 15 years that mandated pantyhose at all times, even under pants, highlighting how swiftly these guidelines can fall out of touch.

Practical Strategies for Determining Suitable Office Attire

Some classic considerations, like ?would you wear it to sleep in? or ?would you wear it to the gym,? may not be as relevant today. However, there are timeless questions to ponder when choosing your professional wardrobe:

? Can you move freely in the outfit, or at least as freely as your job demands? If accessing that bottom file drawer proves challenging due to your skirt, perhaps it?s better suited for social events rather than the workplace.

? Does any aspect of the outfit create noise in the hallway? If the thought of someone?s faux leather or corduroy swishing down the corridor distracts you, it may not be the best choice for the office environment.

? Do you require specific undergarments for the outfit? I often reflect on Thoreau’s advice to ?beware all enterprises requiring new clothes.? If your outfit necessitates special bras or undergarments, it might signal that it?s not suitable for work.

? Is this outfit something anyone in the office could wear? If you wouldn?t feel comfortable seeing your senior male colleague in a crop top, it might be a sign that your outfit is not appropriate for the office either.

Lastly ? and perhaps the most challenging question to confront yourself with:

? Does the outfit reflect the professional image I wish to project? While we all possess the potential to embody the ?sexy office siren,? it’s crucial to consider whether that’s the impression you want your colleagues to have of you. Attributes you might want to emphasize include reliability, attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to read a room effectively. Conversely, consider downplaying traits such as overt sex appeal, physical appearance, or casual attire that might not align with your professional goals.

What are your thoughts, readers? Have you noticed these evolving styles in your workplace? Do you believe Gen Z will successfully redefine what constitutes appropriate office wear, or do you think traditional norms will continue to prevail?