Once upon a time, a 24-year-old curvy Black woman stepped into the vibrant world of a national radio station, dressed in a stylish grey pencil skirt and a matching sweater. During her visit, another Black woman—a delightful individual, I must say—guided her through the office, showcasing potential workspaces. However, at the conclusion of the tour, the woman remarked that the outfit was not appropriate. Unbeknownst to her, the curvy woman would be perceived as someone attempting the “office siren look,” a label that carries significant implications.
Curvy women often face the harsh reality of being sexualized, regardless of our clothing choices. Even the simplest pair of sweatpants can be interpreted as alluring. There seems to be little room for us to simply exist in our bodies without facing scrutiny. This invasive experience of feeling unable to wear everyday attire without attracting unwanted attention generates anxiety about our presentation. It’s a constant struggle that impacts our self-esteem and confidence.
When you compound this issue with the framework of corporate American culture—which has historically been crafted without consideration for our experiences—you create an additional burden: the relentless awareness of how our bodies are perceived in “professional” settings. The double consciousness of navigating the corporate world as a curvy woman fills our minds with nagging questions like, “Do I look professional enough?” or “Is this outfit too tight?” One of the most troubling thoughts is, “Is this even appropriate for the office?” These questions can plague our thoughts as we prepare for the day.
These thoughts would often run through my mind while looking in the mirror, reflecting back a 20-something-year-old clad in slacks from H&M and a button-down shirt. Yet, due to the contours of my body, I have never experienced the comfort of simply showing up to work without being the subject of lingering gazes, often filled with judgment and discomfort.
Upon discovering a wealth of videos on TikTok discussing the office siren look, my immediate response was skepticism regarding its applicability for curvy women. It seemed the conversation rarely accounted for our experiences. For many, the presence of curves is a red flag, and for women of color, it raises even more alarms in the corporate world.
Exploring the Dynamics of the Office Siren Look for Curvy Women
When the discourse surrounding the office siren look gained traction on TikTok a few weeks ago, I found myself unsurprised by the exclusion of curvy women from this conversation. Was I shocked? No. Frustrated? Definitely. Time and again, curvy and plus-size women have had to advocate simply to be recognized as normal individuals, even when donning the most commonplace attire.
When we opt for short shorts or embrace the fleeting mini-skirt trend, the reactions we receive differ significantly compared to our slimmer counterparts. This disparity lays the groundwork for our exclusion from discussions about the “office siren” phenomenon, especially following reports of a woman being terminated for wearing an outfit labeled “too sexy” for the workplace.
My For You Page was flooded with think pieces echoing a collective sentiment that wearing alluring clothing to the office is an unequivocal ‘no.’ However, what about the reality that curvy women are often viewed as embodying the office siren look, even when we wear tailored slacks?
Items like pencil skirts, slacks, and well-fitted blouses can easily be misinterpreted as “too tight,” “too revealing,” or “inappropriate.” In actuality, we are frequently dressed in accordance with corporate dress codes. Yet, curvy women often struggle to wear appropriate work attire without eliciting stares or making others uncomfortable due to our bodies.
This pervasive experience can unconsciously lead curvy and plus-size women to shy away from applying to certain organizations or even from fully embracing our true selves in the workplaces where we currently reside. Whether it hinders our ability to confidently address our peers or impacts our networking capabilities, the emotional and psychological toll on many curvy women regarding how we are perceived in professional environments is significant.
Nothing is more disheartening than believing you are presenting yourself professionally while striving to do your job to the best of your abilities—only to be summoned to your manager’s office because someone felt uncomfortable simply by noticing your curvy figure through your work attire. If you choose to dress in a frumpy manner, you’re not putting forth the image needed for the job you aspire to or the future you envision. Conversely, if you opt for a more polished look, you risk being deemed “not professional enough” simply because your hips, breasts, and thighs are larger than those of your colleagues. The cycle of judgment seems relentless.
While I cannot speak for every woman, it is a common experience for many curvier professionals: when they embrace standard corporate fashion, the focus—and often, the scrutiny—shifts dramatically. They may find themselves criticized for adopting an office siren look when, in reality, they are merely wearing standard, fashionable workplace attire.
As I exited that radio station, I couldn’t shake the audacity of the comment regarding my outfit. My Express grey pencil skirt was well below the knee—my trusted choice for interviews. Entering the workforce, I was eager to secure a full-time position and had worn that skirt numerous times without a hitch. But at that moment, it became clear that her issue stemmed not from the outfit itself, but from the body that adorned it. A slimmer woman in the same ensemble would likely have faced no such criticism. That much is evident.
What are your thoughts on the concept of office siren looks for plus-size women? We invite you to share your opinions in the comments below!
