Office-Wear For Noobs: The Gen Z Guide To HR-Approved Outfits
The Office Sirens' guide to work outfits that won't get you fired.
I don’t know what to wear. As a newly graduated Gen Z who’s entering the workforce for the first time, I have absolutely no idea what to wear- and it looks like I’m not alone. We all saw that office siren debacle on TikTok; the fellow Gen Z office newbie who showed up to work in full Office Siren-core, completely not work-appropriate.
The issue began in a TikTok comment section. In a now-deleted comment, a user shared their attempt at office wear at her new high-paying internship, only to get fired two days later because of her outfit. The reason? Because it wasn't work-appropriate. Turns out, just because the word 'office' is used in a -core, doesn't mean it's actully for the office. This begs the question, what exactly is 'office-wear'?
What is the Office Siren?
It's a fashion trend that gained traction on social media around late 2023 and early 2024. It's all about making office-wear edgy and seductive. The look consists of formfitting pieces, low-cut blouses, and skirts with thigh slits. It's often paired with a slick-back bun, and slim, simple-rimmed eyewear.
What even is 'office-wear'?
While specifics depend on the industry, in general, traditional office attire is conservative and formal. Meaning: no slippers (even if they're Chanel), no casual denim jeans, no tank tops, no skirts above the knee, and definitely no shorts. Think clean and practical. This doesn't mean that the stylish Gen Z can't experiment, though.
For your inner Office Siren, you can still experiment with patterns, colours, even textures, to elevate a typical office look. See Gisele Bundchen in her cameo in The Devil Wears Prada: experiment with eye-wear shapes and finishes, find fitted but conservative button-down tops, and get some office heels (and bandages). Scroll on for some real options for the Office Sirens who want to look cute, while keeping it work-appropriate.
Wool and silk blazer, $6,800, Dior
The first rule of the Office Siren is to always think about the silhouette. This Dior blazer is both professional with a built-in snatched waist. Pair it with a matching pencil skirt, or billowing A-line pants for that sleek and professional womens suit look, with an edgier take.
Polyester and viscose blazer with rhinestone embellishments, £480 (S$832), Self-Portrait
If your inner Office Siren craves some extra oomf, a bedazzled blazer is what you need. Keep it professional; cinch that waist with the built-in belt, and pair it with a simple jewellery stack and a low pony or bun.
Blugirl stretched cotton button-down shirt, $401, www.farfetch.com
A fitted button-down is the Office Siren's wardrobe essential. Keep it HR-appropriate with a V-neck collar that's not too scandalous, but maintains the seductive essence of an Office Siren. Pair it with a simple black pencil skirt and simple earrings. Spice it up even further with interesting materials, like a pair of leather pants or a velvet skirt.
Mulberry silk button-down shirt, $519, Polo Ralph Lauren
If you're looking for a button-down for layering, this silk top from Polo Ralph Lauren is a great option. It's a classic button-down that can be tucked into your midi skirts, and layered under blazers and cardigans. The plus: it's made of silk, making it extra comfortable and breathable.
Recycled polyamide maxi skirt with leather strap, $3,200, Prada
The pleated skirt is a classic for any semi-formal look. For the office, the maxi skirt is your safest bet. With its leather strap detail, this skirt from Prada is a great base to edge up. Pair it with a fitted top (tucked in to maintain that skin-tight silhouette) and some platform heels. Make the look your own with some jewellery like a long pendant or hoop earrings, or even some lace stockings.
Poplin and jersey dress, $1,790, Miu Miu
This dress is perfect for layering. Layer tops under, or blazers over. Add stockings, or even some thigh high leather boots. Accessorise with an accent belt with studs or a bedazzled buckle, and opt for long pendants and simple drop earrings.
Undercover cotton dress, $1,820, Dover Street Market Singapore
The double shoulder straps? The belt stack? The pockets? This dress has it all and more. Layer it with a short-sleeved button-down, or a simple cashmere bolero. Edge it up with tights, like lace or sheer black tights.
Gentle Monster x Maison Margiela metal and acetate frames, $520, Gentle Monster
Would your Office Siren look really be complete without eyewear? From Gentle Monster's third collaboration with Maison Margiela, this pair is serving up sexy nerd chic. Go for coloured frames (like this red pair) in retro shapes; aviator, cat-eye, oval, and round shapes are your go-to. The key to the Office Siren eyewear is don't go too chunky, keep it slim and slightly geeky.
Metal, imitation pearls and diamentes earrings, $1,460, Chanel
For jewellery, turn heads with this pair of teardrop earrings from Chanel. They add just the right amount of sparkle and statement to an otherwise structured ensemble. Picture it with a tailored blazer, slicked-back bun, and patent leather work pumps. It’s classic Chanel reimagined for the Office Siren.
Lace tights with elastic waistband, $1,300, Valentino
For a sultry yet sophisticated twist, these stockings from Valentino will do the trick. Its a floral lace pattern would pair gorgeously under a midi skirt and some sleek pumps or slingbacks to channel the Office Siren vibe without crossing the line.
Maison Close polyamide and elastane tights, $64, www.farfetch.com
The easiest way to personalise a look is to find ways to make simple pieces fun. If lace stockings aren't for you, opt for classic nude stockings with a fun twist, like these stockings from Maison Close. It still abides with the corporate dress code, but takes your look to the next level with coloured hems.
Christian Louboutin x Maison Margiela Loubiella patent leather tabi stiletto heel, $1,795, Maison Margiela
Only the bravest can wear high heels to work- if you're one of them, go all the way. From Maison Margiela's collaboration with Christian Louboutin is the ultimate fashion shoe. The iconic tabi toe, paired with the red button- you'll be stepping on necks by simply strutting in the office. All that and a 10cm heel? It's perfect for any Office Siren.
Tess leather heeled loafers, $1,850, Celine
For the Office Siren who's looking for something more classic than chic, these heeled loafers from Celine will do the trick. It's an edgy take on the classic and professional loafer with the accent gold buckle, patent leather and a 9cm heel.
Black Opium eau de parfum (50ml), $195, Yves Saint Laurent
An Office Siren needs a signature scent. It's subversive, intense, and perfect for an Office Siren who's work and fashion are both top-tier. It's a coffee-floral scent; with notes of coffee, vanilla, bourbon and jasmine, Black Opium is warm and spicy. Simply put, there's a reason why this is Yves Saint Laurent's best-seller.