Compared to other places I’ve worked, (even some of my part time jobs in college) my current company’s dress code is very casual. Graphic tees, ripped jeans, short shorts. Really anything goes as long as it's trendy. I work in merchandising where 80% of our workforce is in their 20s and about a third of that is under 25 - as young as 21 years old. All women. We are all in the office together just one week a month so it truly feels like a recurring fashion week. I know my own looks must serve every time! Plus once a month I get a daily dose of new fashion inspiration. Here’s how my coworkers define “conference room chic.”
Winner!
Sweatshirt + Trousers + Platform Shoes:
This is truly the wildest combination because it mixes formalities. Those who went to college at the University of Zoom (AKA 21-24 year olds.) will do anything to go against quarantine life. Including a slouchy graphic sweatshirt with fitted work trousers. Let’s break the ‘fit down. This look is the definition of *counterculture* with business on the bottom and cozy on the top. Their sweatshirt of choice is a crewneck, usually with some sort of logo from a place they’ve traveled to or a show they love. The solid Champion 90s dad crewneck is still alive and well, thanks for asking, but there’s always a line and this style of sweatshirt is simply too athleisure for the office.
The pants are the classic black work pants our grandmother’s wore to answer phones and organize luncheons with a slightly flared bottom by the ankle. Pairing these starched polyester pants with a sweatshirt is a daring cool kid move. Complete the look with platform shoes to counteract the bagginess of garments such as street style sneakers or combat boots.
1st Runner Up!
Eyelash Sweater + Silky Skirt + Midi Boots:
Fill in the blank. Offices are notoriously…cold! A fuzzy eyelash sweater is a must for winter in a city office. Especially if you walk to work. Aside from the obvious fuzziness, what is so fun about eyelash sweaters is they take whatever shape you impose on them. Off the shoulder, belted, etc. My peers typically take their v-neck sweaters and front tuck the center into a silky pencil skirt that hits a few inches below the knee for max warmth. Midi boots in a warm chestnut tone that start just as the skirt ends, pull together the look. This is definitely the most girly of the looks on this list but it also has the most room for interpretation because prints, colors, and accessories are totally up to you!
2nd Runner Up!
Solid Tank + Large Blazer + Light Denim + Hair Thing:
We’ve talked about the ribbed tank before when I recapped what it was like touching the one in Rome’s Prada storefront. It can be tough to make a tight knit, muscle-exposing top, business-appropriate but the Assistant Buyer crew has found the solution. It is in fact, rather simple: layer an oversized blazer on top. I prefer playful patterned blazers in pretty pastels but if you’re more on the classic side, navy with gold buttons and matching gold barrettes is Very Ralph. Keep it 2023 with light washed denim that resembles the silhouette of a 90s sitcom. Hair accessories are incredibly hot - especially with a look like this that incorporate such closet staples. Thick fuzzy headbands rock for curly haired girls and large claw clips are best for straight hair.
If there is one perk about going to the office it isn’t the collaboration or socializing it's the outfits.
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