It’s the internet’s latest fashion fixation. Coined by Byrdie as “business casual for hot girls,” the Office Siren trend consists of Bayonetta glasses, pencil skirts, kitten heels, and any other garment you can imagine hanging in a working girl from the early aught’s wardrobe. Think: Gisele Bündchen in The Devil Wears Prada. Staff writer Jenn unpacks how fashion’s latest fixation reveals a disconnect with working-class realities.
|
The Office Siren: Trend or Trap? |
Let’s unpack this trend
Popular Instagram account @databutmakeitfashion recently noticed a correlation: an uptick in the Office Siren trend alongside the S&P500, implying that #businesscore dressing is good for, well, business. The observation was met with internet backlash. Is it a correlation or coincidence? Despite the critique, the comment section raised interesting questions about the current state of work: Could this fad be a way to trick folks into coming back to the office? Who’s trying to make business wear aspirational? And who is it really for?
When was the last time you wore a pencil skirt to the office?
For many, the allure of the Office Siren trend lies in its visual appeal rather than practicality. While form-fitting skirts, shirts and Y2K shoulder bags may evoke a “we mean business” feeling on a Pinterest board, it doesn’t necessarily align with the daily grind of office life. I mean, could you imagine leaving for the workday without a bag that fits your laptop, water bottle, and everything else needed to survive a day at work? In certain fields like hospitality and finance, wearing heels and pantyhose is still very much part of the job description, and while it may be fun to dress up momentarily for a TikTok, it can be tiresome (and uncomfortable) to adhere to outdated dress codes daily.
Cosplay for the high and mighty
Beyond your FYP, celebrities like Billie Eilish don workwear-inspired designers on the red carpet, but their reality is far removed from the typical 9-5 worker scraping by to make ends meet. Juxtaposing the “business wear as aspirational” angle, fashion houses like Burberry capitalize on working-class aesthetics for relatability, launching brand takeovers via middle-class activities like taking London’s transport system or having an affordable breakfast to manufacture mass appeal. It all circles back to #businesscore being whittled down to an aesthetic that higher-class folks can profit off of, and put on and take off as they please—and it feels like a slap in the face for those whose livelihood depends on it.
Gen Z is optimistic about this trend
In an article with Who What Wear, fashion student Asia Bieuville expands on her initial trend analysis TikTok, describing the Office Siren archetype as a way to push back on male-dominated office spaces with feminine energy. "We've often been told that women have to adapt to masculine codes to be respected and admired in the corporate world, but I think there's another, more sensual and stylish way," she explains. "The woman who represents this has ambition, likes to assume her sensuality and femininity, and doesn't care about judgment…She's Samantha Jones in Sex and the City.”
As for my thoughts?
As much as I want to believe that this is a win for women in the workplace, it might be wishful thinking. In an ideal world, working women should have the space to not let the way they dress get in the way of success, but Samantha Jones is a fictional character. In the real world, Black women are still being told that their hair is unprofessional in an office setting, and sexual harassment is an infuriating reality so it feels like a reach to imply that corporate America is open to redefining what power can look like in a traditional workspace. It also begs the question: Who gets to reinvent what a working professional looks like? And why is it rarely serving the folks who clock in and do the work?
One thing is for sure: If I’m on my feet for eight hours and it’s not in my job description, I’m not wearing kitten heels.
What do you think about the Office Siren trend? Is it working-class cosplay? Or a harmless way for young professionals to have fun with their wardrobes? Let us know (as always, it’s anonymous).
|
|
|
Hey! Got a forward from a friend? Click here to make it official and subscribe to our next one. |
|
|
The Cali Destination You’re Sleeping On |
In our new travel series, we’ll be spotlighting a different city we have on our Pinterest board and share Girlboss-approved reccos to help you plan your trip. First stop? San Diego! This seaside city is not your typical spring break destination (lookin’ at you, Cabo!), but it has everything you could ever need: perfect surf, dreamy sunsets and mouthwatering tacos.
☕ Best Coffee Shop: Communal Coffee is an institution for a reason, with four locations dotted around the city. Stop in for a cold brew and don’t miss their bagel sammies. 🍸 Best Bar: Noble Experiment, a swanky speakeasy that has “date night” written all over it. 🥾 Best Hiking Trail: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (the ocean views are to-die for!) 🏄 Best Beach: La Jolla Shores Beach (Surf Diva will hook you up with lessons and rentals) 🦓 Best Activity: San Diego Zoo (no explanation needed) 🤳 Best Selfie Spot: Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum (the cherry blossoms are blooming as we type this!)
🌴 Best Hotels: Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is perfect for city lovers (the Elote Ribs and and Ahi Tacos are a must at the hotel’s Wild Hare Bar Garden), and Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton has been an oceanfront staple since 1888. The Victorian-style resort is beloved by royalty, celebrities and families alike. There's a Beach and Taco Shack if you’re feeling peckish or thirsty after a day at the beach (the Sunset Beach with tequila blanco, watermelon juice, lemon juice, agave and a tajin rim is our pick.)
Not convinced yet? Here’s a major money-saving tip to help: Hilton Honors Members can receive up to 17% off the Best Available Rate when they book their next stay at least 7 days in advance. |
|
|
|
|
"My art knowledge consists of lusting after aesthetic prints in cool girls' apartments on Pinterest and TikTok—and that's about it. I never know where the art is from (nor do I go looking for it cause I'm too lazy). So, I just daydream about having a perfectly curated art gallery wall like them. That was until I discovered The Poster Club. It's like having your own virtual art curator. The prints range from $50 to $160 each, and you can shop different collections based on your vibe. My favorite part of the platform is their Art Wall Designer, which lets you add their prints to a wall and play around with the layout, so you can perfect it before purchasing. There's also plenty of inspirational images if you don't know where to start." — Victoria, senior writer
|
|
| Merino Wool 13” Laptop Folio, Monte & Coe, $175 |
|
The “Fashion Statement” Laptop Case |
“I don’t go into the office, but if I did, I’d be strutting this laptop holder from meeting to meeting as if it were the latest It-Girl handbag. And it’s kind of giving that considering it’s made out of merino wool! I love how this sleeve perfectly fits my MacBook and how it even has a little bit of wiggle room for important documents—all while looking super sleek. And my favorite part? You can get your initial monogrammed on the case. I can imagine Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy (CBK for those familiar with this it-girls legacy) being all over this!” — Jennifer, staff writer
|
|
|
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Overnight Eye Serum, Sephora, $46 |
| The Under-Eye Bag Banisher |
“Everyone and their mother (and their pet gerbil) is obsessed with the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, so when I saw this yet-to-be-released product show up on their Instagram this week, I audibly gasped. This nourishing nighttime eye serum will help you look like you were in a deep REM sleep (when really, you were up until 3 a.m. in a Kate Middleton conspiracy theory rabbit hole). How? The powerful combination of hydrating glycerin, barrier-supporting ceramides and a gentle retinoid blend. Fine lines and wrinkles, be gone!” — Victoria
| |
|
Museum of Ice Cream is looking for an Associate Show Set Designer (Technical Focus) with a themed entertainment background, to join the design team. Using a variety of techniques and tools, an Associate Show Set Designer will work with the Senior Designer, Technical Designer, and/or Producer and the rest of the D&P team in the development of our exhibits, facilities and overall location development. Using an introductory level of creative, technical, and architectural knowledge and understanding, the candidate will assist the design team in developing the overall Show Set Packages.
APPLY IF YOU HAVE: A Bachelor’s degree in a related design field, preferably with a focus in architecture, themed entertainment design, set design, or themed construction; 1-2 years of experience in a relevant professional workplace; Portfolio of drawing sets, renders and previous design work, relative to the position; Architectural background a plus. SALARY: $70,000 - $80,000 |
|
|
If you buy something through our links, Girlboss may earn an affiliate commission. |
Copyright © 2024 Girlboss Holdings Inc. All rights reserved. 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington DE, 19801 |
You’re receiving this email because you signed up to join the Girlboss community. |
| |
|
|
