Dressing Up for Work Is Back—Here’s Why Corporate Women Will Be 2025's Top Style Inspiration

      Welcome to the Gen Z Mood, where I—Who What Wear UK's 27-year-old social media editor—share updates on my mood of the month and the most exciting trends I've noticed while scrolling. I'm always on the lookout for fresh and budget-friendly ways to shop current styles, and I'm inviting you along for the journey.

      The Mood: Embracing Corporate Aesthetics

      As a social media editor, my role involves searching through feeds for viral trends, determining which moments will have lasting impact and which will fade. Sometimes the influential moments catch us off guard—who could have predicted that this summer would be termed "Jet2holiday" summer? Yet, here we are. Beyond Jess Glyne’s viral sound and spoilers from The Devil Wears Prada circulating my feed, there’s a fashion trend emerging that’s encouraging both Gen Z and Millennials to redefine outdated workwear norms.

      (Image credit: Alamy)

      From experimenting with modern tailoring to finding the ideal wide-leg trousers, figuring out what to wear to work has become a priority for Gen Z and Millennials. In the past two months, searches for “chic office outfits” have surged by 1000% on TikTok, while other search phrases like ‘OOTD office outfit,’ “corporate outfits women 2025,” and “corporate girlie” are receiving significant attention across platforms—not just TikTok but also Instagram and Pinterest. It’s uncommon for a trend to gain traction across all platforms, but in this case, the tired “Gen Z vs Millennial” narrative seems outdated, as both generations unite in the quest for a more sophisticated office wardrobe. An example of this shift is content creator Kat—if you've seen her on social media—@katfromfinance.

      I always pause my scrolling when I come across social editor Naima Fatema's outfits. Her work attire exudes ultimate coolness, always featuring a unique piece, so follow her for inspiration!

      @cemcoops excels at showcasing her work outfits on TikTok, sharing outfit details that draw followers back to her page weekly to see what she’s wearing to the office. Follow her for even more workwear ideas! If you’ve been active on social media recently, you’ve likely seen Kat’s high-fashion selfies taken against a tan wood backdrop and a line of sinks. She’s genuine—she actually works in finance—but amidst calculating figures, she manages to indulge in lunch-break photoshoots that flaunt her stylish outfits (perhaps we’d all be doing the same if our bathroom lighting was that appealing). With a rising audience of 90k followers and just under 1 million likes on TikTok, she’s the perfect person to discuss the emerging “corporate girlie” trend. “When I hear [the term], I envision a successful woman who has her life together—someone who meets deadlines without fail. She’s bright, bold, and confident, always getting what she wants. It’s a look that combines professionalism with a playful twist, demonstrating that one can be both powerful and feminine.”

      “Over the last decade, traditional office attire has been redefined,” she shares. “Rather than merely adhering to outdated norms, individuals are now infusing personal touches into classic items—like blazers—thereby making them feel fresh and modern. Through creative styling and bold accessories, traditional workwear has transformed into a canvas for self-expression. There’s been a noticeable shift from blending in to standing out; today’s professionalism leans more towards individuality than uniformity.” She raises an intriguing point about how individualism has infiltrated the traditionally uniform corporate environment. However, there may be a deeper dynamic at play. In researching this topic, I’ve contemplated the idea that women, particularly young women, are leveraging the corporate aesthetic to reclaim power. This concept aligns with what we explored in our comprehensive autumn/winter 2025 fashion trend report, which Kat agrees appears more prominent in 2025. “I truly believe in this. I often liken dressing for work to gearing up for battle—the right outfit can serve as armor,” she explains. “Choosing how you present yourself holds significant power, particularly in professional environments that haven’t always catered to women. For me, power dressing not only boosts my confidence and control but also serves as a form of self-expression. Sharing those looks online fosters a sense of community—it's women supporting themselves and motivating others to do likewise.”

      (Image credit: @katfromfinance)

      However, this isn't a new idea—the movement has been building for a few years. The transition from post-pandemic smart casual to re-embracing work attire felt like a natural progression following our return to offices post-lockdown. Thus, the demand for elevated outfit inspiration for the workplace has surged. Think influences from Sex and the City, Suits, The Devil Wears Prada, and Scandal. The polished yet relaxed approach to work outfits inspired by The Nanny's Fran Fine is stylish yet effortless.