The latest corporate dress code trend, dubbed “corpcore,” is gaining popularity with a high-fashion twist on classic professional attire. This trend includes trousers, blazers, button-ups, pantsuits, and vests that go beyond traditional office wear. Celebrity style icons like Zendaya are embracing this new trend, and stylist Bernadett Vajda notes that clients are looking for a wardrobe refresh post-pandemic by opting for clean, tailored clothes. The surge in searches for “corporate chic” on Pinterest indicates a growing interest in this aesthetic, with a prediction that “corpcore” will dominate fashion trends this summer.
The tailored trend of “corpcore” is a more modest option for the workplace compared to the traditional office siren style. Younger generations, such as Gen Z, are subverting the norm of sneakers, jeans, and shorts by embracing a shirt and tie as a fashionable statement. With remote work eliminating strict dress codes, the essence of “business formal” has evolved to take on new meanings. The resurgence of turn-of-the-century business casual style in the form of “corpcore” reflects a larger trend towards embracing vintage fashion from the ’90s era.
Designers are reimagining corporate couture with a contemporary edge, offering office-ready pieces that blend work-appropriate styles with trendy aesthetics. Victoria Beckham and Prada are among the luxury brands that have launched collections featuring chic blazers, vests, and tailored trousers that offer a modern twist on classic corporate attire. A-list celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Naomi Campbell, Zendaya, and Kendall Jenner have been spotted wearing updated versions of the 9-to-5 uniform, showcasing the versatility and appeal of the “corpcore” trend in both high fashion and everyday wear.
The blazer has emerged as a key staple in the “corpcore” trend, worn alone as a dress, paired with jeans, or matched with coordinating trousers as a set. Unlike blazers from the 2010s, today’s sport coats feature defined structures reminiscent of ’80s styles with shoulder pads and cinched waists. Stylist Bernadett Vajda notes that a statement blazer can set you apart from others who are not tailoring their clothes, allowing you to define your personal style. This bold fashion choice can make a statement by incorporating structured, feminine, and strong elements similar to an Alexander McQueen blazer.
Corporate chic has become a dominant trend in fashion, with “corpcore” representing a fusion of business formal attire with high fashion sensibilities. The return to classic styles like tailored blazers, vests, and trousers hints at a desire for longevity and timelessness in wardrobe choices. As fashion evolves, the incorporation of vintage elements and redefined structure in clothing continues to shape the way individuals present themselves in professional environments. The rising popularity of “corpcore” signifies a shift towards blending traditional office wear with contemporary, trend-forward styles, appealing to a new generation of professionals seeking to make a statement through their clothing choices.
