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They’re dressing like Jobs while on the job.
Members of Generation Z are crafting their own Steve Jobs-style uniforms for the workplace, saying outfit repetition gives them a sense of control over their burgeoning careers amid economic uncertainty.
The late Apple founder was famous for his signature style: black turtlenecks, Levi’s 501s, and New Balance sneakers that he wore almost every day.
TikTokkers are now crafting their own simple “Steve Jobs-coded” looks, which helps take the daily dilemma out of what to wear to work.
Eloise Skinner, psychotherapist and founder of the Purpose Workshop, recently told Fortune that Zoomeras have expressed “some level of confusion about what to wear for work,” given that many starting their careers working from home in their pajamas during the pandemic.
Skinner says a uniform can feel “more simple, more streamlined, and less risky in an environment that might feel new and unfamiliar.”
This might especially be the case for a generation that missed out on early in-office work experience opportunities due to the pandemic’s impact on working from home, and who might only be spending a few days in the office every week,” she stated,
While some have replicated Jobs’ look, others have simply taken on his philosophy of a uniform, eschewing turtlenecks in favor of other simple garments.
TikTokker Isobelle Panton (@corporateagonyaunt) recently showcased her winter “work uniform rotation” in a video featuring gray and black outfits.
“I have no time for decision fatigue and the destruction it causes,” said the commercial lead from Manchester, U.K.
She added that she sticks to a few simple and minimalistic work outfits, mainly jeans, a black blazer, and a long coat.
Similarly, fellow influencer Justine Kwezi (@bykwezi) made a TikTok video in a white, collared, button-down top and said, “I recently saw a TikTok about finding your Steve Jobs outfit, and I realized, ‘Wait, I have one. I live, breathe, die in Oxford shirts.’”
Amanda Augustine, a certified career coach from the careers platform resume.io, told Fortune: “With layoff fears and economic uncertainty looming, it’s not uncommon for individuals to gravitate toward structure and routine for comfort.”
She also pointed out that establishing a “consistent morning routine,” which includes a set “work uniform,” is helping young professionals gain a sense of control over their careers, despite other aspects potentially feeling unpredictable.
Gen Z’s fashion choices, experts say, go beyond mere trends. They’re a way to seek comfort amid stubborn inflation, looming recession, stagnant job growth, unaffordable housing, and job insecurity.
American Eagle Outfitters CEO Jay Schottenstein has noted that economic worries are making Gen Z more cautious in their spending.
As he dished to the publication, this isn’t just about “tarrifs and inflation.” He noted, “We see the government cutting people off.”
“They don’t know how that’s going to affect them. And when people don’t know what they don’t know, they get very conservative,” Schottenstein continued.
While TikTokkers like Jade DeLeon (@selfpaidjade_) show off “matching sets” for work and Keeley Scott (@keelscott) embraces all-black “feminine Steve Jobs” looks, experts say a work uniform can actually boost focus.
As Augustine also told Fortune, eliminating inconsequential choices helps conserve mental energy. She explained that making “seemingly small changes to your work routine — like establishing a standard work uniform — can lead to significant gains in brain space over time.”
However, one expert noted that this trick likely won’t help those worried about how they look, instead of the time spent picking an outfit.
Claire Taylor, head of the Nottingham Business School human resources management department, told the business magazine: “In my experience, some people are anxious and worry obsessively about their appearance, and others simply do not.”
She added that “having a uniform or simple dress code for work may make little difference” for those who are self-conscious and insecure.
She further warned: “Essentially, you’ll likely still waste brain space worrying about how you look in your ‘Steve Jobs look.’”
