What Does Office Wear Look Like These Days?

It has been a couple of years since the pandemic altered our working lives.

And while many of us no longer work remotely full-time, we're taking a hard look at our work habits and routines, including workplace dress codes, post-COVID-19.

This article examines how the pandemic has influenced our fashion sense and offers insights into future office attire. Will formal office attire make a comeback, or are suits gone for good? Read on for more.

Office Wear Through the Ages

Today's workwear has undergone huge transformations in a short period. In the last century, a kaleidoscope of different styles has emerged. Many would have been considered unthinkable in earlier eras.

It wasn't that long ago when men wore suits and women donned conservative dresses to work. Early 1900s dress codes were highly formal and aligned with gendered societal norms.

In the following decades, office attire slowly relaxed. Styles shifted with the times, with the rise of the casual wear revolution in the 1970s. Suits, once symbols of power and professionalism, were traded for a "business casual" look. Women, having more freedom over their clothing choices, could ditch skirts, high heels and other "traditionally feminine outfits" with pants. This landmark victory was a massive win that challenged the conventional gender norms.

Business casual still dominates today. In most industries, the diverse style is widely accepted. We can attribute its high demand to younger generations prioritizing comfort and rejecting previously outdated clothing policies.

Then came 2020. Being forced inside, our sense of style changed once more. Athleisure wear became the go-to home-office look - casual T-shirts and workout clothes. "Uber-casual" promptly dethroned "business casual" in a matter of weeks. But did these changes permanently alter the course of workplace attire? Find out in our next section.

What Happened to Office Wear After COVID?

Various insights about workplace attire surged after people returned to work.

The prevailing sentiment? Remote working has changed how we view office clothing. Why? Because, even while wearing stretchy yoga pants, we could perform our work duties well, proving we don't have to look nice to be productive, attend virtual meetings, and meet targets.

And when hybrid working models took hold, these ideas became more entrenched. It didn't make sense to spend exorbitantly on expensive work 'fits if we worked at the office less. And, after grafting from home for months, comfort has eclipsed style.

Of course, it's unlikely that torn jogging bottoms or bedroom slippers will ever be accepted into a formal workspace. However, a dress code merely for the sake of tradition has been put under scrutiny. Will we ever see a return to formal business attire as everyday wear? Probably not.

Although many gravitated toward a dressed-down approach, for others, the conversation was about more than the style versus comfort debate. Wearing nice clothes can spark joy, especially after months of COVID-19 lockdowns, while instilling confidence and providing the wearer with pride and professionalism.

What Office Wear Trends Are Predicted for the Future?

It's been a couple of busy social years inside the workforce, and people have been excited to flaunt new looks and express their uniqueness.

Sure, tailored suits still have their moments for big meetings and interviews, but the lessons from COVID still resonate: comfort first.

And even those seeking refinement could find what they're looking for in today's casual trends. A few pared-down workplace outfits can strike the right impression with future employers. And the fashion police, of course.

Here's how to dress for success while sticking to your style.

You Don't Need A Massive Work Wardrobe

Struggling with decision fatigue over what to wear? Working hybrid has its perks - like only planning outfits for half the week. Three days of business casual, followed by two days wearing slacks and going barefoot? Bliss.

And even if you never work from home, you don't need to have office wear clogging up your cupboard space.

There's a growing focus on owning fewer outfits, with more people rotating the same pieces. And honestly, as long as you're presentable, who cares if you sometimes repeat outfits?

Own Signature Pieces

Mixing and matching garments to create a work outfit can cause serious overwhelm, or even panic.

That's where owning few signature pieces, or as we call them, "wardrobe builders", comes in handy.

Have nothing to wear? Consider elevating your style with a couple of these crucial staples. They don't need to be particularly expensive, but they should be versatile, come in neutral tones that pair with the rest of your wardrobe.

Purchase Well-Made Office Wear

Your favourite online store might be having a huge sale, but don't get swept up in the lure of fast fashion.

Instead, consider purchasing well-made clothing over cheap outfits. They save you money in the long haul, lasting longer than one or two wash cycles. Plus, standing the test of time, they're less likely to end up in landfills.

And what about style? These timeless pieces stay fashionable forever.

What Are the Upsides of Today’s Office Wear?

While the pandemic is a distant memory (for some), it continues to echo in our current lives, particularly in the way we dress for work.

While we've accepted that full-on leisurewear might be inappropriate, certain elements remain non-negotiable. These are the ones that stuck.

Provides Space For Personal Expression

Whether you enjoy dressing up or prefer trainers and a hoodie, there's more choice than ever with post-Covid office wear. Showcase your personality in clothes that best represent you! Highlights Comfort

It might look nice, but your grandmother's vintage suit from the 70s scratches. Ditch the discomfort for work gear that combines breathability, convenience, and killer style. Go for looks that scream, "I mean business, but I also want to feel comfy".

Saves Times

While some enjoy the ritual of getting ready for work, others find the preparation a time-waster and a source of stress.

Selecting and coordinating the perfect smart outfit eats into your limited time before work. During the pandemic, many of us simplified our routines, reclaiming some of that time.

What Are the Downsides of Today’s Current Office Wear?

Today's current workplace fashion might be more toned down and informal, but we have another problem on our hands: an overabundance of choice.

Instead of making wardrobe selection easier, having more casual office wear options can backfire. Here's a list of reasons why.

Blurred Boundaries Between Work and Home Clothes

Peeling off your work outfit and slipping into something cosy signifies the end of a workday and, hopefully, the start of a relaxing evening. 

Not having a physical transition from work to home clothes makes it harder to switch gears once the workday ends. During the pandemic, burnout was an ever-present reality, regardless of the pants we wore.

Not Everyone Feels Comfortable

While many celebrate the freedom of choice, not everyone will view the change positively. People who've stuck to similar wardrobe guidelines for years might not welcome having a broader spectrum of casual outfits.

Blurred Lines Between Casual and Inappropriate

Having a flexible dress policy allows for confusion, resulting in people dressing in a manner that is provocative, unprofessional, or offensive.

This could raise safety issues for individuals but also taint their professional image or the company's reputation.

Takeaway: Looking Ahead At Future Office Wear

We've come a long way since the suit-wearing days and don't intend on going backwards. Except for a few industries, formal corporate wear is fading into the abyss.

Incidentally, 2020 brought further significant changes, shaping what people opted to wear long after lockdowns and quarantining ended.

From work meetings to interviews, business casual is the prevailing style for today's working generations. Now more than ever, people are wearing office wear that's comfortable and aligns with their personal style.

But here's the problem. With business casual wear becoming more informal, rules around wardrobe guidelines are fewer and subject to interpretation. Still experience those mornings when you have no clue about what to wear? You're not alone. Outfit planning is often wrought with indecision over what's inappropriate, allowed, looks good AND feels comfortable.

While pondering a work style that suits you, heed our advice. Wear select workplace outfits on rotation, collect statement pieces that coordinate with other work outfits, wear durable clothes, and look after the planet by shopping sustainably.