Corporate sleaze may not be the first two words you use to describe your style
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to incorporate the latest TikTok trend into your wardrobe, especially when you see a big name like Bella Hadid adding it to her repertoire.
Unsurprisingly, it seems that Gen Z is once again looking to the past for style inspiration but this time pulling a bit from 90s’ Gillian Anderson paired with Rachel Green if she worked an office job.
Though it may seem like just another niche aesthetic trend that the video-sharing platform is trying to make a thing, we’ve actually seen it before.
If what we’re describing seems a bit blurry around the edges, here’s everything you need to know about corporate sleaze.
What is the corporate sleaze aesthetic?
@juliaquang #ootd #outfitideas ♬ Obsessed – 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐘
Surprisingly, you might actually already have a few of the pieces needed to create this look just sitting in your wardrobe.
Think skinny wire frame glasses, loafers with knee-high sheer socks, black sheer tights and elevated office basics in a palette of cool greys and browns.
The fabrics are luxe, like leathers paired with satins and a woollen overcoat surely wouldn’t go astray on the colder days.
Hemlines are short but the silhouettes lean towards a more formal vibe with structure being the order of the day.
Think tailored suit trousers, skirts with box pleats and asymmetrical blazers.
Yet just because it leans towards more traditionally masculine design features, it doesn’t mean that it’s not feminine, as waist-synching belts and plunging necklines add in a girly edge.
It’s basically like when we all used to wear business casual to the club but make it grown up and chic.
It’s made it to the runway
Fall-winter Fashion Week 2024 saw the influence of corporate sleaze in so many collections with shows like Prada, Retrofête, and Tory Burch dressing their models in their new edgy take on business casual.
In London, SRVC showed a collection aptly called Human Resource that appeared to be inspired by the daily commute as models walked a bus-turned-runway.
Celebs have embraced it too
As the world is going through a bit of a Jennifer Lawrence renaissance right now, it seems right to start with her.
During Paris Fashion Week the A-list actress channelled corporate sleaze fantastically sporting a three-piece suit with a plunging neckline, making the office staple sexy rather than stuffy.
Miu Miu girl Bella Hadid is also known to rock the look both on and off the runway, pairing luxe leather with unbuttoned pinstriped shirts.
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