I never thought I would be saying this but I’m kind of starting to like business casual wear.
That is, Gen Z’s take on business casual wear.
Fashion is a keystone to Gen Z culture, and with the current trend cycle, there is an even bigger emphasis on fashion and what is considered fashion-forward or not.
With the exponentially fast-changing cycle, we have seen funky patterns and bold colors pop in and out, but also more elevated styles such as the Melina leather pants or Skim’s cotton bodysuits. Many young people in fashion are leaning towards sleek looks that could pass as “business casual” but are wearing them to classes on campus or the grocery store.
Even personally, I have noticed this more “adult” look entering my wardrobe. I am constantly searching for a trouser pant or a staple leather jacket. Could it be that I am soon entering my 20s? Maybe, but I truly do think that it is a sign of the times in what consumers, including myself, are buying.
And we see it most as we look at our modern-day fashion inspirations, influencers. I will still check to see what the Jenners or Hadids are wearing, but more so I find myself looking through Emma Chamberlain’s page or Madeleine White. I find them pairing chunky boots with a blazer and pencil skirt. It perfectly adds a youthful glow to a signature look.
But, while there is a more professional emergence in Gen Z fashion, there is a flip side to it, which is the Gen-Z-a-fied business outfit.
Business casual traditionally involves knee-length skirts, button-up tops or some form of dress-pant. For most of Gen Z though, business casual tends to lean more toward the “casual” end of the spectrum. It is more of an “as long as there are no ripped jeans, you are okay” kind of ordeal.
I can honestly admit that going into my first adult job, I had no clue how I was supposed to dress. The dress code was “business casual.” I wore dress pants and a nice top, but I was still worried I missed the mark. I walked into the office on my first day and was pleasantly surprised.
These business casual outfits were more of a fashion show, showing off looks of how to dress for the office but still look cute and trendy. I vividly remember a girl walking in in a bright pink blazer, Metallica T-shirt and a pencil skirt. She looked amazing, but I was surprised to see that it passed the dress code.
I think this blend of styles is what makes Gen Z fashion so unique. It is able to evolve and change with current trend cycles, and makes the business world more accessible for the new generation entering it. At the same time, the adoption of these more polished styles in Gen Z’s everyday wardrobe also helps bridge the gap between adults and the new generation. At the end of the day though, fashion is what you make of it, so just have fun with it!