Inside Culture

Gen Z's corporate cosplay

For a generation that came into the workplace during the pandemic, the office is a space to be reimagined.

A few years into their career paths, Gen Zers are in their corpcore era, swapping streetwear for business-friendly attire like blazers and pinstripe pants, and carrying briefcases to communicate a sense of authority. Their take on the office dress code, however, is infused with irony and self-expression. Recent viral micro-trends, like office siren and being appropriately 'demure' point that Gen Zers approach to building their work persona is akin to character creation, playfully blending nostalgic inspiration with aspirations for personal growth on their own terms.

What’s at the core of this reimagination of office attire? According to Linkedin, at the start of 2023, 77% of UK Gen Zers were considering resigning from their jobs. At the same time, 71% of Gen Zers say they want to take on freelance work, and 36% say their ultimate goal is to ‘be their own boss’. Gen Z is conflicted about work and its place in their lives. In China, young workers are rebelling against strict rules in the workplace by flaunting their most 'gross' outfits at work, with mismatched colours, fluffy pyjamas, or even furry slippers. Whether dressed up or dressed down, Gen Zers are continuing to assert themselves in the workspace. In our recent Gen Z Generational Snapshot for 2024-25, we have explored the challenging choice this generation has to make between flexibility and sense of purpose they want from their jobs and the desperate need for financially stable careers. In hopes to strike that balance, they dress to impress.

71%
of Gen Zers say they want to take on freelance work, and 36% say their ultimate goal is to ‘be their own boss’Startups, 2023
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