Corporate Millennials and Gen Z women deliberate over dressing appropriately for work: 'Just dress like you have no hopes and dreams'

Author image for Ally Perry
Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Jun 6, 2024 6:00 PM EDT

As somebody who loves clothes and doesn't love arbitrary rule enforcement, one of many things I'm grateful for about my job is that I don't really have to worry about any higher-ups disapproving of how I dress (thank you, working from home). 

However, it remains a fact that anybody who works a vaguely corporate or office-based role usually has to be mindful of appearances, especially if they're a woman. Misjudge that cute skirt by an inch or two, and you could be seeing a one-way trip to HR. 

This is a topic that has been the subject of much discussion on a TikTok, where a Gen Z employee admitted that she had "learned the hard way" that day of what not to wear in a work environment. The comments were full of anecdotes of women making the same mistake, as well as advice of varying usefulness on how you should dress. The office siren trend has a lot to answer for. 

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    Cheezburger Image 10356720128
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    Sophia At my first job, I once wore a halter neck dress, and my female manager gave me her cardigan→
    via Sophia
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    melomana91 a family friend got reprimanded once because she was wearing really chic oxford shoes instead of heels
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    honoreleanora I wore platform loafers and a frilly blouse and my boss jokingly said "is it Paris fashion week"
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    the april fool God I LOVE being a blue collar secretary it doesn't even matter what we wear
    via the april fool
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    Tamara A. Marbury I have a whole playlist of office outfits. *
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    SummerHausee Had a girl come to work in spandex shorts our director had to have a meeting about "dress code" Imaoooo
    via SummerHausee
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    vmglf This is an interesting trend because I always thought appropriate work wear was so straightforward/obvious.
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    Ana Always wear solid, opaque tights if you think something might be too short.
    via Ana
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    koryexclusive Tested the waters once and my VP audibly gasped when I walked in the room. I also learned the hard way.
    via koryexclusive
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    Gloria Black slacks, black ballet flats, and a quarter sleeve button up blouse from Kohl's. Hair in a bun. Pearl earrings. Repeat until you die.
    via Gloria
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    Ae Just find a nice comfortable blouse that is office appropriate and get it in 5 different colors. Then do the same for pants/midi skirts. Now you have 5 different work outfits, no need to worry anymore
    via Ae
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    Nay Nay Motivation Reminds me of high school - only the girls need to change because it's distracting the boys.
    via Nay Nay Motivation
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    BD If it's even slightly flattering, it's a no
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    UrMom My coworker came in once wearing a dress for the club.. so I guess don't do that
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    Isaacs mama One time the cfo said my shirt was snazzy and when I said thank you he said it wasn't a compliment
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    jaz some people in the comments not passing the vibe check. if there isnt a WRITTEN dress code, how are ppl supposed to know (1)
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    SweetPeaches Wait waaaat? I didn't think the length of the skirt was THAT bad!
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    Emily I like wearing midi length to the office, honestly anything above the knee it starts to feel risky especially if you're tall. Long flowy dresses with loafers = chic
    via Emily
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    omglolwooooow just dress as if you've never desired more for yourself or your life and like you have no hopes or dreams best of luck sister
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    Liza I rest easy knowing catholic school at least prepared me for this one thing
    via Liza

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corporate dress code comments work millennials working funny comments Office gen z workplace women tiktok
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