As the sun begins to set on holiday season (and Brat Summer, of course) Corpcore is the trend that will be taking over this autumn – and it’s ideal for elevating your work wardrobe.
As seen on the catwalks of Tolu Coker and Eudon Choi at London Fashion Week, as well as Michael Kors over in New York, Corpcore is all about fresh take on office classics.
The look has been a hit with stylish celebrities too, with trendsetters including Julia Fox, Hailey Bieber, Selena Gomez and model Elsa Hosk all spotted in Corpcore outfits recently.
We spoke to Megan Watkins, Head Stylist at online fashion destination SilkFred, to find out how to wear the Corpcore trend this autumn…
“After years of slipping into a comfy tracksuit for work, it seems as if we’re finally getting back to traditional office dressing, with trends such as ‘librariancore’ and the ‘office siren’ taking over our IG feeds and FYP pages,” Megan says.
“But as these trends have taught us, we’re not content with the typical suit trousers, semi-formal knit and non-descript pumps anymore.”
The ‘office girlie’ vibe – as Hailey Bieber called it on Instagram – is about standing out with bold tailored pieces instead of typical nine-to-five staples.
“With a strong sense of power dressing nostalgia, this grungier take on corporate fashion trends is all about 90s tailoring,” Megan explains.
“Think pairing oversized items like blazers and chunky loafers with pleated mini skirts, sleeveless vests and generally channelling Gisele Bündchen’s ‘Serena’ from The Devil Wears Prada.”
Corpcore has been embraced by Gen Z-ers who haven’t, on the whole, been required to adhere to a traditional office dress code, Megan says: “This aesthetic allows the younger workforce to play with and elevate office basics and inject some personal style into the boardroom.”
She continues: “Minimalist, yet chic, Corpcore is all about sharp, exaggerated silhouettes using wardrobe basics. Corpcore also takes things back to school – which is ideal for September – with uniform-inspired accessories and styles reminiscent of days in the classroom.”
So what should be on your Corpcore shopping list for autumn?
“Instead of a white shirt, opt for a 90s pinstripe number and pair it with a grey sleeveless vest and pencil skirt for an everyday look,” Meghan recommends.
“Invest in a padded-shouldered oversized blazer and pair with a tweed pleated mini skirt. This can also work as a going out-out outfit with simple accessorising – think black patent court shoes, matching micro handbag and chunky gold jewellery.”
For a celebrity-inspired outfit, she suggests: “Take a page out of the Jennifer Lawrence fashion playbook and go for a three-piece suit to make those back-to-back meeting days more interesting.”
And don’t forget those ‘office girlie’ finishing touches: “Corpcore is also big on tongue-in-cheek accessorising. Think slim, wire-rimmed glasses, ties and oversized briefcases. These will show off your sartorial chops and add a sense of fun to any nine to five outfit.”
Meghan’s key pieces to nail the Corpcore trend are:
- Pleated skirt
- Power blazer
- Button-down shirts
- Collared dresses
- Sleeveless knits
- Loafers
- Polo neck jumpers
- Tights
