My Interview on Ignites Europe: How Gen Z Is Redefining Corporate Style:
As featured in "Gen Z shakes up corporate dress codes" by Vibeka Mair, IGNITES EUROPE, 1 April 2025
Office style is shifting—and fast. With more employees heading back to the office after years of hybrid work, companies are facing a new challenge: what is appropriate to wear to work these days? According to a recent article by Vibeka Mair for Ignites Europe, the answer is being heavily influenced by a new generation—Gen Z.
This younger workforce is not only stepping into office life for the first time, but also rewriting the rules around dress codes with their values of authenticity, comfort, and individuality. I had the pleasure of sharing my perspective in the piece, particularly from my experience working with professionals in finance and law. Here are the key excerpts from the article where I was quoted:
“Gen Z is bringing a more relaxed and individualistic approach to workwear. They prioritise authenticity, comfort and self-expression over strict adherence to corporate norms.
This generation is more likely to challenge traditional expectations – wearing trainers, choosing statement pieces and incorporating trends into their office attire.”
Gen Z isn’t the only generation feeling the effects of changing norms. After years of dressing down for remote work, many professionals now find themselves navigating a style grey zone—neither formal nor entirely casual.
“Hybrid working blurred the lines between office and home attire, and as a result traditional corporate dress codes have relaxed.
In industries like finance, where client-facing roles are common, dressing appropriately can enhance how seriously you are taken.”
While finance and legal environments remain among the more traditionally dressed sectors, the shift toward smart-casual has become more pronounced.
“There’s been a shift towards more smart-casual dressing, [such as] structured blazers with knitwear instead of full suits, smart trousers paired with more relaxed footwear, and an overall preference for comfort.”
And this change brings its own challenges—especially for those trying to find the right balance in their evolving work wardrobe.
“Some feel pressure to dress up after years of dressing more casually, while others are unsure where the new boundaries lie.
The challenge is striking the right balance: looking polished without feeling overdressed in an environment that is no longer strictly formal.”
As a style coach, I believe this transition offers a valuable opportunity—not just for Gen Z, but for professionals at every stage of their career—to rethink how they show up at work. The key is to remain polished and intentional while letting personality shine through.
To read the full article, click here.
