Navigating the Fine Line between Self-Expression and Professionalism

The “office siren” aesthetic, a fashion trend that combines sultry pencil skirts with traditional office attire, is gaining attention online, particularly on TikTok. The trend, which has been dubbed “corp-core” or “girlboss 2.0” on the platform, is an evolved form of power dressing that aims to empower women to express themselves in the workplace.

According to Phoebe Gavin, a career and leadership coach, the office siren trend is a way for young professionals to take control of their personal style and confidence. “I would define it as merging the standard corporate office dress code with a sexier spin that shows a little bit more skin or shows a little bit more curves, a bit more feminine, a little bit sexier, and merging those things,” she explains.

However, Gavin cautions that the office siren trend can also create tension in more traditional workplaces, influencing how colleagues and managers perceive professionalism and leadership potential. “When we think about the workplace trends that we see across this generation – folks under 30 – this idea of authenticity and pushing back against exploitive workplace norms keeps coming up,” she notes.

Gavin notes that the people who are pushing this trend are often those who make money off of views on TikTok, rather than those with corporate workplace experience. This can lead to a lack of understanding about the potential implications of adopting the office siren style, including being pulled into HR or having ideas dismissed in a meeting.

The risks of adopting the office siren trend are real, Gavin warns. If an employee is perceived as less serious, competent, or capable, their ideas may be discounted, they could be passed over for promotions, face workplace bullying or judgment from their coworkers, or even be influenced in their performance evaluations.

A 2024 study published by the Journal of Applied Psychology found that work colleagues will size up an employee’s competence and warmth based on how they dress, and those judgments impact their perception of the employee’s performance and willingness to help. According to the study, employees who dress in a more formal or conservative manner are perceived as more competent, while those who dress in a more casual or revealing manner are perceived as less competent.

Gavin emphasizes that employees should make choices with awareness, taking into account the potential implications of their fashion choices. “Whatever decision you make for yourself is the right decision for you, if you are doing it from an informed perspective,” she adds.

To navigate the fine line between self-expression and professionalism, Gavin suggests that employees consider the following:

Know your workplace culture: Understand the dress code and expectations of your workplace before adopting the office siren trend.

Be aware of your audience: Consider who will be seeing your outfit and how they may perceive you.

Dress for yourself, not others: Make choices that make you feel confident and authentic, rather than trying to impress others.

Be mindful of power dynamics: Recognize that your fashion choices may be perceived differently by those in positions of power or authority.

Ultimately, the office siren trend highlights the complexities of navigating professionalism and self-expression in the workplace. While it may be a form of empowerment for some, it can also be a double-edged sword that requires careful consideration.