Digital-native young professionals are increasingly finding themselves caught between contemporary social media fashion trends and traditional office expectations, often with professional consequences.
Many Gen Z workers turn to TikTok and Instagram for office outfit inspiration, but what influencers promote as workwear may not align with established dress codes. A recent incident highlighted this disconnect when TikTok user Kiera Bohan shared that her crop top ensemble resulted in a workplace reprimand, leading her to admit her outfit “was not cute enough to risk it.”
This represents a growing pattern as more young workers seek style guidance online. Popular TikTok creator Sunny Lena has addressed this issue through her content analyzing office attire through an HR perspective, specifically warning against very short skirts, sleeveless tops, and overly casual clothing that might violate workplace standards.
Etiquette coach Myka Meier identifies athleisure as a particularly problematic trend, noting the important distinction between fashionable sneakers and athletic wear in professional settings. “There’s a fine line between athleisure and athletic wear,” she explains.
While Marina Santo of fashion staffing agency Fourth Floor acknowledges Gen Z’s boundary-pushing has sparked positive change through their outspoken nature, she cautions that some young professionals may feel entitled to dress according to social media standards without understanding company expectations.
As workplace cultures continue evolving, this tension between generational fashion perspectives and professional expectations remains an ongoing challenge for employers and young workers alike.