What’s The “Office Siren” Trend?

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Ah, September… the month for getting back into routine. TikTok has a fashion trend that might spice up your return to the corporate grind. If you’re anything like me and sliding back into the office chair after your summer vacation, you may have caught wind of the office siren trend while scrolling through your FYP. There, I saw these videos of women sitting in the ocean in a mid-1990s to early 2000s corporate outfit (imagine Gisele Bündchen’s character from The Devils Wears Prada typing away on her laptop). When it comes to fashion, what goes out of style eventually comes back. To be honest, I don’t think I took a true summer vacay this year, so it hit a bit too close to home for me, reminding me of my lack of work-life balance.

The #officesiren hashtag racked up millions of views and paints the working woman as sophisticated, sexy and chic. But is this trend actually appropriate for the office? Is this a trend us corporate sept girlies should be jumping on?

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@ggabrielaa_98

Office siren in miami #office #siren #officesiren #beach #miami #officeoutfit #laptop

♬ original sound – マリアミ

What is the office siren look?

This trend actually has a few names: office siren, corpcore, corporate fetish. But – whatever you call it – it’s all kind of the same sexed-up office look: skintight pencil skirts and cleavage-revealing button-down shirts. Perhaps this office siren look is Gen Z’s taking on corporate style with flair.

Originating from Greek mythology, sirens were known for their seductive songs that led sailors astray. Fast forward to today’s interpretation, and the siren can be someone who is seductively beautiful or charming, especially one who beguiles men. So, how would that translate into office-appropriate clothing?

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@sunnylenak

Would you get in trouble over your office siren fit? #greenscreen #officesiren #officelife #corporate #corporatelife #officefashion #humanresources #hr #hrtiktok

♬ original sound – Sunny Lena 🌞

Empowering or inappropriate?

The office siren aesthetic has sparked its share of controversy about the appropriateness of workplace attire, particularly among human resources professionals. Some see it as empowering, while critics argue it may not fit the conservative nature of many workplaces. Some social creators shared that it pressures women into performative dressing and that power in the workplace comes from appearance rather than ability and achievements. One Reddit poster wrote, “Nobody dresses like [that] in the real world, and it will get you in trouble with HR or distract from your skills.” Another shared that it’s “definitely rooted” in the “sexualization of women in the office setting.”

@erikagrundon

Stereotyping these outfits and labeling them as siren which is inheritly sexualized is not progress to respect. Now people will feel uncomfortable wearing a pencil skirt because the internet has labeled people that do as “sirens” which a sirens goal isnt to nail a sspreadsheet. Yall are confusing me please go outside

♬ original sound – Erika Elaborates

While I do agree with the majority of the online community that some of the looks are indeed inappropriate for the office, but I do think, if done right, the office siren can be professional and fun. It’s all about how you style it.

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@westernlanadanger

#officesiren #officeoutfit #businescasual #90saesthetic #90sfashion #vintagefashion #secondhandfashion #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #foryou #grwm #ootd

♬ original sound – Erika Dwyer

5 ways to dress like an office siren and make it work in real life

  1. Embrace neutrals: Think sandy browns, soft grays, jet blacks, and crisp creams and whites. These colours form the base of your siren wardrobe.
  2. Integrate accents and prints: Leopard print is a big trend for fall, and it’s all about balancing it with neutral colours. But you can choose any print to add a bit edge without overwhelming your look.
  3. Accessorize: This will bring the look together. Think chunky bangles, statement pearl earrings, chic silver chokers and a signet ring or two.
  4. Choose the right footwear:  You have options with flats, boots, kitten heels, and heeled Mary Janes. Wear what is comfortable for you.
  5. Allow yourself to move: One of the major issues with the siren look is the performative dressing thing I mentioned above. Make sure that your clothes allow you to easily walk, reach across a desk, and, of course, sit in them for at least eight hours.

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Shop our office siren picks

If you’re eager to add a little office siren to your work life, I found a few items to inspire the look, as well as a few beauty buys that every corporate baddie needs in her bag.