Corporate Core — but no one wants to work?

mlle101912
3 min readOct 12, 2024

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The rise of “corporate core” — sharp blazers, crisp shirts, and tailored trousers — seems ironic in a time when many are rejecting the traditional office grind.

As remote work and flexible lifestyles take over, why is professional attire trending? This fashion phenomenon blends nostalgia for pre-pandemic life with a stylish, even ironic, embrace of corporate aesthetics.

High-fashion designers and influencers have made “corporate chic” a statement, turning the uniform of the 9-to-5 into a symbol of ambition, power, and even rebellion against the very office culture it represents.

Elsa Hosk for I am Gia (Courtesy: I am Gia).

In the latest I Am Gia campaign, Elsa Hosk takes “corporate core” to a bold new level, turning boardroom basics into streetwear must-haves.

Think oversized blazers, sharp trousers, and crop tops — a rebellious twist on office wear that screams power without the grind. As the world moves away from rigid 9-to-5s, this trend flips the script, letting you channel boss energy without the corporate hustle.

Hosk’s edgy looks show that corporate chic isn’t about fitting into the office — it’s about owning your style, your way. It’s workwear redefined for those who prefer freedom over cubicles?

Elsa Hosk for I am Gia (Courtesy: I am Gia).

Corporate core reflects a modern reimagining of power dressing.

Rather than trying to return to traditional office norms, this trend takes corporate attire and reinvents it for a contemporary statement. It’s about using corporate aesthetics to project confidence and authority in a new way.

Corporate core embodies empowerment and individuality, offering a fresh take on professional style without the restrictions of the past.

Elsa Hosk for I am Gia (Courtesy: I am Gia).

The modern rebellion against the 9-to-5 grind reflects a cultural shift where workers are rejecting rigid, outdated work structures in favor of flexibility and personal autonomy.

The rise of remote work and focus on work-life balance has shown that productivity isn’t tied to an office or set hours. Younger generations are prioritizing mental health and fulfillment over the traditional hustle culture, seeking careers that align with their personal values.

This shift symbolizes reclaiming power and success on one’s own terms, breaking free from the formalities of the old office lifestyle.

Sources:

  • A report from Harper’s Bazaar noted the trend’s rise, describing it as a fashion response to the instability of the pandemic, with people embracing tailored looks as a form of control and structure.
  • GQ recently explored how the corporate wardrobe is becoming a fashion statement, embraced by a younger generation that may not even work in corporate settings.
  • The New York Times explored how many Gen Z and Millennial workers are rejecting traditional work environments but are drawn to the aesthetics of corporate wear as part of a larger cultural shift.

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