The ‘Office Siren’ Paradigm & Redefining Workplace Professionalism
- vanessabland
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Editorial Assistant Juliette Allen explores the sexy, mysterious and ubiquitous online phenomenon: the‘Office Siren’.
The ‘Office Siren’ paradigm, never to be confused with ‘Corporate Baddie’ or ‘Corpcore’, is an emerging trend coined by TikTok fashion aficionados, as a woman working in the field of… well you guessed it…Corporate! Though the trend itself isn’t interested in the specific sectors in which women work, but rather the style and sensibility they present. AlleyGirl best defines the Office Siren as a ‘paradigm of professional elegance combined with a subtle yet unmistakable allure’ [1] The Office Siren can be seen in an outfit consisting of, but not limited to: Pencil skirts, blazers and structured jackets, high-heeled shoes, silk blouses and wrap tops and tailored trousers, and of course ‘confidence as the ultimate accessory’[1]. It’s important to note, that whilst the trend has seen its fair share of controversy from its very emergence, the paradigm doesn’t want to fetishise these women, nor does it suggest that the ‘trend is about an overt sexuality, but rather a sophisticated way of embracing femininity in the workplace. It’s about striking a balance between traditional professionalism and contemporary style sensibilities.’[1]. Under the Office Siren’s concealed persona, they’re very powerful and commanding, the ultimate girlboss if you will, consequently harnessing the ‘testament to the idea that one can be both professional and stylishly individualistic [1].
To understand the Office Siren paradigm, it must be acknowledged that ‘at a glance, the paradigm is indeed not a new phenomenon but rather a relic of our corporate past’ [3], with roots in early 2000s stylistic choices that have since made a comeback. Such style ‘blends the sophistication of traditional corporate attire with a hint of modern sensuality and confidence, reminiscent of style icons like [uber-famous supermodel] Gisele Bundchen in The Devil Wears Prada (whose possible return to the recently announced Devil Wears Prada 2 sequel, currently in the midst of filming, is yet to be confirmed) and (screen sweetheart) Rachel Green’s corporate Ralph Lauren style in Friends[1]. Both style icons set a precedent for chic yet simplistic outfits that, with steely confidence, created undeniable allure. Of course along with movies and TV shows being obvious examples of the Office Siren paradigm, fashion labels and 90s runways are also reminiscent to the stylistic choices of the paradigm, major fashion labels like Rachel Green’s on-screen position at Ralph Lauren have been at the forefront of the Office Siren style for decades, along with other labels like Calvin Klein, Anne Taylor have brought out collections that have proved to be timeless and perfect for the modern Office Siren. Indeed, more contemporary labels such as Miu Miu emulate the wardrobe to a T. The contemporary Office Siren also gets its inspiration from ‘celebrity culture who have helped fuel the fire. Celebrities like Bella Hadid, who often wear thin-framed glasses and sleek blazers, have become models for the style. Indeed, Kim Kardashian even showed off the style for a Skims ad where she typed at an office desk wearing her line of clothes [2]’. So it's clear that there has been a version of Office Sirens for a while and we just didn’t have a name for the phenomenon.
Whilst contextualising where the origins of the Office Siren comes from is integral in understanding the paradigm, it's what it represents that sets it apart from other TikTok trends. ‘It is more than just a fashion statement; it’s a reflection of a broader cultural shift. In an era where women are increasingly asserting their place in the professional world, [it]...empowers women to embrace their femininity without compromising their professional integrity.’[1]. The trend has found its resurgence in a time where women are gaining much more agency in the workforce and are therefore ‘setting boundaries and demanding respect. And young women are rejecting gendered workplace biases’[3]. Such biases have more often than not being centred around what is deemed appropriate for women to wear, basically being anything that is not considered distracting. ‘The Office Siren directly aims to dismantle the traditional corporate dress code, in which most employees are expected to dress similarly and plainly, [or indeed needs to keep up an appearance of soft innocence] [2]. As The Post reflects in an interview with a student studying retail and fashion merchandising, who appreciated the idea of dismantling the idea of strict dress codes for women. She stated, ‘It feels like it's like high school all over again, I don't know why women can't wear what they want to the office, what does it matter if it makes men uncomfortable?’ [2] [with another student saying] that contrary to what some say about the trend, ‘a lot of [office siren] fashion is very, very covered. It's just a little more playful,’[2].
Despite the nature of the workforce evolving to a hybrid-model with working from home becoming ever more common, and the costly scope of maintaining this paradigm, anything that seeks to deconstruct rigid notions of gender and femininity are a step in the right direction. ‘The Office Siren look is more than just clothing; it’s an embodiment of attitude and self-expression’[1].
References:
[1] Alley Girl (2024). The Office Siren Outfit Trend: Transforming Professional Attire with Elegance and Allure in 6 Steps - Alley Girl - Fashion, Lifestyle, Travel.
[2] Fosnaught, J. (2025). The Office Siren Trend Takes Flight, The Post.
[3] Walters, M. (2024). The Office Siren Trend Is Coming For the Mob Wife Aesthetic, Glamour UK.
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