How office fashion has evolved: from the traditional suit to latex and leather

For many women, the office dress code is a minefield. It has its own set of rules, style icons predominate, and trends do not always conform to strict regulations. However, time passes, and even the most staunchly conservative foundations are subject to change.

The question of "how to dress in the office" is relevant at all times. Women have a number of advantages: they have more image options than men who choose a classic suit. Throughout the twentieth century, women were only required to "not look provocative" while also "being feminine." Let's go back a few decades to learn about the evolution of a complex and understandable office dress code.

What was the beginning of it all?

It all started in the 1950s, and a fitted jacket with a Dior-style skirt is best suited to the office look of the time. With the new fashion trends of the 1960s, the famous Chanel tweed suit appears, which is still relevant today. Formal business suits are becoming increasingly popular in the 1970s. Office culture is flourishing at the moment.

The term "power dressing" comes from the English language. John T. Molloy was the driving force behind the emergence of the term "power dressing." The writer described in detail how an office worker should dress in accordance with etiquette and fashion trends in his works. John also gives advice to both men and women, noting that a woman should dress conservatively while considering the tastes of the opposite sex.

The very important term "capsule wardrobe" appears around the end of the 70s. It is created by the owner of the London boutique, Susie Faux, especially for working women, so that they spend less time on gathering and at the same time look flawless. The main plus was that in the basic wardrobe, all things are combined with each other. This is a huge step forward in the fashion and business industries.

In the 1980s, businesswomen preferred masculine styles. Wide-shouldered jackets are the most common item in this time capsule. To emphasize femininity, such images were diluted with mini-skirts.

Interestingly, Donna Karan is making changes to the women's wardrobe at the same time, adding "seven simple elements." The rules were a success (unsurprisingly), and Donna was among the top designers within a year.

The beginning of the 2000s heralds the start of a new era. The "casual" trend emerges when business fashion meets comfort. Jeans and T-shirts, which women wore with jackets, are more commonly seen in office wardrobes.

What should happen next?

Borders are blurred, as are office styles. Self-expression and freedom are in the spotlight. Many people have been given the opportunity to work remotely, which means they have a wide range of styles or none at all. No one will ask you to show your lower body in an online zoom meeting, you can be sure of that.

Bold combinations are the choice of our contemporaries: strict suits with sneakers, classic skirts with bras tops, wide classic trousers with bombers and jeans. Some of the designs this year have a "power dressing" attitude. Latex is a new term in the office dress code and the season's main denim; the same goes for leather. Leather clothing was once thought to be impolite, but that is no longer the case. According to fashion, you can safely wear such items to work and to a restaurant.

What should I wear to work today? You can wear whatever you want, from a tweed suit to leather pants. The most important thing is not to forget the wonderful mood and positive attitude.