The arrival of Generation Z in the world of work has been the subject of heated debate for years. While most researchers and studies have so far focused on Gen-Z's attitude at work, little attention has been paid to their clothing preferences when they go to the office. And yet, it is difficult to imagine that this highly expressive generation, breaking away from classic corporate structures and conformity, will not express their ideals visually.
On social networks, the concept of “quiet quitting” (literally: “silent resignation”), that is to say not exceeding one's own limits as a worker, is already touted, notably on Tik Tok. The platform records viral videos every day on the subject. And the trend already seems to be impacting fashion, according to experts from the trend research institute FashionSnoops, who predict the emergence of a new micro-trend (un)suitable for the office: Office Punk.
Generation Z is breaking away from workwear and reinventing it
The Office Punk trend, so named by FashionSnoops researchers, does not yet have an “official name” on the Internet and therefore no corresponding hashtag on social networks. Yet this is precisely where the style is already established. Although the trend was born on the catwalks, the younger generation is behind its deployment.
“Generation Z is under the influence of the ‘poly-crisis’, which promotes collective fear,” says trend analyst Péter Kecskés. “As a result, elements of rebellious subcultures such as punk and grunge are resurfacing in mainstream culture. » From these feelings and aesthetic trends emerges Office Punk, a trend which, as its name suggests, rebels against the office and reuses stereotypical work clothes. It is therefore hardly surprising that this trend has also invaded the collections of students at the French Fashion Institute (IFM). But designers such as the Berlin duo behind Richert Beil or Namesake, a brand founded by three brothers in homage to their father, are also adopting this trend.
Generation Z is not completely abandoning the trappings of the traditional office look, but rather putting its own stamp on it. Oxford shirts and ties are no longer a requirement, but they remain popular because of their appearance and the connotations that accompany them. “The office punk aesthetic is characterized by a mixture of references to office attire and punk style,” explains Péter Kecskés.
Office Punk not only rejects conventions, like the punk movement of the 1970s from which it takes its name, but it also borrows its aesthetic codes from this subculture, including the famous “Do it Yourself” ( do it yourself), which flourished in response to the political and social ills of the time. “Among young people, DIY design still dominates, but amid all the chaos and catharsis, we're moving away from adorable crochet creations and grandma's knits and toward more deconstruction tough and more punk which popularized raw hems, tears and studs,” adds the trend expert.
The best examples were provided by designers Dilara Findikoglu and David Koma during London Fashion Week. While David Koma's jumpsuit of vinyl pants, tie and high-collared shirt is neat enough to perhaps even be adopted in the office, Findikoglu's subversive school uniform emphasizes the punk aspect of this tendency.
Office elements meet punk attitude
Visually, Office Punk combines classic pieces with unconventional, unexpected and sometimes opposing elements. Péter Kecskés sums up the basics of the trend: “It's a striped pencil skirt with a fetish leather bra or a leather shirt with well-tailored suit pants.” He explains that the combination of subversive and formal styles is harmonious and balanced, especially when it involves pieces in a coordinated color palette.
Ties, button-down shirts, jackets, pencil skirts and pleated pants are an integral part of Office Punk, but these pieces are being rediscovered both by the choice of materials and by the punk attitude that accompanies them. The trend analyst points out that interest in Office Punk looks is sparked by conflicting combinations of materials and clothing.
“With Office Punk, we dare the unexpected by pairing well-tailored pants in high-shine leather with exciting tops in striped fabric,” he explains. “It's about rejecting established rules and being rebellious in our design choices, an attitude that perfectly fits the spirit of Generation Z.”
In its softest form, Office Punk is a modern take on tailoring, while in a more extreme approach, this style is almost a critique of the system through fashion. Some designers also approach the subject, but in a more cautious manner. The French brand LGN Louis Gabriel Nouchi from the eponymous designer, winner of the ANDAM 2023 prize, played the trend subtly by combining shirts with ties and hooded sweatshirts. Luxury label Miu Miu presented pencil skirts on models with tousled hair, accompanied by tights pulled up over cardigans. They both offer simplified versions of the trend that could perhaps be adopted in the office, at least on “a casual Friday.” »
This article was originally published on FashionUnited.de. It was translated and edited in French by Aéris Fontaine.
