Post-Pandemic Dress Shifts Leave 94% of Gen Z Seeking Office Attire Guidance

A growing portion of Generation Z employees, approximately 94%, report needing guidance on appropriate office attire, a figure significantly higher than the 84% of millennials, 70% of Gen Xers, and 61% of baby boomers seeking similar advice [1]. This trend underscores a broader shift in workplace dress norms, with Gen Z experiencing outfit-related anxiety nearly three times more frequently than their older colleagues. The anxiety, which manifests as stress over wardrobe choices occurring roughly seven times monthly, has led some young professionals to seek direct styling advice from managers, despite experts cautioning against overt inquiries. Diana Tsui, a stylist and creative consultant, recommends observing superiors’ attire as a subtler alternative to direct questioning [1].

The pandemic’s prolonged influence on workwear—characterized by casual attire like tracksuits and Zoom-appropriate tops—has left many employees, particularly Gen Z, unprepared for post-pandemic office dress codes. Many in this cohort began their careers remotely, compounding their unfamiliarity with traditional workplace expectations. While 30% of Gen Z employees admit to consulting their managers about attire, only 14% of Gen Xers and 10% of boomers do so, highlighting a generational divide in navigating evolving dress norms [1].

Tsui attributes part of Gen Z’s struggle to their relative inexperience in professional settings. “The generation with the least working experience naturally has the most questions about what to wear and what’s appropriate,” she explains. However, the confusion is not limited to Gen Z; across all age groups, over half of employees seek fashion guidance, reflecting a collective uncertainty in defining acceptable office attire [1]. This ambiguity has prompted innovative approaches, such as the “office siren” trend—1990s-style corporate dressing with edgy elements like plunging necklines or short skirts. While some see this as a creative evolution of power dressing, others caution that such choices could trigger HR interventions, as evidenced by cases of Gen Z workers being terminated for perceived dress code violations [1].

To mitigate anxiety, Tsui advises Gen Z employees to align their attire with industry standards while maintaining self-expression through subtle accessories like chunky shoes or bold earrings. She emphasizes restraint, cautioning against overly revealing clothing, and suggests observing colleagues’ styles during virtual meetings as a practical way to gauge workplace expectations without direct confrontation. Additionally, adopting a semi-uniform approach—59% of Gen Z and millennials report wearing consistent styles—can reduce daily outfit-related stress and foster a sense of professional control [1].

The pandemic’s legacy in reshaping workplace attire remains evident. While ties and heels have seen a decline, sneakers have gained widespread acceptance, and formal dress codes are increasingly flexible. Employers, Tsui argues, must clarify dress policies to accommodate hybrid work environments and multi-generational teams, balancing self-expression with professionalism. As office cultures continue to evolve, clarity on dress codes will be critical to reducing generational friction and ensuring employees feel confident in their appearance [1].

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[1] [title1] [url1] https://fortune.com/2025/07/24/gen-z-workplace-outfits-anxiety-layoffs-millennials-pandemic-fashion-boomer-bosses-advice-office-wfh/