Key Tips For Nailing The Corporatecore Fashion Trend
In the 2020s, there's somehow a "core" to name pretty much every aesthetic in the fashion world. We've seen the ultra-girly Barbiecore fashion trend, the quaint, nature-focused cottagecore and bloomcore aesthetics, the dainty balletcore fashion aesthetic, and the enchanting, ethereal fairycore look. Meanwhile, other options include intense gothcore, gritty yet cool grungecore, and angsty emocore styles for edgier looks. And don't even get us started on the cutesy yet borderline creepy kidcore trend. Just when we thought we've seen it all, we got hit by the corporatecore aesthetic — but this one isn't too out there.
Corporatecore is just what it sounds like, wearing garments or accessories that you would wear to an office in a corporate job, but with a stylish, trendy spin (via The Hollywood Reporter). So now that there's officially a "core" for it, it's on-trend to dress professionally, as long as the outfit looks good. If you want to dip your toe into the workwear-chic corporatecore ocean, we have some advice for how to nail the aesthetic.
Rock a blazer
Blazers are a professional wardrobe staple for people of all genders, so if you want to experiment with corporatecore, you should get a blazer immediately. A classic black blazer can make even the brightest, loudest garments and shoes appear more professional, so you can never go wrong with a black blazer. For instance, a TikTok user named Karla shared a video featuring various ways to incorporate a black blazer into your outfits, such as with a white crop top and colorful jeans or over a little bright dress for contrast. Meanwhile, blazers with subtle pinstripe patterns scream corporatecore, too.
Moreover, blazers look stunning with scarves on chilly days, chic with mid-length dresses, and style-savvy with dress shoes, per MasterClass. And don't think that black blazers are your only option! While you can never go wrong with a black blazer, tan, colorful patterned, and white blazers are stylish choices for the corporatecore fashion trend, too.
You can't go wrong with black trousers
Black slacks are a staple of the famously confusing business casual dress code, which you can look to for inspiration when putting together your corporatecore-inspired ensembles. The excellent part about wearing black trousers is that they'll always add a more serious touch to your outfit, whether you're going for an entirely professional look, more of a night out look, or anything in between.
Their versatility is ultra-convenient, as you can pair black trousers with any going-out top in your closet, from crop tops and leather jackets to animal print blouses to sparkly sleeveless tops. And according to Who What Wear, black trousers look lovely with a traditional white top for a timeless look, cute yet casual with a denim top and hat for contrast, tube tops for super sexy vibes, and various shoe options based on whether you want to dress the pants up or down.
Wear glasses instead of contacts
According to The Vision Council, 75.6% of adults in the United States need some form of vision correction, such as glasses or contacts. If you're one of those people, you should put away your contacts and break out your glasses to rock the corporatecore trend. A pair of stylish glasses that flatters your face shape can be the perfect accessory to help make any outfit appear more professional and on theme with the corporatecore trend. So, you should use the work-inspired aesthetic as an excuse to ditch your contacts and embrace your spectacles. And if you don't need glasses but want to flaunt them, try investing in a fake pair as an accessory.
For instance, classic black frames in a square or rectangular shape can help make you appear more sophisticated and mature, while aviator frames give off an intriguing energy with a '70s influence, and super bold or colorful glasses are more alluring than some other accessory options and can make your look more memorable.
Own at least one button-down top
Anyone who wants to experiment with the corporatecore fashion trend can't go wrong with a button-down shirt, as these classic pieces are workwear wardrobe staples. While these garments can seem ultra-professional, they don't have to be boring. For instance, a style-loving TikTok user named Cate posted a video sharing creative ways to style a button-down shirt. Some examples include tucking only half of it in for a nontraditional look, wearing it as a high-low shirt for a unique appearance, or wearing the top off your shoulders for a sexier vibe.
You can never go wrong with a classic white button-down top, but you shouldn't be afraid to explore button-downs with unique details such as bold sleeves, patchwork designs, or statement-making patterns. These stylish touches can help you show off your personality while you flaunt your corporate-inspired outfit. We can't think of anything as corporatecore as a chic button-down top with black trousers and glasses!
Be confident
This last tip isn't like the rest, as it doesn't involve what you wear; it's about your attitude and mindset. Being confident is crucial for success at work, per Kaplan Professional, so if you hope to pull off a workwear-inspired outfit, confidence is just as necessary for nailing the businessy aesthetic as it is for doing well at work. Therefore, don't worry about whether or not others will like your corporatecore ensemble — if you know you look great, that's all that matters at the end of the day.
If you're looking for a way to hype yourself up and feel good before you step out of your home in your corporatecore ensemble, try listening to empowering music, such as the song "Confident" by Demi Lovato. In this confidence anthem, Lovato sings, "What's wrong with being confident?" (via YouTube). Moreover, the uplifting song "Love Myself" by Hailee Steinfeld is filled with confidence-boosting lyrics, such as "I love me! Gonna love myself, no don't need anybody else," per YouTube.
So, are you ready to rock the corporatecore fashion trend with confidence?