Every generation is different when it comes to workwear and dress codes in the workplace. While Baby Boomers are known for their preference for formal clothing, Generation Z is often accused of believing that you can wear just about anything to work. But nothing is as simple as it seems. In contrast to their older colleagues, they have had a completely different experience with workwear. And that is exactly what makes their perspective both contradictory and interesting.
Work-from-home outfits
You may still remember how you felt on your first day at a new job. What should I wear? What is appropriate? What crosses the line? These are questions many people ask themselves when getting dressed for their first day at work. During the first weeks, you naturally start to understand what is common within the organization. You observe what colleagues wear and begin to recognize the relationship between clothing and hierarchy. The manager might wear a suit every day, while your direct colleagues stick to a shirt and neat trousers.
As obvious as this scenario sounds, part of Generation Z did not experience it in this way. They started their careers during the pandemic. That meant meeting colleagues through a screen and hoping that what you were wearing was appropriate. While people often joked about work-from-home outfits, where a smart top was combined with sweatpants, it was not relaxed for everyone. Because how do you figure out whether your clothing fits the organization you have just joined? Addressing someone about clothing is already difficult in person, let alone online. So those conversations simply did not happen very often.
How do you find out what is appropriate?
Young people have dealt with this situation in different ways. Influenced by the individualistic mindset often associated with Generation Z, some chose a casual approach. After all, performance matters more than appearance. It is exactly this group that turns to social media for workwear inspiration. On TikTok, you see young professionals sharing their outfits, including crop tops, colorful leggings, and wide, casual pieces.
But there is also another group. A group of young professionals who did not want to rely on social media for guidance. Some felt insecure and needed clear boundaries. I know of starters who sent photos of their outfits to their parents in the morning, asking whether their clothing was appropriate for their digital workday. This is also reflected in Deloitte’s annual Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey. Young people value freedom in the workplace, but they also want clear guidelines. And honestly, nothing is more confusing than not knowing what is expected of you.
So yes, the new generation is different. But they also want to understand what is appropriate to wear at work. Even if they eventually show up in a crop top at the office.
