Is it cute or an HR fiasco?
With the “office siren” trend sweeping through TikTok, it’s clear that corporate chic has made a stylish return.
But is this bold take on workwear really appropriate for the office? That’s the hot debate on FashionTok right now.
What is the Office Siren Trend?
The office siren trend draws inspiration from ’90s and early 2000s film and TV portrayals of women’s office attire, with iconic looks like Gisele Bündchen’s character Serena in The Devil Wears Prada. Embraced by influencers like Bella Hadid, this aesthetic is a modern, polished spin on classic workwear.
With a color palette dominated by blacks, whites, and grays, signature pieces include tailored button-ups, pencil skirts, sheath
dresses, and structured blazers. A slick bun and narrow, rectangular glasses complete the look, giving it a sophisticated yet daring edge.
However, this style goes beyond traditional preppy or business casual.
The office siren aesthetic features exaggerated silhouettes and pushes the boundaries of corporate fashion, often incorporating mini skirts, lacy stockings, cropped tops, and off-the-shoulder blouses. While the look brings flair to otherwise conventional office styles, it’s not without controversy.
The Controversy Around This Trend
The name “siren” implies a seductive quality, which could understandably raise eyebrows in a professional setting.
Many of these TikTok looks emphasize cleavage and short hemlines, pushing the line between “sexy” and “work-appropriate.” In fact, a whole genre on TikTok involves HR professionals rating whether specific office siren outfits could actually fly in a workplace.
On one side, critics argue that measuring necklines and skirt lengths feels outdated and can border on body-shaming.
This raises questions about whether certain body types are unfairly labeled as “inappropriate” based on how they fill out clothes. Yet, others feel that the trend risks objectifying women in professional environments, drawing comparisons to the “sexy secretary” stereotype, which can lead to reductive views of women in the workplace.
What Do Office Workers Think?
Despite the trend’s popularity, many experienced office workers advise younger professionals against fully embracing the office siren look at work.
“Focusing too much on appearance at work won’t help advance your career,”
cautions TikTok creator @helloimashy. “As an office professional, the office siren look doesn’t really exist. Aim to look polished yet professional.”
Creator @evakirie voiced similar concerns, humorously warning, “I’m not judging—it’s about protection. These office siren looks…they’re all HR risks.” And @corporateincolor adds, “Your office look can be stylish without crossing boundaries.”
Is the Office Siren Trend Really Office-Appropriate?
With all the debate, it’s worth asking if the office siren look is actually intended for the office.
A recent outfit from TikTok creator @julie.macaluso—a cropped top paired with a mini skirt—sparked discussion on whether this style fits any office setting. “This look is a one-way ticket to HR,” joked one commenter.
Others argued that the trend is more about a style statement than a literal dress code. As one user said, “It’s not meant to be worn to the office. It’s just a cute, going-out look.” In this light, it resembles a modern take on the business-casual club looks of the 2010s.
TikTok creator @aussiedomxo advises, “When drawing workwear inspiration from TikTok, adapt the look to suit your workplace’s dress code.”
The Takeaway
When it comes to the office siren trend, it’s all about balance. While self-expression is important, so is recognizing professional boundaries. Embrace the look in a way that aligns with your workplace culture—and maybe save the bolder pieces for after-hours.
