What Is the Viral ‘Office Siren’ Trend?

TikTok’s “office siren” trend has officially taken off with a speed that far surpasses the old-timey fax machine from the era of which this micro trend was born. We can’t say we’re too surprised. A number of forces have led up to this moment: A response to ultra-feminine coquette style and trad-wife movement, a nostalgic nod to all things early aughts, Kim Kardashian’s nipple bra. So what is the office siren trend, and what’s fueling its popularity? Let’s explore. 

The Rise of the Office Siren Aesthetic 

If you’ve been on #fashiontok lately, you might have already caught drift of the Office Siren trend, which also goes by “corp-core,” “girlboss 2.0,” and “corporate fetish.” It embodies Maggie Gyllenhaal’s oozing sexuality in the 2002 film Secretary and Gisele Bündchen’s editor-chic character in the OG Devil Wears Prada—but with a 2024 spin.

“Think sheer and lightweight sweater sets, pencil skirts, silk blouses, and structured blazers,” says celebrity fashion stylist Jenni Lee. “Ever since Miuccia Prada enlisted Raf Simons as co-creative director for Prada, we’ve witnessed the steady rise of the minimalistic smart with a sex-appeal aesthetic; the Office Siren trend is an extension of this.” 

Jenny B. Davis, JD, fashion media professor at Southern Methodist University, adds that the trend of fetishizing the female professional isn’t exactly new, but that the timing of its popularity sure is right. She says if she had to name a flashpoint for when the trend really went ablaze, it’d be SKIMS’ corporate-core ad campaign around the now-infamous nipple bra, which “merged nicely with the coquette vibes that defined indie designers like Sandy Liang and Simone Rocha.” 

Another factor at play here is perhaps Gen Z’s romanticization of an office culture they never had to endure, or maybe even the collective wistfulness for a pre-pandemic 9-5 era where we all dressed the part. 

Getting the ‘Office Siren’ Aesthetic

Those who lived through the ‘00s may already have some Office Siren staples in their wardrobe, including blazers, kitten heels, button down collared shirts, and tight pencil skirts. Whether buying new pieces or dusting off well-loved garments, follow these fashion tips on how to get the office siren look.

• Cool Neutrals: The color story of the Office Siren is all about cool neutrals, such as navy, burgundy, white, black, gray, and silver. “Break it up with a pop of bold colors in the accessories to give it some irreverence,” Lee suggests. 
• Silky Blouse + Pencil Skirt: Lee says that the epitome of this look is a “silky blouse with lace underpinnings that can peek out paired with a slinky pencil skirt and a comfortable kitten heel.” 
• Corporate Crop Tops: For a modern spin on this ‘00s trend, opt for a crop top. “No one is actually accessorizing their suit with stilettos and a whip—a la Helmut Newton—but office-appropriate crop tops are actually a thing now,” Davis says. Case in point: the Wall Street Journal recently ran a “how to” on this very topic.
• Statement Eyewear: Lee says it’s time to sport some statement eyewear. “Classic black frames in rectangular or square shapes,” a la Bündchen’s 2006 Devil Wears Prada character are very Office Siren.  
• Silver Jewelry: To fit into the color story, opt for silver jewelry. Think chunky statement necklaces, a row of clinking bangles on your wrist, and pearl earrings. 
• Messy-Sexy Hair: “Lean into slightly disheveled hair, a messy bun, or loose hair with just a few bobby pins,” Lee says. 
• Red Lipstick: Swipe on that classic MAC Ruby Woo or Chanel Vamp, then pair it with matte complexion and a little contour. 

And if you want to keep things super simple? Davis says, “To add a little bedroom to your boardroom, just unfasten a button or two on your oxford and you’re good to go.”