Dressing for success: How Gen Z and millennials define professional style

Workplace fashion has become the latest arena for generational differences, with millennials and Gen Z redefining what it means to dress for success.Millennials, guided by years of “dress for the job you want” advice, lean into structured blazers, tailored trousers, and polished accessories—symbols of professionalism and ambition.Gen Z, on the other hand, brings a fresh perspective, favouring casual, expressive outfits that prioritise individuality over tradition. As offices adapt to evolving expectations, this sartorial shift raises important questions.Is workplace attire evolving alongside changing work cultures, or is it simply becoming more fragmented?BALANCING PROFESSIONALISM AND PERSONAL STYLE

Lecturer Muhammad Nur Aizuddin, 33, who spends most of his days in the academic environment of a university, believes that dressing well is a crucial part of being a professional educator."As a lecturer, it’s important to be presentable. Your attire sets the tone, especially when you’re standing in front of students," he shared in an interview.Given Malaysia’s consistently hot and humid climate, Aizuddin prioritises comfortable and breathable officewear that allows ease of movement.He often turns to online platforms like YouTube and articles for inspiration, seeking ideas for stylish yet practical outfits suited for tropical weather.

Understandably, the university enforces a strict dress code, which he finds "too limiting."While he understands the intention behind maintaining professionalism, he believes it stifles individuality and creativity. Aizuddin said he would love for there to be no dress code as long as people understand how to dress appropriately for the setting.He also pointed out that the rigid implementation of dress codes has blurred the lines between generational styles at his workplace."There isn’t a significant difference in how Gen Z and millennials dress here because the rules are so clear-cut. It’s almost like the dress code has leveled the playing field, leaving little room for personal expression.”

Aizuddin emphasised that while guidelines are important, a balance between professionalism and self-expression could foster a more inclusive and dynamic work environment.Meanwhile, hospital food service worker, Nur 'Amirah Abdul Nasir, 28 said that the hospital she works at has already determined the work attire for its employees working in food service, where she would have to wear an apron and a hair net while preparing the food and personal protective equipments when serving them in order to avoid from contamination.

However, daily task would be choosing an outfit to wear underneath her apron, where she would emphasise the need to wear something not too outstanding to stay "professional" while stating that dress code is important to maintain such an environment in workplaces.

She said that she would take inspiration from Korean and Malaysian television drama in her outfit choices, claiming that the shows she watches would exhibit characters dressing up professionally in a work setting.

Amirah also addressed Gen Z as the group who would often opt for officewear that is more expressive than millenials, though clarifying that there is not that huge of a gap between the two generations at her workplace.

COMFORT IS KEY

Corporate worker Ain Sarah Aishah Aina Hanim, 25, said that she would focus on wearing something comfortable and warm, considering that her workplace is air-conditioned despite the hot weather in the country.

"I would even go so far as to wear an ironless blouse because what matters is I show up at work and get my job done," she said.

Meanwhile, corporate worker Nur 'Afifah Abdul Nasir, 26 said that she would focus on being presentable at all times, while opting for easily styled outfits. Stating that her workplace does not specify a strict dress code policy, she emphasised the importance of remaining professionalism in her look, though 'simple.'

"My go-to officewear would be a well-ironed shirt and paired with a pair of slacks," she shared, saying that it would allow her to feel confident and comfortable throughout the day.

RELAXED FITS, BRIGHT COLOURS AND TIKTOK TRENDS

Fashion stylist Andrea Kee said that comfort has been prominently prioritised by the two generations despite the gap, where what used to be strictly business formal dress code in officewear has become more flexible.

"Heels have been swapped out for flats like loafers, ballet flats, or even sneakers. Form-fitting items swapped out for relaxed fits, oversized fits or even baggy fits," she said.

Commenting on Gen Z, stated that from her observation, they have been centering individuality in their office wear compared to millenials.

She further said that Gen Z are not afraid to rock bright colours, funky silhouttes that bare some skin, blurring the lines between work and play. "On top of staying comfortable, they also opt for outfits that easily transition from the office to a more casual setting," she added.

When discussing "investment pieces" between the two generations, she noted that both millennials and Gen Z appreciate them, tailoring their choices to their respective budgets and needs.Elaborating further, she highlighted Gen Z’s dedication to making informed shopping decisions."They’ve put in the effort to educate themselves, often researching extensively before making a purchase

"They look up brands' background stories, where or how the products are made, and with this information, they have definitely become savvy with thrift shopping too," she said.

Kee added that Gen Z professionals are more likely to incorporate streetwear or athleisure into officewear compared to millennials, saying that most inspiration would come from creative Gen Z Tiktokers, further influencing millennials to hop on the bandwagon.

"Oftentimes, these said TikTok videos have a wide reach, inspiring us all to embrace our own styles, dressing better for the office!" she concluded, highlighting the role of TikTok in fuelling the 'corporate-core' and 'soft office chic' aesthetics among not just the Gen Z themselves but also millennials.