The boardroom doesn’t have to be boring, and office wear doesn’t have to feel like the same old story every single day. For the modern, fashion-forward guy, the office is a runway, and corporate chic is the name of the game. Being the best-dressed bloke in the boardroom isn’t just a flex—it’s a statement. Gone are the days when dressing for a 9-to-5 job meant blending into the crowd in uninspired, uniform-like outfits.
Corporate chic in 2024 is all about striking the balance between business casual elegance and personal style. It’s proof that you can dress professionally without losing your individuality. Times have changed—it looks like companies are no longer in the business of strangling their workers with mandatory neckties and all those dress codes. Sure, there are still some rules in place, but now there’s more room to breathe (literally) and add a bit of personality to your work wardrobe. That gives you room to play with your style—think edgy, creative looks that still exude professionalism.
Look sharp, work sharp—it’s hard not to crush it when you’re the best-dressed in the room!
Research even backs this up—Temple University found that dressing well boosts productivity, so looking sharp doesn’t just turn heads; it can improve your performance, too. With style and functionality perfectly aligned, it’s no wonder dressing creatively at the office is on the rise. This is corporate chic: modern, confident, and unapologetically you, it’s about being your own boss when it comes to workwear fashion.
Corporate chic explained:
Corporate chic, or corpcore, is all about blending professionalism with modern style to create a fresh take on office wear for men. Think sharp, tailored suits, crisp shirts, polished shoes, and subtle, minimalist accessories—it’s where timeless sophistication meets today’s trends.
Dressing corporate chic means looking sharp without feeling stuffy or overly traditional. It’s about finding that sweet spot where practicality meets elegance, adding just enough personal flair to stand out while staying professional.
Unlike executive style, which leans heavily on formal power dressing, or office luxe, which is all about high-end materials and luxury, corporate chic is more flexible and approachable. It’s perfect for both boardrooms and casual business settings, keeping you stylish and confident without trying too hard.
The origins:
The terms “corpcore” and “corporate chic” emerged as natural evolutions of the shifting attitudes towards office wear. While it’s tricky to pinpoint exactly who coined them, the essence of both terms reflects a departure from the rigid, sometimes suffocating corporate dress codes of the past. Corpcore, in particular, represents a blend of corporate wear with elements of contemporary street style, maintaining professionalism but with a fresh, personalized touch. Corporate chic, meanwhile, focuses on looking polished and stylish while adhering to office norms, often incorporating modern twists like minimalist accessories or modern cuts.
These terms are rooted in the broader evolution of office attire, harking back to the iconic “power dressing” of the 1980s, which emphasized sharp suits, oversized blazers, and bold colors, mostly for women in corporate settings. The ’80s power dressing was all about projecting authority and success, but the 21st century’s take—corpcore and corporate chic—focuses more on balance and subtlety. Instead of rigid uniforms, the modern office worker is embracing practicality, creativity, and personal style without sacrificing professionalism. These terms reflect the growing trend of workplace flexibility, where self-expression through attire is becoming just as important as fitting into corporate culture.
Dressing corporate chic as a man!
Corporate chic isn’t about being just another “uniformed adult” in the office. It’s about mixing the stuff you love with the prized pieces from your wardrobe to create something uniquely you—while keeping HR off your back.
Start by bending or breaking a rule or two, (no not those rules in your job contract, we’re not trying to get you fired!). Skip those sad and boring ties some days—go bold with a playful print or leave it at home altogether. Throw on a floral or checked button-down under your blazer, or even better, a sleek mock neck that tones with your suit jacket. Feeling daring? Swap the white Oxford for a crisp tee—it’s sharp, yet rebellious enough to turn heads.
Your shoes? Well, they can absolutely make or break your outfit. Trade in the predictable pairs for burgundy loafers or bold spectators. And who says jeans don’t belong at the office? On chill days, rock some top-notch dark denim that still screams “put together.”
Accessories are the icing on the corporate cake. Pocket squares, tie bars, lapel pins—these small touches pack a big punch. Add a statement pen and a sleek wristwatch, they’re subtle yet impactful details that scream “boss vibes”.
Corporate chic is all about being bold, breaking free of the mundane, and showing off your adventurous side—while still looking sharp enough to own the meeting.
Going casual with the corpcore: Casual corporate wear for guys.
Casual corporate wear for men is all about striking the perfect balance between looking polished and feeling comfortable. It’s about dressing in a way that feels effortless yet professional—where you’re put-together but not rigidly formal.
Think of it as finding the sweet spot between classic office attire and personal style. You want to avoid anything too relaxed, like ripped jeans or loud graphic tees, as they can come across as unprofessional. But at the same time, you don’t need to go all-in on stiff business wear. The trick is to choose pieces that exude refinement while still allowing flexibility.
Some go-to staples for casual corporate dressing include well-fitted chinos or dark denim, paired with structured blazers that instantly elevate a look. A polo shirt, an Oxford button-down, or a fine-knit sweater keeps things sharp yet comfortable. Footwear matters too—opt for leather loafers, sleek dress sneakers, or suede derbies for a polished finish. For a relaxed look that is undeniably officey, go for a suit without a necktie, there’s a whole bunch of options you can style a suit sans necktie!
To master the corpcore aesthetic, focus on clean lines, quality fabrics, and a harmonious color palette. A blazer layered over a turtleneck or a monochrome ensemble can add understated sophistication. The goal? Effortless refinement that blends confidence and modern professionalism while ensuring you feel good throughout the day.
So why’s corpcore the future of work wear?
Corporate chic is more than just a trend—it’s shaping the future of workwear, and for good reason. With hybrid and remote work on the rise, boundaries between professional and casual settings are blurring. These days, co-workers socialize less, meetings are fewer, and every face-to-face interaction matters more than ever. So, when you do show up in person, why not look your absolute best? When work culture is becoming increasingly competitive and demanding with every passing day, nobody wants to blend into the background, stuck in a corner of obscurity. Corporate chic helps you strike that perfect balance between polished and approachable, ensuring you stand out without overdoing it.
Relaxed dress codes are another driving factor. Sure, the days of mandatory ties are fading, but people still want a structure to lean on—a way to dress that’s stylish, professional, and easy to personalize. Corpcore offers a direction, with room to express individuality through creative twists. It’s about looking sharp while keeping it real.
And let’s not forget about the power of first impressions. In a world where networking and personal branding are key, how you dress speaks volumes before you say a word. Corporate chic lets you create a strong, confident image that feels authentic and modern. It’s not just a style; it’s a statement of where work culture—and fashion—are headed.
Men’s Corporate Chic Mood Board:
Here we are with our men’s corpcore mood board—it’s got everything from that classic three-piece vibe to the kind of relaxed look you’d wear while answering emails from your couch. The styles might vary a lot, but one thing stays the same: they’ve all got that chic factor dialed in. Honestly, it feels like we’re watching workwear evolve in real-time—becoming comfier, cooler, and way more diverse with every season.
