By Bella Stryker
In honor of spring internship applications opening up, let’s discuss TikTok’s newest era of misinformation: the office siren. Spurred on by the corporate-inspired runway shows from the spring of this year (we are looking at you Sandy Liang), TikTok took the trend in stride. Fan edits of Gisele Bündchen in The Devil Wears Prada graced our FYP, influencers shared with their followers what they wear “to the office” and the blend of femininity and corporate evolved in other ways, also giving rise to trends such as “Girl Math.”
While this content is trendy, funny and entertaining, it is also leading impressionable minds in the wrong direction. Vogue published an article this past spring, asking “When It Comes to the Office Siren Trend, Are Women In On the Joke?”
Based on the summer interns performance this year, the answer is no. Some corporate influencers took to their TikToks this summer to share some of their Gen Z intern outfit horror stories and well— lets make sure you don’t end up like the Harvard student from @rachelinarealways’s story.
For those influenced by Revolve’s “The Workwear Shop” series—maybe don’t take their advice too literally, despite the amusing office siren taglines in every promo email that hits your inbox.
Anyways moral of the story: the constant influx of this trend doesn’t mean it translates to respectability in the office. But have no fear, because SMU LOOK is here!
Whether you’re preparing for a formal interview, attending a career fair, or figuring out what to wear for your internship, assembling the perfect outfit is simple. Think flats, tailored trousers, a classic blouse, and a blazer—this combination suits any occasion. If the dress code is more casual, swap the blazer for a fitted button-down. For those with a more maximalist style, consider adding a sweater over your shoulders, adding a belt and swapping the flats for kitten heels. Maybe even consider using the “Sandwich Method” (@fredrika_ekerot has a great explanation of this here).
For those just starting to build a corporate wardrobe — it can get expensive fast. If you’re just starting out, focus on versatile basics in neutral colors. Embrace a capsule wardrobe approach—think darks and grays paired with a few lighter tops. Great affordable brands to kick off your collection include Abercrombie, Aritzia, and J.Crew. For more middle-range options, explore Country Road, Banana Republic, and Assembly Label.
If you already have a corporate wardrobe but want to express more individual style, consider following these corporate influencers. @Daniellephe is a Goldman Sachs baddie who originally went viral due to her twin sister (@aquiredstyle) filming her work outfits when she got ready in the morning. @Isabella.paone and @pbc have both perfected effortless yet stylish workwear and finally @ashandwhite teaches you just how to do it with your work bestie.
Good luck, and happy internship hunting!
