👔 From Top Hats to Trainers: The Changing Dress Code of the Office Worker
What we wear to work says a lot about who we are, what we do, and even how the world of business is changing. The evolution of the office dress code—from formal three-piece suits to today’s smart casual and hybrid-ready wardrobes—tells a fascinating story about culture, technology, and professionalism over the decades.
At CREATE Business Hub, we’ve seen first-hand how today’s flexible workspaces reflect a new kind of freedom—not just in how people work, but in how they dress.
Let’s take a look back at how office fashion has changed—and where it’s heading.
🕰️ The 1900s–1920s: The Era of Full Formality
The Look:
- Men: Three-piece suits, waistcoats, ties, pocket watches, and polished shoes
- Women (entering office roles post-WWI): Long skirts, blouses, and modest hats
The early 20th century was an era of strict formality, especially in the corporate world. Dress was a direct reflection of professionalism and social status. Office workers, particularly in banking, law, and insurance, were expected to dress as smartly as possible—even in sweltering heat.
Women entered the workforce in larger numbers post-World War I and wore tailored but conservative attire, reflecting their tentative position in the traditionally male-dominated office environment.
🕴️ 1930s–1950s: War, Recovery, and Conservative Style
The Look:
- Men: Still in suits, but styles softened slightly
- Women: Knee-length skirts, structured jackets, and subdued tones
The impact of World War II and post-war rationing meant clothing had to be practical and long-lasting. In offices, men continued to wear suits, though cuts became more conservative, and neckties started to show personality.
Women’s office wear became more common and more defined—tailored suits, smart blouses, and sensible shoeswere the norm. Style remained modest, yet increasingly structured and professional.
💼 1960s–1970s: A Shift Begins
The Look:
- Men: Slimmer suits, fewer hats, and colourful ties
- Women: Pencil skirts, shift dresses, and bold prints
As social norms began to shift, so did fashion. Office attire loosened—literally and figuratively. Men’s tailoring became more fashionable and expressive, while women began to wear brighter colours and more modern silhouettes.
The 1970s also saw the beginnings of business casual, particularly in tech and creative industries, even if traditional sectors clung to formalwear.
💾 1980s–1990s: Power Dressing & Business Casual
The Look:
- Men: Double-breasted suits, statement ties, leather briefcases
- Women: Shoulder pads, tailored suits, “power looks”
In the 1980s, power dressing defined the corporate world. It was a time of confidence and competitiveness, and the fashion matched the energy. Women wore suits with bold shoulder pads and silk blouses. Men returned to structured suits, often in pinstripes.
By the 1990s, the shift toward “business casual” accelerated—thanks in part to tech companies and the rise of more relaxed corporate cultures. Khakis, polo shirts, and loafers crept into the mainstream.
🧑💻 2000s–2010s: The Tech Boom & Individual Style
The Look:
- Smart casual became the norm
- Tech industry leaders popularised jeans and trainers in boardrooms
- Office culture shifted to value comfort and individuality
Silicon Valley had a huge influence on global office dress codes. Suddenly, hoodies and sneakers were associated with billion-dollar ideas. Traditional businesses followed suit, loosening dress codes and embracing a more laid-back vibe.
This era also saw a greater focus on diversity and personal expression, with office attire becoming a reflection of both personality and cultural identity.
👟 Today’s Office Style: Comfortable, Confident, and Hybrid-Ready
The Look:
- Smart casual and “elevated comfort”
- Blazers with jeans, stylish trainers, flexible dress codes
- Athleisure and remote workwear in the mix
Post-pandemic, the office dress code has changed more dramatically than ever before. With remote and hybrid working now common, the lines between workwear and casualwear have blurred.
In serviced offices like CREATE Business Hub, we see everything from smart dresses and suits for client meetings to tech-style joggers and minimalist trainers for creative teams. The key? Looking put-together, without sacrificing comfort.
The modern dress code is about functionality, confidence, and flexibility—ready for a Zoom call, a coffee with clients, or a day of focused solo work.
🔮 The Future of Office Fashion
As work continues to evolve, expect fashion to follow:
- Sustainability will shape future buying choices
- Tech-integrated clothing could bring smart features to workwear
- Gender-neutral fashion will grow in popularity
- And above all, authenticity and comfort will continue to lead
The traditional uniform is out. Your personal brand is in.
👔 Final Thoughts: Dress for the Work Life You Want
The history of office dress codes is a reflection of how business, society, and identity have changed over time. What hasn’t changed is this: how you present yourself still matters—but today, it’s about showing up with confidence, not conformity.
At CREATE Business Hub, we embrace the diversity of modern working styles and the personalities behind them. Whether you come in dressed for a pitch, a podcast, or a day of creative strategy, you’ll find a professional space where you—and your style—are welcome.
👟 Join the professionals redefining what it means to dress for success.
📍 Book a tour at www.createbusinesshub.com and find your place in a workspace built for today’s working world.
