Comfort Meets Style

Young employees are increasingly switching out formal suits and ties for more expressive dressing styles

- Christie Chiu

Civil servant Jessica Xu was shocked when her colleague walked into the office one day with a pair of Birkenstocks on her feet.

"I just find it so sloppy and ugly. I think people should be more mindful of how they appear in general and take pride in dressing up," said Ms Xu, 26.

The assistant manager said her office does not have a formal dress code and most employees wear T-shirts to work. She does so too on occasion, but prefers dressing up as she enjoys fashion and it boosts her confidence.

Office workers The Straits Times spoke to said employees these days are increasingly switching out formal suits and ties for more comfortable or expressive dressing styles.

Some felt this phenomenon was specific to Gen Zers and millennials, but most believed it to be the result of an evolving workplace culture transcending generations.

Despite many companies maintaining a dress code for workplace attire, the formality of these dress codes has generally been relaxed compared with previous years, said country manager Linda Teo of recruitment firm ManpowerGroup.

"This shift reflects a move towards more relaxed and employee-centric approaches," she said, adding that there has been a greater emphasis on employee comfort and individuality.

But this does not necessarily equate to sloppiness or casual attire.

When it comes to Gen Z, Ms Teo said these workers have a distinct sense of style that reflects their individuality.

"This generation tends to incorporate personal touches into their professional look, blending contemporary fashion trends with professional standards to express their unique style within the boundaries of acceptable workplace attire of their organisations."

Professional attire has traditionally been characterised by conservative and understated styles.