Office Siren
BY Divina Boko
Modeled by Nyah Khan
Office Siren, or Corporate Siren, is a sub-genre of style that derives from “geek chic.” We have the men and women working at NASA to thank for their technological advancements and their quirky way of dressing. While there was no strict dress code, many would wear long skirts or dresses that go to the knees for the women, khakis pants for the men, thin belts, loafers, muted or cool-tone colors, and thick-rimmed glasses.
The style morphed into adding and subtracting different pieces that redefined what it meant to be a geek. There would be many colorful and almost out-of-place pieces, such as colorful socks and bow ties. Suspenders were also incorporated to sell the overly academic archetype. These not-so-seemingly put-together characters would later be seen in Hollywood movies such as Back to the Future, SuperBad, and series like Malcolm in the Middle. They even made their way to a world that displayed only the best of the best. A world where everyone and everything exuded greatness. A place many wouldn’t have expected to see the geeks being represented due to its sheer irony: the fashion runway.
The Gorgeous, The Glamorous, The Geek
The person who started it all was none other than the glamorous Miuccia Prada, the designer behind popular brands Prada and Miu Miu. Through her leap of faith, we, as the undeserving public, received colorful pieces unafraid to show different patterns and textures. With this move, the nerds, synonymous with geeks, were no longer notoriously looked down upon but instead alluring and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. In the later years, we see a lack of those same vibrant colors, but the physical elements still apply.
You could find all types of inspiration with different fashion weeks such as Vivienne Westwood Fall Fashion Week in 1993, Miu Miu Fashion Week 1996, Gucci Fashion Week 2016, Tom Browne’s pieces in the 2022 Met Gala, Miu MiuFall/Winter Fashion Week 2023 and Calvin Klein archives.
Nerds Can Be Fetch, Too
While we can thank the scientists at NASA, I wouldn’t say they need to figure out that your clothes tell a story. Who do you think this office siren is? To me, she’s someone who carries herself with that 90s elegance. She carries herself with poise and recognizes her worth. She doesn’t put up with others trying to put her down and has a cold glare she wields as her sharp knife. She never has an off day and conquers her world one stiletto click at a time. How does that picture sound?
Well, if the story I painted appeals to you, allow me to take the time to give you five looks for inspiration that will have the people in your office turning their heads.
Look 1: Day to Night
Top: ANNI STRIPE SHIRT PINSTRIPE from Princess Polly. Not all sirens are on a salary, though, so a hack is to get a black button-down from Banana Republic and then safety pinning the back to give a tailored waist look.
Bottom: For bottoms, any pair of baggy jeans would suffice so long as it fits the style, but I would suggest the COPENHAGEN NON-STRETCH TINTED WIDE LEG JEAN - DARK WASH. The exciting design of the pants adds to the motif of lines within the outfit.
Shoes: The shoes, I like to say, make or break an outfit. A lovely platform loafer, a color that goes well with a lot, such as black, would go well with the dark palette of the outfit. Princess Polly has a Metropolitan Heel for you to choose from.
Jewelry: Any silver ring with a smaller band found in a thrift store is fine, but if you want something more, you can opt for the verdant dreams ring paired with the snake ring, both of which can be found on En Route. Adding a watch to the outfit is what will bring out the class of the sub-genre. But your friendly fashion stylist in question would suggest you look in a thrift store. Cosplaying rich means getting expensive things at an affordable price.
Accessories: If you are someone who can use glasses without the need to see, congratulations. Aim for rectangular or round-framed glasses. If you need glasses to see but can never find cute ones available, Zenni, my favorite, always has great options. The pair I will suggest to anyone is #171221. Not too round that it makes you look like Harry Potter, but round enough to seem intelligent. Dare I say geeky?
Hair & Makeup: For this, your hair can be kept down, and the makeup can be a cool-toned look. SACHEU has a great video tutorial if you’re in a pinch.
Look 2: The Intern
Top: We’re going for an off-the-shoulder look here. So let’s bring out a thick black off the shoulder top and, if needed, fold the bottom part inside to give the illusion that it isn’t as long as it is. We want to look chic, not cluttered.
Bottom: The bottom will be a pair of gray wool suit pants from H&M. An excellent dupe for this item would be the pair from Everlane.
Shoes: If you choose an all-black look, you could have the same shoes from “Day to Night.” If you choose to have a pop of color, you can opt for red ballerina flats from Nordstrom.
Jewelry: To go along with the red theme, because why not, I would suggest a matching heart necklace and ring set from En Route. A simple silver stud pair would do just nicely for earrings as the attention will be drawn to your hands and neck area.
Accessories: When it comes to accessories, you can tie a black ribbon around your neck but simply in a knot and have it turned to the side as if you would a bow. Have that piece layered on your necklace. You can also resort to having a black handbag that isn’t too big.
Look 3: The Quintessential Siren
Top: Use this silk shirt from H&M or Gap’s satin shirt option. Try to tuck it into the pants, but pull it out slightly to avoid making it look awkward.
Bottom: For pants, go for a tan pair of trousers. If you have money to spend, go for the Vasto wide-leg Italian wool pant but if not, no worries, Nordstrom has a great dupe.
Shoes: Follow this motto: reduce, reuse, and resiren. Shoes are too expensive to buy every time. So, those Princess Polly shoes will come in handy.
Jewelry: A pair of simple gold hoop earrings would go perfectly. You can choose anywhere from small to midsize. Aim for something gold or brown for necklaces to fit the outfit's palette, like the Love Actually Necklace from Evry Jewels.
Accessories: Using an under-bust corset like this vintage floral corset can help pulling the outfit together.
Look 4: Lady in Red
Top: We’re going for something a little sexier, and what’s sexier than lace? For this, start with a black lace-flared long-sleeve.
Bottom: If it wasn’t already clear, trousers are the answer. Stick with a black pair with a scrunched waistline.
Shoes: You can already guess what shoes I’d suggest, but if you’re bored by that, the burgundy flats like the Vince Camuto Megdele Flat or the red ballerina flats used in “The Intern” can be added for a touch of color.
Jewelry: Like in “Day to Night,” a silver watch with a metal wristband would be a great move. There are two routes you can go down. The first one is if you choose to wear burgundy flats. Pair that with the necklace from The Intern in silver, and then tie a burgundy ribbon around your neck and off to the side.
Look 5: The Devil Wears Vivienne Westwood
Top: The same as “The Quintessential Siren”.
Bottom: Black trousers, like the outfit in “Lady in Red.”
Shoes: Now you could go back into using the same shoes from “Day to Night,” but if you’re getting bored, a lovely black stiletto heel, like the Milano wedding pumps, will do the trick.
Jewelry: The same as “Day to Night”.
Accessories: If you have the pockets for it, a chunky Vivienne Westwood necklace will be your best friend. If not, a dupe would be the Saturn pearl Vivienne Westwood necklace from Amazon. The glasses from “Day to Night” would work here, as well as a suit vest.
Clocking out of the Shift
Channeling your inner office siren isn’t a one-size-fits-all. You can interchange each outfit to your choosing. Be the siren you want to be, and don’t be afraid to be a bit unique with it and make it your own.
When in doubt, always remember to stay sexy, siren 💋