The New Age of Business Core Fashion: Trends to Watch

Uncategorized Oct 09, 2023

The fashion industry has a workwear problem…or, rather, workwear has a fashion problem. Time and time again, our clients have come to us looking for office-appropriate clothing that can have a life outside of their 9 – 5s. And while the corporate aesthetic of the past has mostly looked like it’s come from the same two mall stores, the Fall/Winter 2023 runways earlier this year showed us that an emerging trend may finally have the answer. Enter the concept of business core.

This LoveShack Fancy buttoned-up blazer is an excellent, modern take on a classic closet piece. Shop it here.

What is Business Core Fashion?

Fear not, elder millennials—this is not the J. Crew statement necklace and “blazer at the club” era of going out dressing. Gone are the days when we forced our dress code-approved wardrobes into our weekends and evenings!

Think of business core as workwear’s risk-taking, fresh, fun younger sibling. Instead of a run-of-the-mill black polyester blazer, your business core collection might incorporate a double-breasted button layout, fabric with more of a sheen, or a more modern cut (think cropped, flared, or extra-wide lapels). It’s workwear turned slightly on its head!

A seasonless, flattering-for-any-shape business core dress, courtesy of Argent Workwear. Shop it here.

Think Outside of the Workwear Fashion Box

New fabrics are the perfect way to experiment when wearing business core fashion. Take a classic suiting print—such as pinstripes—and apply it to an unexpected silhouette. This midi dress from Argent is a great shape for almost any body type. Depending on the print, this innovative look could work for you all year long; add a lightweight mock neck in the winter or pair it with a linen trench coat on warmer days.

Also consider the recent biggest trends promoted by textile manufacturers that make dressing up for work, Zoom meetings included, easier than ever. Look for new fabrics like washable silk, tencel, and viscose that will give you a sophisticated, polished appearance…but that don’t have to take a trip to the dry cleaners every week.

Bonus Features for Business Core Fashion

Another take on the business core trend is additional, (sometimes) functional features on classic silhouettes. Instead of a regular pencil skirt, opt for something with a more maximalist approach like double front pockets. With blouses, trade in your classic button-down shirt for a top with a tie-front or other fastening features.

The styling trick here is to pair your “bonus features” piece with a classic piece. Notice the Boden skirt’s pairing with a timeless striped button-down. By highlighting the skirt and minimizing the other outfit aspects, you create visual interest in what may otherwise be a more “casual” piece.

Out of Office

Our favorite spots for strutting your stuff in business core pieces? Art museum or gallery visits, parent events at your child’s school, and networking lunches.

The important thing to keep in mind about business core is that it’s really a state of style, not an office dress code. Whether or not you’re working in-person, business core style incorporates fashions you can wear almost anytime.

The secret here is that business core fashion brings an element of sophistication, interest, and elegance to your wardrobe—and also shows you know how to embrace the latest business aesthetic trends.

We’ll Help You Try the Trends but Stay Timeless