2026 Corporate Fashion Predictions
This is probably just a projection of my own style
I spend a lot of time thinking about what I wear to work. I also pay special attention to what other people wear and what the luxury maisons are telling us is the ideal. These musings give me really minimal credentials to take a stab at trend forecasting, but I’m going to do it anyway.
1. R.I.P. to Loafers
The loafer has long been considered the shoe of the corporate world, and its rise to popularity, particularly in women’s fashion, served an important purpose. After years, decades, maybe even centuries of women being pressured by society to dress a certain way to the office (think pencil skirts and heels), the loafer entered the picture, and in doing so, toppled societal perceptions of what an appropriate office shoe can look like that doesn’t risk a broken ankle.
Like all trends, there are smaller cycles that ebb and flow throughout the decades. In my opinion, loafers had a particular moment in the 2015-2025 era, but now, their time is over. This is not to say loafers aren’t classic or won’t remain a staple for many people. They will. But trend-wise, their cultural dominance feels over. Corporate dressing is once again flirting with discomfort and intrigue, and loafers are simply too sensible for where things are headed.
The broader office dress code has undeniably relaxed, especially with Gen Z entering the workforce. My theory is that the loafer was part of that descent into casualness, serving as an easy bridge between tailored clothing and comfort. But now the rulebook is fully out the window. People are wearing jeans and t-shirts to work. Something has to restore balance, and I think that something will be shoes.
** I am intentionally not discussing sneakers because it is my opinion that if you wear them to the office, you have no respect for the art and discipline of dressing for a job anyway, and therefore, this post probably isn’t for you.
Micro Predictions
HEELS ARE BACK. With the rise of jeans in the workplace, the corporate girlies will need to do something to stay sophisticated. I think the era of dressing like you work for a tech company is over, and people want to look good. Nothing shows intention like a heel. They’re uncomfortable, they’re in your face, and they show you mean business.
TABIS ARE GOING MAINSTREAM. If you read this newsletter with any frequency, you know how much I love my tabi shoes. In addition to owning 6 pairs myself, I’ve encouraged so many friends, family, and coworkers to take the jump. However, I’m not naive enough to believe I’m the only one. I see them all over NYC these days, and I genuinely think they’re simple and tasteful enough to become the next it-girl office shoe. They add intrigue without throwing out the rule book, and are an excellent way to show a bit of personality.
2. Business Up Top, Party on the Bottom
I’ve been a skirt girl for a long time. O.G. readers of my Substack will remember that one of my first posts was on how I wear skirts to the office. They make me feel feminine while giving me room to experiment with more tailored, structured looks up top. Finally, it feels like the trends may be ready to catch up, although I think this shift is bigger than just skirts.
Enter the era of the eclectic bottom. Not just skirts and pants, but shorts. Not just pleats and pencils, but plaid, cutouts, and leather. As the blazer continues to serve as the most popular corporate crutch, people are finding ways to keep their outfits fresh and interesting.
And I’m not the only one noticing this. Those who read my business casual by fashion week post in October will recognize some of these looks from the runways of Chanel, Tory Burch, and Dior, where the skirt and tailored top renaissance really began to take shape last fall.
Micro Predictions
SHORT BLAZERS. They’re here, and I’m obsessed. The oversized blazer has come and gone in favor of the one button, cropped blazer. They’re chic, unexpected, and all over Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel debut. I caved and bought one in a similar style from Sandro as soon as I found it on TheRealReal. A fun update on a silhouette that will never go out of fashion in the corporate world.
LONG SHORTS. The rise of party on the bottom comes with new silhouettes. Shorts can be tailored, chic, and seasonally practical. Come the summer, I anticipate we’ll see them everywhere. In my head, they’re the baggy jorts of the office. One of my coworkers actually wore a pair recently and was showered with compliments. They’re unexpected and edgy, but still sophisticated.
3. The Year of Accessories
The clean girl and quiet luxury trends have dominated the past few years, and I’ve enjoyed them. Personally, they came at a time when I was transitioning into the corporate world and helped me adapt my personal style to a new setting. More broadly, they helped redefine luxury and poise in an era of chaos.
But clean can’t last forever. Slowly, messiness returns (cue 2026 is the new 2016). While I don’t see a full rejection of quiet luxury, accessories are becoming the conduit for embracing a little chaos and embodying millennial optimism. Alongside tailored, structured looks come pendants, bangles, and chunky earrings. Whether it’s jewelry, hats, or belts, layering has become the newest way to introduce intrigue while keeping outfits simple.
Micro Predictions
BELTS. Another signal straight from the runway. Belts are everywhere, but they’re…different. People are experimenting with layering, placement, and new takes on classic hardware. Personally, I’m very into this trend. Unfortunately, I own no belts. This is me telling both you and myself that now is the time to invest.
GLASSES. Who said you need a prescription? In 2025, glasses became a true accessory. Sunglasses always have been, but now reading glasses, even without lenses, are a new way to step into a different mentality. Despite my 20/20 vision, I love how blue light glasses hide tired eyes and make a lazy outfit feel intentional. In the workplace, this small upgrade can be especially impactful.
Other Honorable Mentions
NO MORE MATCHING SETS. Were people actually even wearing sets? I’m not totally sure, but either way, it’s a no. We've got to get more creative people! Make a DIY set with two items of the same color if you must, but no more lazy dressing. In 2026, ditch the set and find yourself.
LOW-WAISTED SKIRTS. More runway cues and general observations. High-waisted has definitely been out of trend for a minute. If anything, it may be coming back with the rise of skinny jeans and the natural trend cycle. That said, I don’t feel like the original low-rise moment even made it to the corporate world, and definitely not via skirts. At least not that I’ve seen. All to say, it will—maybe it already has.
That concludes my 2026 corporate fashion predictions. These are, obviously, influenced by my own taste and preferences, but, hopefully, they gave you something to notice, consider, or experiment with the next time you’re getting dressed for work.
Are nice dress jeans okay? Asking for a friend.
Despite my penchant for sneakers at the office, I very much agree with and appreciate (the rest of) this brilliant post!