Corpcore Is TikTok's Latest Obsession — Shop the Trend
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TikTok certainly isn't lacking on sartorial cores, but the latest trend is more functional than ever. With more shoppers swapping out their everyday basics in favor of elevated, business attire, the new aesthetic signifies a unique transition in fashion — one where workwear is getting the streetwear treatment. This season, it's all about corpcore.
Corpcore fashion (short for corporate core fashion) takes all the office staples you already know and love and reimagines them through a more modernized lens. It's Rachel Green with a splash of Gisele Bündchen's Y2K style in "The Devil Wears Prada" and Victoria Beckham in everything ever. Pinstripe suits are a focal point, collared shirts are aplenty, and casual pieces like T-shirts are used to further blur the lines between streetwear and workwear.
To understand the trend in its entirety, we tapped Bella Gerard, Rakuten's shopping and trend advisor, for her expert insight on how TikTok's corpcore craze is expanding the reach of office attire, plus all the ways you can experiment with the aesthetic this fall.
What Is Corpcore?
Corpcore rewrites the usual 9-to-5 dress code rules with styles that are designed to take you from the office to cocktails and beyond. As Gerard explains, the fashion trend speaks to a larger shift within our work landscape, where shoppers are not only romanticizing office culture, but also "blending office wear with evening-ready outfits" for a streamlined wardrobe.
...it's Rachel Green with a splash of Gisele Bündchen's Y2K style in "The Devil Wears Prada" and Victoria Beckham in everything ever.
"When it comes to work-life balance, our post-pandemic existence is altogether more casual," says Gerard. "Lots of people have abandoned the concept of working from an office five days a week for good, and there's little need now to have a completely separate section of one's closet devoted to workwear. Shoppers know that the more they can style their real-life clothing with the pieces they need for the occasional office day, the better use they'll get out of their wardrobes."
Data supports this, as well: Pinterest's latest trend report shows that the platform saw a 950 percent increase in searches related to "corporate chic," as well as a surge of 160 percent for topics related to "vest and skirt." And according to Google Trends, searches for "capsule wardrobe" have increased by 60 percent in the past 12 months.
How to Wear the Corpcore Trend
Despite its emphasis on tailored layers and loafers, you don't need to work on Wall Street in order to pull the trend off. Corpcore is all about embracing functional work outfits, but with a street style-inspired twist.
"Trousers that fit like a glove transform from a workwear requirement to pants you always want to wear," explains Gerard. "The same goes for a great blazer, the perfect button-down shirt, etc. Once you curate a selection of these office essentials, you can pair them with more relaxed styles — think T-shirts, bodysuits, sneakers, and even ballet flats — to start blurring the lines between office and IRL."
If you're looking to emulate the corporate core aesthetic, we've rounded up some of the best corporate-fashion basics to stock up on this season — plus a few key beauty finds, too. Keep reading to shop our picks for the best corpcore essentials from brands like Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Mango, and more.
Experts Featured in This Article
Bella Gerard is a shopping and trend advisor for Rakuten
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A Fitted T-Shirt
H&M Fitted T-shirt ($10)
Wear it on its own, underneath a blazer, or even tucked into a high-waisted pencil skirt — this fitted T-shirt is designed to do it all and then some. The versatile piece can be styled so many different ways, and at $10, offers an affordable way into the corpcore trend.
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A Work Bag
Kalidi Tote Bag ($16)
When it comes to shopping out the perfect work bag, don't overthink it — tote bags are always a failsafe option, especially if you have a longer commute that requires you to carry more. This soft accessory is available in 14 colorways, so you can choose the best style for your own work wardrobe.
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A Sleeveless Vest
Cider Woven Boat Neck Vest ($26)
With its button-down design, sleeveless frame, and tailored fit, this vest feels like three different styles rolled into one. It's elevated enough to wear while you're in the office or taking meetings outside of it. Plus, the blouse's high-neck silhouette delivers a more formal look that works within all dress codes.
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A Waist Belt
Anthropologie The Tabitha Stretch Belt ($40)
Want to infuse a corpcore-inspired flair into your pre-existing work wardrobe? Opt for something eye-catching and sophisticated, just like this stretch belt from Anthropologie. The accessory has a polished, golden finish that's sure to stand out whether you're styling it over a blazer or shirt dress.
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Black Loafers
Charles & Keith Black Boxed Trice Metallic Accent Loafers ($63)
"Accessories are also a prime way to corpcore-ify the workwear pieces you already own. Consider swapping your usual work flats for something more statement-making, like Ganni's Buckle Ballerinas, or classic loafers for something chunkier or more hardware-heavy, like the Trice Metallic Accent Loafers from Charles & Keith," says Gerard.
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Tailored Pants
Banana Republic Flare Everywhere Ponte Pant ($100)
As for the best corporate fashion styles, Gerard also recommends these bestselling pants from Banana Republic. The polished bottoms mirror the look of traditional trousers, but with a flared design that feels fresh — and pairs beautifully with fashion boots or heels.
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Hoop Earrings
Jenny Bird Tome Medium Hoop Earrings ($118)
Like the quiet-luxury trend, corpcore fashion revolves around timeless, sophisticated pieces — including minimal accessories and delicate gold jewelry. These hoop earrings will add a luxurious flair to any look, without taking away attention from the rest of the outfit.
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A Shirt Dress
Cos Bubble-Hem Shirt Dress ($135)
Shirt dresses are one of the most versatile wardrobe essentials, especially if you're looking for a practical way into the corpcore trend. You can pair this crisp style with mules or loafers during the summer and then substitute boots in come winter.
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A Pencil Skirt
J.Crew Pencil Midi Skirt ($95, originally $148)
Nothing screams "office chic" quite like a classic pencil skirt. This midi style is crafted from J.Crew's signature four-season stretch fabric, which means you'll be able to move around (or sit at your office desk) in total comfort.
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A Pinstripe Suit
Mango Pinstripe Suit Vest ($130) and Mango Pinstripe Suit Pants ($90)
A recent trend report from Pinterest showed that the platform saw a surge of 135 percent in searches for "pinstriped pants" alone. In other words: pinstripe suits (like this sleek ensemble from Mango) might just be this season's hottest commodity.
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A Sweater Jacket
J.Crew Patch-Pocket Sweater Lady Jacket ($178)
Gerard notes that she's a big fan of this J.Crew jacket, especially when styled with denim and flats, as it "toes the line between work and play." For a corpcore twist, she recommends pairing it with more formal pants for an outfit that's equally functional and stylish.
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Bun Accessories
Hair Bun Maker ($9, originally $16)
Messy buns, be damned — with the corpcore trend, you can experiment with more office-inspired hairstyles, like a classic, slicked-back bun. This pouf accessory makes it easy to achieve the perfect top knot in a matter of seconds.
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A Blush Balm
Merit Flush Cruelty-Free Blush Balm ($30)
Whether you're working from home or heading into the office for a couple hours, this blush balm has a tinted design that offers lasting color, so you can freshen up your makeup with ease. Just run your finger over the formula and dab it on your cheeks or lips for a more lively look.
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A Blotting Powder
Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder ($37)
Heading straight from a meeting to cocktail hour? This blotting powder will help you lock in your makeup for the night and create a matte finish. Freshen up in your office bathroom before leaving work or in your car on the way to dinner.
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Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.