Hope This Helps: Office Siren

Hey Babes!

Welcome back to the blog! I hope you're doing amazing. I can't remember how long it's been since I did one of these, which means it's been too long. So it's time for another edition of Hope This Helps! This time we can going over the Office Siren aesthetic, which recently gained popularity online. A baddie who signs checks and breaks necks. She commands attention in the boardroom, and maybe even the bedroom. I'm going to explain what it is, origins and inspirations, and share how to get that famously office chic look. You love her, HR hates her, here's the Office Siren. 

What is an Office Siren?

The Office Siren is a glamorized take on business attire from the late 90s and 2000s. It's sleek, neat, and a tad seductive. The style usually takes inspiration from office chic and femme fatale styles. Imagine that one coworker from the office. Now imagine what's under her pencil skirt. That is the energy that the Office Siren aesthetic gives. Some popular figures to take inspiration from are Serena from Devil Wear Prada, Alex from Charlie's Angels, Bayonetta, and Super Nanny (yes, that Super Nanny). 

A cautionary tale in workplace fashion

While sexy and fun, the Office Siren trend has gotten some push back, which I kind of agree with. I don't think anyone should dress this way at their actual place of work! A lot of people my age don't have jobs that have a certain dress code, so maybe the idea of what is appropriate isn't universal. Additionally, some people have described the look as "corporate fetish" or "pornographic fashion". There is nothing wrong with looking hot at work if that's something you're conscious about, but it really gets to a point. 

The aesthetic has gotten some push back, and I can kind of see why. On one hand, some people do not know what is appropriate for work and what isn't. Some outfits are fine, others can get you sent to human resources. I think people my age don't typically work in corporate or any professional setting, it isn't very common. Some people have refered to the aesthetic as "pornographic fashion" or "corporate fetish attire". I think it really depends on how far you take the aesthetic and how strict the dress code is at your job. There's nothing wrong with wanting to look hot at work, if that's a concern for you, but it also gets to a point. Work clothes don't have to be boring, but at the same time, you aren't the protagonist in an office based adult video.

How to get the look 

 Hair:

Office Siren provides a lot of routes for hair: sleek and neat, or tousled and loose. I personally like the idea of a French roll or classy up-do. Other styles can be bobs, slick ponytails, pixie cuts, or buns. I recommend any style that keeps most of your hair out of your face for that professional look. Then again, having your hair down and loose can be sexy too! You can also add accessories like clips, headbands, hair sticks, or even a pencil. Your natural hair color is fine, and anything from short it mid length is perfect for the Office Siren aesthetic. 

 
Makeup:

The Office Siren takes inspo from the y2k era, so makeup from that time can be used in this aesthetic. An easy look includes a minimal, clean face. The base should be natural and fresh, matte but not cakey. You can draw attention to your eyes, lips, or even both. The brows are usually thin, sharp, and straight. Eyeshadow can be a neutral color or even a light cool tone. Eyeliner can be sharp, bold, simple, etc. It should compliment your eye shape. A classic cat-eye (or fox-eye if you want to be extra) is enough. 

Because y2k makeup leans cool, blush and bronzer aren't necessary. There's a lot of room to work with if you want to bring attention to your lips. Liner is always a good choice. Red lipstick, or red tinted lippies are a classic. If that's not your vibe, opt for natural colors or try a 90s frosted lip. Gloss is optional, but it never hurt anyone! Overall, the look we are aiming for is serious, sophisticated, and sexy. 

 Fashion & Accessories:

First and foremost, glasses! No Office Siren look would be complete without a sexy pair of glasses. Thin framed, rectangle lenses a la Bayonetta are a popular choice. I also think cat-eye glasses can work as well. 

The color scheme should be monochromatic, or at least mostly black or neutrals. This isn't always the case, but a safe option. Don't be afraid to add some white, cream, browns, dark reds, or even animal print to the look. The look can be creative but overall it shouldn't be distracting (like at work). Other prints like pin stripes and tonal plaid work as well. 

If you want to be fully committed to the look, consider the cuts of the clothing. Anything slim fit or figure flattering is perfect. Something simple, yet structured. Otherwise, ignore this and pick out items that are usually worn in the work place. The Office Siren is a mature sister to Geek Chic, so you can use some pieces from that aesthetic. Some trusty pieces would be button-ups, vests, pencil skirts, blazers, and sheer stockings. You can play around with how "office" or how "siren" you want to be. Try a mini skirt with an oversize blazer, or slacks with a crop top. The shoes can be classic pumps, kitten heels, flats, or boots. Jewelry can be any hardware but it should be simple. Small hoop earrings, bangles, dainty necklaces, for example. 

This is all that I have for you today. I really enjoy this series, and I hope you enjoy reading about it as much as I enjoy working on it. Let me know you thoughts in the comments or dm me on Instagram. What other aesthetics should I do? 

Lots of Love,

Scarlette