ele STYLED

For years, the “business casual + trainers” aesthetic ruled the workplace. Offices became informal zones where comfort trumped formality, and lax dress codes spread. But lately something interesting is happening: a countertrend is emerging. Wardrobes are shifting back toward structure, polish, and intentional dressing. The era of sweatpants in the boardroom seems to be ebbing.

There are a few reasons for this pivot. First, resumes and LinkedIn profiles are no longer the only first impression, how you present yourself in person matters again. Dressing smart signals professionalism, focus, and respect for your role. Second, as hybrid work models settle in, there’s value in having distinct outfits for “office days” versus “home days.” Finally, people are tired of looking the same in Zoom squares; there’s renewed appreciation for fabrics, tailoring, and garments that express authority and elegance.

So yes the return of dressing for work feels overdue. It’s not about reverting to stiff uniforms. It’s about reclaiming confidence through clothes that are smart, functional, and inherently stylish.

How to Style the Modern Corporate Core

To bring this revival into your wardrobe, here’s a simple playbook:

• Start with excellent foundations: A well-cut blazer, crisp shirt or blouse, and tailored trousers or a pencil skirt give you a strong base. If those pieces are well made, they’ll last years.
• Layer with purpose: Textured knits, fine-gauge merino cardigans, or minimal vests can be layered under blazers or over shirts for dimension without bulk.
• Mind your proportions: If your top is structured or boxy, pair it with slim bottoms. If the bottom is wide-legged, let the top be more tailored.
• Choose elevated details: Subtle accents like a sleek belt, refined hardware, or tonal stitching can lift the whole look.
• Limit the “soft casual” crossover: Use casual elements (like sneakers or soft knits) selectively — e.g. a tailored trouser with a clean knit or loafer — to retain polish.
• Capsule mindset: Build a capsule where each item works with many others. That way, transitions from meetings to dinner feels seamless.

When you style the outfit, ask: Does it read as intentional, not “threw something on”? If yes, you’re doing it right.

Brands & Pieces to Watch

Here are some brands and specific pieces that embody the new corporate return -elegant, Australian, wearable.

Viktoria & Woods

Melbourne-based Viktoria & Woods has built its reputation on minimalist staples elevated through quality materials and tailoring. Their “Workwear” collection offers blazers, trousers, and shirting that merge formality with ease.

As they expand with new boutiques across Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne, their physical presence is growing to match their design influence. If you’re stocking your wardrobe, their neutral palettes and timeless cuts make them a solid bedrock for modern corporate dressing.

Elka Collective

Elka Collective, designed in Melbourne, is another standout. Their ethos is about “elevated essentials”, think clean tailoring, relaxed silhouettes, natural fabrics, and pieces you can wear head to toe.

They bridge the gap between comfortable dressing and office-appropriate style, offering a wardrobe you can lean on for both meetings and weekend plans.

Here are a few picks to consider:

Elka Collective Finn Pant $249.00

Elka Collective Ella Shirt $249.00

Elka Collective Isabella Pant $269.00

Elka Collective Mahina Wide Leg Pant $149.00

Elka Collective Parka Tee $99.00

Here are a few highlights:

• Elka Collective Finn Pant — a sleek trouser that combines structure and fluidity.
• Elka Collective Ella Shirt — a refined shirt with crisp lines, perfect under a blazer.
• Elka Collective Isabella Pant — tailored for a slim silhouette with enough give for comfort.
• Elka Collective Mahina Wide Leg Pant — for days when you want elegance without restriction.
• Elka Collective Parka Tee — a relaxed layer designed to sub in for basic tees when you want a more intentional casual look.

Pair them with a sharp blazer, a structured loafer, and you’ll have an outfit that reads serious, not stuffy.

Why This Shift Matters

The revival of corporate dressing is more than aesthetics. It’s about reclaiming the symbolism of workwear, clothes that speak to discipline, respect, and presence. In a hybrid world where digital and in-person blend, dressing well reminds both you and others that you’re in “on” mode.

Better dressing also supports better behaviour. Studies show that when people wear clothes they feel strong in, they perform better. And beyond performance, it’s about the pleasure of wearing garments that sit right, hang true, and feel intentional.

In summary: The casual era had its time, but for many, the time for structure, elegance, and confidence has returned. The modern corporate wardrobe is back, smarter, softer, and more thoughtful than ever before.