Table of Contents
A mix of functional, eccentric, and self-defining, TikTok trends have been massively influential in shaping the fashion industry. Specifically functional for new generations of young workers curating outfits for the office, a new trend has emerged: “Corpcore.” Corpcore is all about redefining what’s appropriate workwear. Those interested in the aesthetic do this by incorporating “streetwear” into their office wear. Corpcore is massively popular – especially on e-commerce platforms like TikTok and YouTube, that make jumping on trends seamless.
Gen Z is Entering the Workplace in Style with the Corpcore Aesthetic
The Corpcore trend originally grew popular following Gen Z workers integration into the office space. Gen Z is known for their trendsetting “business casual” appeals and sometimes controversial outfits. However, Corpcore has been a largely understated theme in many people’s personal style in recent years. From polo skirts, to shiny loafers, and button downs – there’s no shortage of staple pieces for jumping on this trend.
E-Commerce Integration on Social Media
Social media is inherently entangled in the fashion industry. TikTok stands at the forefront of this relationship with its innovative integration of e-commerce. Through TikTok Shop, which has grown exponentially recently, users can purchase items directly through the app, merging entertainment with shopping. This integration not only streamlines the buying process but also capitalizes on the impulsive nature of online consumers. Similarly, YouTube Shopping is bridging the gap between content and commerce by enabling viewers to buy products featured in videos. This makes it easier for users to acquire the latest trends, such as Corpcore.
@wevastudio Corpcore trend🚨 #fashiontrends #fashion #trendreport #workwearstyle #corpcore #corpcoreoutfits #fyp #greenscreenvideo
Corpcore, a trend that marries corporate chic with casual comfort, benefits immensely from this streamlined shopping experience. The ability to click on a TikTok video featuring Corpcore outfits and immediately purchase similar items is a game-changer. E-commerce integrations helps to alleviate the sense of divide many users can feel with influencers and creators.
This community-centric audience, that many creators try to harbor, can help to promote products. If I buy this, will I feel closer to this influencer? Will I be as successful, popular, or valued with this product? It might not be the direct thought process of the average consumer on social platforms, but it’s a running theme.
This in-app purchasing capability eliminates the need for users to leave the app or search elsewhere. This increases impulsive shopping and immediate gratification – making the trend cycle inherently quick.
Fashion Influencers & Corpcore
Fashion influencers are pivotal in shaping and amplifying trends like Corpcore. These influencers, who often possess a keen eye for emerging styles, use their platforms to introduce and popularize new looks, experiment with new trend ideas, and bolden their typical looks with trending pieces and styles. Their posts, stories, and videos not only highlight how to style Corpcore outfits but also set the tone for seasonal styles. By curating their content to resonate with niche audiences, influencers effectively act as trendsetters, guiding followers towards the latest fashion movements.
@ashandwhit Part 4 | last week’s office OOTD round up! #officeoutfit #corporateoutfit #workoutfits #businesscasual #corporategirlies
Even events like New York Fashion Week and general brand runway shows are now extensively covered and promoted by influencers, who provide real-time updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the once-exclusionary industry. Their commentary and style interpretations can make or break a trend – like the “exaggerated silhouette” or silky pant suit for women.
They bring high fashion into the realm of accessible style, making trends like Corpcore relatable and achievable for their followers. This democratization of fashion helps bridge the gap between luxury fashion and mainstream consumption, further fueling the trend’s popularity.
Internet Sparked Consumption & Community
With such rapid fashion cycles on social media platforms like TikTok, trends like Corpcore can sometimes sideline considerations of sustainability. The focus is frequently on speed and volume, with trends like Corpcore rapidly evolving and disseminating in as short as just a few weeks.
With the ease of access provided in e-commerce integrations, the impulsivity of influencer marketing, and streamlines brand advertising to consumers – these quick fashion trends leave no room for anything less than a discussion about modern consumerism. We can highlight the visibility of trends, success of influencers in playing their part, and brand’s successful advertising, but it’s important to also address these exacerbated issues of overconsumption – and how they may play a role in influencer trends online a few years from now.
Trends like Corpcore exemplify how social media’s e-commerce integration reshapes fashion consumption, marrying immediate access with influencer-driven styles for the average user. While platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shopping streamline buying and amplify trends through influencer reach, they also contribute to a cycle of rapid consumption that often neglects sustainability and intentional buying.
As fashion evolves at the intersection of convenience and community, the challenge remains to balance trend-driven impulses with a more mindful approach to consumption.
