Five Brands That Are Reinventing Workwear for Gen Z and Millennials
With return-to-office mandates in full swing, workwear is getting an update. From the feeds of TikTok to the runway, tailoring is trending among younger generations of the workforce, specifically Gen Z and Millennials.
Oversize silhouettes, exaggerated hemlines (whether floor-length or micro mini) and more casual foundations (think bustier tops, tanks and jeans) are the uniform du jour, while an ongoing obsession with nostalgia also manifests in retro inspiration: Hailey Bieber modeled Saint Laurent’s unabashedly ’80s suit for a date night last fall, and Ayo Edebiri nodded to ’90s Julia Roberts at the 2025 Golden Globes, wearing custom Loewe.
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As the workwear needs of Gen Z and Millennial shoppers become increasingly specific — pieces must be timeless but trendy, personalized but affordable, and ideally, sustainable — these emerging brands have capitalized on the new appetite for office attire.
Argent
After working in the tech and finance sectors, Sali Christeson’s struggle to find stylish, yet practical workwear inspired her to launch Argent in 2016. Her goal to create empowering clothing for the multifaceted fashionista — including stars like Meghan Markle, America Ferrera and First Lady Jill Biden — takes form in the brand’s mix-and-match approach to suiting.
Argent pieces come in a rainbow of colorways, from neutrals to jewel tones to classic plaids and pinstripes. Trousers can be purchased in multiple trendy cuts: flared, wide-legged and cropped.
“Because work and office life can look vastly different depending on one’s industry or role, our pieces also serve myriad purposes,” Christeson told WWD. “Gen Z, Millennials or anyone with a strong style point of view don’t merely have a work wardrobe; they shop to curate a complete personal wardrobe that fits every facet of life. For example, they might gravitate toward Argent’s oversized blazers to strike a strong silhouette for a more formal event, but they’re wearing that same piece with denim or over an evening look, too.”
The look: The Weekend Blazer and Sleeveless Turtleneck paired with the Argent x Agolde ’90s Mid Rise Loose Fit jeans.
Pricing: $35 to $895
Favorite Daughter
Erin and Sara Foster’s brand has always reflected the times: They launched Favorite Daughter in 2020 with a COVID-19-conscious mask hoodie. The Millennial sister duo, daughters of music producer David Foster and the co-executive producers of Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This,” started their clothing line to provide consumers with an affordable, high-quality alternative to fast fashion.
Now, they’ve struck gold by tapping into the return-to-office resurgence of suiting. Within three years, Favorite Daughter increased sales to $50 million thanks in part to their blazers, waistcoats and bestselling Favorite trousers, courting celebrity fans such as Gigi Hadid and Katy Perry.
“I think we’ve taken the classic jeans and a blazer trend and personalized it with lots of unique takes on feminine suiting,” said Erin Foster.
“We try to accommodate the woman who is doing it all,” Sara Foster added. “We know there are only so many hours in the day so we create looks that you feel great in from the morning, to work, to drinks with a friend, and then dinner with your boyfriend: timeless pieces that make you feel put together, but also comfortable.”
The look: Valentina jeans paired with the Phoebe Bustier and Blazer.
Pricing: $78 to $998
SourceUnknown
Despite launching in the middle of a global pandemic, SourceUnknown found success online by focusing on seasonless designs. Inspired by her travels abroad, Chloe Shim collaborated with little-known East Asian and European designers under the SourceUnkown label. The brand’s slouchy double-breasted coats and structural blazers — among other viral pieces — are favorites with the fashion influencer crowd.
“Our pieces are crafted to meet the need for multiseason staples, using timeless, versatile colors that make them easy to wear year-round,” Shim said. “Key styles like tailored suits, button-down shirts and casual outerwear are reimagined with unique details such as leather finishes, subtle animal prints, fringe accents, sheer fabrics and updated silhouettes. By blending classic elements with modern twists, we create workwear that feels both practical and exciting — perfect for today’s evolving dress codes.”
The look: The Nangy or Hailey Lambskin Blazer layered over the Becca Knit Pullover, topped off with the Wallis Oversized Grandpa Coat.
Pricing: $40 to $1,650
Helsa
Supermodel and Millennial Elsa Hosk debuted her clothing line Helsa in 2022 as a nod to her Scandinavian roots. One of Revolve’s bestselling brands, Helsa specializes in basics that are elegant, yet approachable. Timeless pieces like trenchcoats, poplin button-downs and turtlenecks pair well with on-trend styles including micro miniskirts, low-slung trousers and hourglass outerwear — most of it made from sustainable or recycled fabrics.
“I think what really connects with Gen Z and Millennials is that Helsa offers something that feels thoughtful, elevated and accessible,” Hosk told WWD. “We’re all about creating a wardrobe that looks and feels high-end without being out of reach. What I love most is that the pieces are designed to last. It’s not about wearing something once for an event or a photo — it’s about building a wardrobe that you’ll keep coming back to.”
The look: The Detachable Scarf Top and Paperbag Pants underneath an Italian Blend Wool Coat.
Pricing: $78 to $1,698
The Frankie Shop
Founded by former journalist Ga?lle Drevet in 2015, The Frankie Shop gives French girl style a New York edge. Drevet, who grew up in Saint-étienne, France and launched her first boutique in Lower Manhattan, has given workwear a modern update with her private label ultra-boxy blazers, sheer pencil skirts, color-coordinated separates, and suits in trendy shades like dusty pink, burgundy and olive green. Gen Z style icons like Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber and Selena Gomez are among the brand’s starry clientele.
“It’s always been about elevating functional clothes and we do that by twisting basic separates with bold volumes and proportions, muted colors and interesting textures,” Drevet said. “All [of our] pieces bring a confident edge to the workplace that feels less predictable and more personal.”
The look: The Bea or Boyfriend Blazer layered over the Eva Tank with a pair of Wilma Pleated Bermuda Shorts.
Pricing: $14 to $895
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