As the early Y2K fashion era gradually fades, a nostalgic mid-aughts style is making a comeback, ushering in a fresh wave of business casual aesthetics. However, instead of embracing traditional polished looks, celebrities are infusing their ensembles with a touch of irreverence and attitude, epitomized by the snarky corporate secretary trend, as highlighted by fashion content creator @natgawd on TikTok.
The snarky corporate secretary aesthetic embodies an offbeat interpretation of office attire, characterized by slightly disheveled yet chic ensembles. These modern-day secretaries sport eyeshadow to the office, flaunt current season designer pieces despite their entry-level positions, and indulge in dry iceberg lettuce for lunch, as humorously depicted by @natgawd in her TikTok trend recap.
Drawing inspiration from iconic mid-aughts characters like Amanda Tanen from Ugly Betty and Lucy Wyman from 13 Going on 30, the snarky corporate secretary blends elements of Miranda’s tailored pantsuits with Samantha’s shapely and well-tailored looks from Sex and the City.
A quintessential accessory in the realm of snarky corporate secretary fashion is the skinny prescription opticals—a symbol of style irony, once deemed nerdy but now embraced by A-listers and fashion enthusiasts alike, even gracing the red carpet.
To channel your inner corporate chaos queen and embrace the snarky corporate secretary trend, consider incorporating the following elements into your wardrobe:
- Feminine and tailored suits
- Wearable tech, such as Bluetooth headsets
- Fitted pencil skirts and blazers
- Tiny vests paired with blouses
- Statement waist belts
- Loose buns adorned with statement hair clips
- Skinny prescription optical glasses
Celebrities have also served as prime examples of how to rock the snarky corporate secretary look with panache:
- Billie Eilish: At the 2024 Golden Globes, Billie Eilish donned an oversized blazer over a striped blouse and khaki skirt, complemented by her signature high bun and skinny wire-framed glasses. She continued to showcase this style at various events, effortlessly blending sophistication with edge.
- Renee Rapp: Seen on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and during her birthday celebrations, Reneé Rapp embraced the trend with dark red knee-high boots, a cargo skirt, and a slim-cut burgundy leather jacket, completing the look with skinny prescription glasses and a chic updo.
- Bella Hadid: Known for her snarky business casual attire, Bella Hadid paired rectangular green reading glasses with black business trousers, exuding effortless coolness with every ensemble.
- Amelia Gray: Model Amelia Gray effortlessly incorporated thin reading glasses into her casual-chic look, showcasing a blend of minimalism and comfort with baggy low-rise jeans and a cozy cardigan.
- Gabbriette: Influencer Gabbriette embraced the snarky corporate secretary aesthetic with a simple black cami, rectangular glasses, and a bold side-parted hairstyle, exuding confidence and style.
As fashion continues to evolve, expect to see more individuals embracing the slightly messy yet sophisticated charm of the snarky corporate secretary trend, proving that business wear can be both playful and elevated in 2024.
