by Hanna Mordekhai
How Office Chic Shapes Our Style (and Our Closets)
"You’re starting to dress very Loro Piana, Hanna.”
My dad said this the other day, and it sent me spiraling—in the best way. He wasn’t wrong. Since starting my internship at Loro Piana, my wardrobe has undergone a subtle but undeniable transformation. Neutrals, knit, and quiet luxury have taken over my life. I’ve become that girl who obsesses over perfect tailoring and the exact shade of beige.
But it got me thinking: how much does where we work affect how we dress? Spoiler: the answer is a lot.
Let’s take a little trip through my style evolution, one office at a time:
Zimmermann
At Zimmermann, the vibe was peak dressing for the girls. Every inch of the office felt like it was curated from every inch of Manhattan. And, plot twist: there wasn’t a single straight man in sight. Sample sales were dress-up days in the showroom. I dressed entirely for the girls—ultra-feminine, effortlessly trendy, and always on.
It was like a mini runway every day. Think layers, prints, textures, and anything that feels fresh. Dressing became a sport I was excited to play every morning because I knew my coworkers would get it. The energy? Pure inspiration.
Intermix
When I worked retail at Intermix, it was all about playing the part. My outfits were very “Intermix”—bold, colorful, and perfectly accessorized. Styling clients meant I had to inspire confidence with what I wore, and that extended to hair, makeup, and even the way I walked into the store.
Loro Piana
Fast forward to my current internship at Loro Piana, where I’ve embraced the holy grail of style: quiet luxury. It’s all about neutrals, comfort, and quality. My style has slowed down, but in the best way. It’s no longer about shouting with my clothes—it’s about whispering sophistication. Not to mention my neighbours effect the way I dress - you can’t take your lunch break in the Plaza in anything but chic neutrals.
I’m not saying I don’t miss my bolder days, but there’s something about pulling on a perfectly soft sweater and knowing it’s made to last.
Corporate Black Hole: RIP Style
No pictures here for all times sake.
Now, let’s talk about the dark side of office chic. At one of my generic corporate gigs (we won’t name names), my style… died. The environment didn’t just lack creativity—it actively squashed it. I wore boring black pants and lifeless blazers because there was no energy, no spark.
It was like a fashion graveyard.
Office Chic Is High School All Over Again
Here’s the thing: offices are just adult high schools. The “popular kids” (aka the cool coworkers) set the tone for what’s acceptable—or aspirational—to wear. Whether it’s sample sale finds, “team merch,” or a carefully curated rotation of Zara and Toteme, the unspoken dress code is always there.
And like high school, your wardrobe speaks for you. Are you in? Are you cool? Are you trying too hard? It’s all one big social experiment but with paychecks.
What We Wear to Work Matters
Your wardrobe isn’t just clothes; it’s a story you tell your coworkers, your clients, and, honestly, yourself. It’s how you signal ambition, creativity, or the fact that you definitely got this bag on sale but will never admit it.
For me, every office I’ve worked in has shaped my style in some way. Zimmermann taught me to have fun with fashion. Intermix showed me the power of putting your best (literal) foot forward. And Loro Piana? It’s taught me that sometimes, less is more.
My Two Rules for Workwear
At the end of the day, I’ve always had two requirements for an internship:
Get paid.
Be inspired to dress for my colleagues.
Because no matter where you work, fashion will always be part of the conversation—even if it’s unspoken. And who doesn’t love a good outfit to start the day?
