The concept of “power dressing” has undergone a radical transformation in 2026, moving away from the rigid, oversized blazers of the early 2020s and toward a more focused, subversive aesthetic known as the “Office Siren.” At the epicenter of this cultural shift is Emily Ratajkowski, whose street style has become the definitive blueprint for the modern professional wardrobe. By blending vintage corporate staples with a sharp, feminine edge, Ratajkowski has reclaimed the 9:00-to-5:00 silhouette for a generation that views the office not as a site of obligation, but as a stage for self-expression. As we move through the Spring/Summer 2026 season, the “Office Siren” look has moved beyond a viral TikTok trend to become a legitimate force in high fashion, redefined by Ratajkowski’s unique ability to merge corporate structure with a “femme fatale” energy.
The hallmark of Ratajkowski’s 2026 Office Siren aesthetic is the strategic deconstruction of the classic suit. In late December 2025 and moving into the new year, she has frequently been spotted in London and New York wearing structured, plunging blazers without a base layer, effectively transitioning traditional workwear into high-glamour evening attire. This “topless-under-tailoring” approach has become her signature, emphasizing sharp lapels and Eighties-inspired padded shoulders. By pairing these provocative tops with flared, Y2K-style trousers or pleated slacks that billow at the knee, she creates a silhouette that is both grounded in reality and aspirational in its execution. This look defines the 2026 power suit: it is sculptural, fitted at the waist, and designed to command attention in a boardroom or a bistro alike.
Central to this aesthetic are the “secretary” accessories that Ratajkowski has popularized over the last several months. In early 2025, she began incorporating “secretary shades”—specifically ruby red or tortoiseshell reading glasses—into her off-duty looks, a move that immediately triggered a 10x spike in searches for vintage eyewear.
These frames, often paired with a sleek, back-clipped hairstyle and a bold red lip, serve as the intellectual anchor of the Office Siren look. By embracing these retro-coded items, Ratajkowski plays with the “librarian-chic” trope, turning what was once considered a “boring” professional necessity into a powerful stylistic statement. This accessorizing strategy is a key component of 2026 power dressing, where the goal is to look “a little too good for the job.”
Footwear in the 2026 Office Siren era has also shifted under Ratajkowski’s influence, moving away from the “dad sneaker” toward more refined, pointed-toe silhouettes. Ratajkowski has been a leading proponent of the kitten-heel revival, often wearing pointed-toe pumps with calf-high black socks or sheer stockings. This combination adds a layer of curated detail to an otherwise simple outfit, such as a knit midi dress or a pencil skirt. Additionally, her frequent use of silver Mary Janes and “ballet-inspired” trainers with tailored slacks highlights a sophisticated mix of comfort and formality. This choice reflects the 2026 trend of “nonchalant attire,” where the power comes from appearing unbothered yet perfectly composed.
The impact of this aesthetic is not just limited to Ratajkowski’s personal wardrobe; it has fundamentally altered the design direction of her own brand, Inamorata, and her high-fashion collaborations. By 2026, Inamorata has expanded its “Office-to-Night” offerings, featuring silk trench coats, pinstripe blazers, and button-down shirts with navel-deep plunges.
Her recent appearances at major fashion events, such as the Calvin Klein and Chopard shows during New York Fashion Week, further solidified the Office Siren as the dominant “Model Off-Duty” uniform. In these settings, she often favors monochrome black ensembles that rely on texture—satin, leather, and sheer knits—to create depth, proving that power dressing in 2026 is less about color and more about the precision of the cut and the confidence of the wearer.
Ultimately, Emily Ratajkowski has defined 2026 power dressing by leaning into the “subversive” elements of femininity. She has spoken openly about the politics of the female body, and her Office Siren aesthetic is an extension of that philosophy. By taking traditional corporate garments and imbuing them with a sense of playfulness and sensuality, she challenges the historical hostility of the workplace toward women’s autonomy.
In the 2026 fashion landscape, the Office Siren isn’t just a look; it is a declaration of control. Ratajkowski’s influence ensures that the modern woman can wear the pinstripes, the glasses, and the heels not because she has to, but because she chooses to own the room on her own terms.
