Let’s be honest, we can clearly see a big wave of young working women saying no to old, stereotypical workwear. If you are a regular social media user, you must have seen so many office-wear fit checks, and not even a single one looks like typical formal wear for women.
You know why? Because modern women, particularly Gen Z, are cancelling the old boring workwear for women, and this trend has taken over India. But the question that comes is what type of workwear is ideal for today’s working women. To know why and what type of workwear is trending, keep reading this article, where we will share how an Indian brand’s new way of designing clothes is a perfect example of what new-age women want in their workwear choices.
Walk into any corporate office five years ago, and you will see a sea of uncomfortable women in ill-fitting blazers, struggling with clothes that pinched, pulled and cost a fortune. The “professional” wardrobe was essentially menswear adapted for women, boxy, restrictive, and completely ignoring the fact that women’s bodies are different, and so are their needs.
Indian women in old days had no choice but to spend thousands on western wear brands that barely understood Indian weather or body types, or settle for cheap alternatives that fell apart after a few washes. Both ways, you would end up feeling anything but confident walking into your workplace. So what changed this?
As working women, they have been sold this narrative that professionalism means uncomfortable, that authority requires armor-like blazers and that looking credible costs a fortune. The result? A generation of Indian women is struggling to find their footing in workplaces, while wearing clothes designed for someone else entirely.
You can walk into any corporate office today, and you will notice a quiet revolution. Women are ditching the stiff, expensive “professional” uniform that never quite fit right anyway. They are demanding something different, clothes that work with their bodies, their budgets and their ambitions.
Brands like Zlaata are at the forefront of this change, showing that success in the modern fashion market needs a little understanding of how people want to feel at work. While other brands were still stuck in the “women’s workwear is only smaller men’s clothes” mindset, this brand asked a different question: “What if we design clothes specifically for Indian working women?”
The workwear crisis runs deeper than just bad fits and high prices, though both are real issues. It’s about an entire industry that designed “women’s professional wear” by simply shrinking men’s clothes and adding a few feminine touches. Blazers that gap at the chest, trousers that don’t account for hips, fabrics that cannot withstand Indian humidity, this isn’t just poor design, it’s a fundamental misunderstanding of who’s wearing these clothes.
Indian working women face a unique set of challenges. They are navigating traditional workplace hierarchies while establishing their professional identity. They are dealing with varied climates, from air-conditioned offices to sweltering commutes. Additionally, they are building careers while managing household budgets that don’t always accommodate ₹5000 formal coats that need dry cleaning after every wear.
Here’s where the brands really fail women: the assumption that quality workwear must be expensive. International brands price their pieces as luxury items, while local options often compromise on fabric quality or design. Women are forced to choose between good quality and budget.
This creates a vicious cycle. When workwear is expensive, women buy fewer pieces, leading to that familiar morning struggle of “having nothing to wear” despite owning several work outfits. When it’s cheap but of poor quality, they are constantly replacing pieces, ultimately spending more while never feeling confident in what they are wearing.
Brands like Zlaata recognized this gap early on. By focusing on in-house sourcing and manufacturing, they have managed to create pieces starting at ₹500 that go up to ₹2000 without compromising on quality. It’s not revolutionary technology; it’s simply understanding that empowering clothes shouldn’t be a luxury.
The real innovation happens when brands start designing for real women’s lives. Consider something as simple as fabric choice. Indian working women need materials that breathe in the local train’s humidity, look crisp after a long metro ride, and don’t require special care. They need cuts that flatter different body types without being overly trendy or inappropriate for workplaces.
Zlaata’s approach to this is refreshingly practical. Their color palette is not limited to grey and black; it’s all the shades you can think of, from bold reds to pastels, strikes that perfect balance between professional and personal. These are not colours that disappear into the background or scream for attention; they are colours that say “I belong here” with quiet confidence.
Their design innovations, like flap shoulder waistcoats and mermaid skirts, solve real problems. The waistcoats provide structure and authority without the bulk of traditional blazers. The skirts work perfectly for client meetings while staying comfortable during long workdays. These aren’t fashion statements; they are solutions.
Ultimately, the workwear revolution is about confidence. When clothes fit properly, when they are appropriate for the climate and when they deliver genuine value, women can focus on their work rather than their wardrobe.
This is particularly important for Indian women who are already navigating complex workplace dynamics. The last thing they need is to worry about whether their outfit is making them feel empowered or whether that expensive blazer was worth the money.
The shift we are seeing is not just about fashion; it’s about recognizing that working women deserve clothes designed specifically for their needs, their bodies, and their budgets. Brands like Zlaata recognize this need, designing pieces that deliver confidence, comfort and the freedom to concentrate on what counts.
As more women enter the workforce and climb corporate ladders, the demand for practical, affordable workwear will only grow. The brands that succeed will be those that listen to what women actually need rather than what the fashion industry thinks they should want.
The traditional standards of professional attire are changing. The future of workwear is not about following outdated corporate dress codes; it’s about empowering women to show up as their best selves every day. When getting dressed becomes effortless, everything else becomes possible. For Indian working women, the choice is clear: invest in clothes that actually work for them.
Good taste never goes out of style! Mehreen Hassan at Vogue Vocal is as vocal about all time tried and tested beauty secrets as it can get! The real deal behind a well put together look is the confidence that glows and shines from within! Mehreen is your beauty guru with the nature’s secrets, DIY skincare, and all the trending Beauty products! Let’s learn the dos and don’ts of a skincare routine and let your beautiful personality shine through!
