Where offices once echoed with the sound of polished leather shoes and were filled with tailored suits and pressed shirts, today paints a very different picture. Increasingly, jeans, sneakers, hoodies, and casual blazers have become the norm. While the transition to a more relaxed office style had already begun, the COVID-19 pandemic acted as a major accelerator. With employees working from home, many discovered the comfort of informal clothing a habit that stuck.
This trend isn’t limited to creative industries where casual wear has long been accepted. Even traditional strongholds like banks and consulting firms are embracing the shift. A recent survey by Dutch broadcaster NOS shows that dress codes across a wide range of sectors have become more relaxed, offering greater freedom and room for personal style.
The impact of remote work
At the height of the pandemic, over half of the Dutch workforce was working from home for the majority of the week. Even after the crisis, hybrid working remains the norm. With fewer days in the office, employees place greater importance on comfort when they do commute in. As a result, the definition of “appropriate attire” has evolved. The line between workwear and leisurewear has blurred and that’s reflected in what people wear to the office.
“At our office, the average age is 34, so workplace fashion naturally adapts to societal trends,” a KPMG spokesperson explains. ING and Rabobank report similar shifts. At ING, dress codes vary by team some still prefer suits, others opt for sneakers and hoodies. Rabobank observes the same trend: “Spend an hour by our coffee bar and you’ll see a colorful mix of hoodies, jeans, suits with sneakers and often no tie in sight.”
Sneakers as the new office staple
Over the past decade, sneakers have become the go-to office footwear. Once dominated by leather brogues and oxfords, today’s workplace favors comfort and style. Paul te Grotenhuis from Inretail, a Dutch retail industry association, explains: “Everyone finds them comfortable. I expect they’re here to stay.”
This “sneakerization” of the office is not just a fashion trend it’s also culturally embedded in the Netherlands. With many employees commuting by bike, sneakers are far more practical than formal shoes. Businesses are responding accordingly: Rabobank notes a wide range of footwear styles, from boots to high-tops, with just one caveat no flip-flops.
Still, some unspoken rules remain. Sneakers should be clean and neutral in color to maintain a professional appearance. Bright, flashy, or worn-out shoes are still deemed inappropriate in more formal settings. The balance between comfort and credibility remains essential.
Jeans as the foundation of business casual
Alongside sneakers, jeans have become a staple of the modern office wardrobe. Dark, straight-cut jeans are now seen as the cornerstone of a smart casual look. Fashion outlets like Glamour and GentlemanWithin recommend pairing them with a crisp shirt, a blazer, and sleek shoes or minimalist sneakers.
Today, Dutch office fashion is all about balance: comfortable yet polished. While a hoodie and jeans might come across as too casual, a well-cut blouse or structured jacket can elevate the look. The key lies in choosing clothes that reflect both the organizational culture and client expectations.
Generational differences and style preferences
Younger generations especially Gen Z are bringing new energy and style preferences to the workplace. They intentionally prioritize both comfort and self-expression. Think oversized blazers, wide-leg trousers, sneakers, or even ballet flats often inspired by TikTok trends. But that doesn’t mean their look is sloppy. On the contrary, many are keenly aware that appearance plays a role in professionalism.
A study by The Accountables reveals that 39% of accountants have a positive view of workplace casualization. For them, comfortable clothing fosters more relatable client interactions. That said, a minority still associates formal dress with reliability and authority. Ultimately, the choice between casual and formal often comes down to personal identity and the professional context.
Formal wear still has its place
Despite the overall move toward informality, certain situations still call for a polished look. Client meetings, presentations, and key appointments remain occasions where a suit or formal outfit is expected. KPMG puts it clearly: “With one client, jeans and sneakers are perfectly fine. With another, a suit is still expected.”
International etiquette experts echo this sentiment: casual attire is acceptable as long as it’s intentional. Clothing choices should be thoughtful and context-aware. A well-groomed appearance with attention to detail remains a cornerstone of professional credibility.
Even at the highest levels, norms are shifting. As Paul te Grotenhuis points out, “Even the Prime Minister is sometimes seen without a tie something unthinkable ten years ago.”
Casual with a nod to the classic
Today’s workplace is undeniably more casual but that doesn’t mean style or professionalism has been sacrificed. On the contrary: where strict dress codes once ruled, there’s now room for personal expression within professional boundaries. Sneakers and jeans are the new office classics when styled appropriately. Dress is no longer a one-size-fits-all rulebook, but a reflection of company culture, generational shifts, function, and context.
The takeaway? Wear what fits yourself, your team, and the situation. Because whether you show up in sneakers, a blazer, or both, professionalism isn’t just about what you wear it’s about how you wear it.
