Corporate Chic: How To Dress Like The Iconic Elaine Benes From 'Seinfeld'

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In a world where corpcore has become one of the most used terms when it comes to fashion, there is no way I can't bring the iconic character of Elaine Benes from Seinfeld to the conversation. I'm currently rewatching Seinfeld, and pick out any episode, her outfits never not hit differently. Should I laugh? Should I keep staring at those blazers? I have been successfully unbalancing the two during my Netflix and Snack sessions. Those flared floral skirts, sheer layers, glasses, and power suits, boy she ate and left no crumbs with those hip librarian yet corporate chic fits. Started in '89 and ended in '98, we have got a little glimpse of the late 80s and major moodboard inspiration of the entire 90s fashion, which is obviously coming back in the lines of relaxed suiting and demure dressing, as seen in 2025 fashion weeks.

In case you are unfamiliar with the show, first, please watch it (it's one epic sitcom), and second, check out my highly-curated list of all Elaine Benes outfits you can cop on a whim!

Pro-Tip: LBB Crew Puts Together The Perfect Work Ensembles For You

Long Blazer + Lace Skirt

Long blazers have become one of the must-grab clothing items in the corporate universe. The sleek, elongated silhouette really justifies the whole boss-girl era and when paired with something unusually classic like a lace skirt, you ought to be best-dressed. The fit would flatter most body types and there is always a potential for layering. And, of course, who can ignore those tights and heels!

Pro-Tip: 8 Types Of Blazers To Have In Your Wardrobe

Cider Collar Solid Button Split Blazer

Cider Collar Solid Button Split Blazer

8499
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Forever New Lara Petite Lace Mini Skirt

Forever New Lara Petite Lace Mini Skirt

4800
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A Double-Breasted Wrap Dress

There is no denying the fact that picking up a dress for an office party is more perplexing than a late-night dinner plan. So, I'm just going to follow in the footsteps of Elaine. An anti-basic minimal dress with double-breasted coverage can sort you out for most occasions. It's classy, it's chic, it's everything you want it to be, considering how versatile it is. 

Forever New Wine Solid Full Sleeves Mini Dress

Forever New Wine Solid Full Sleeves Mini Dress

8600
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Forever New Signature Maven Pearl Drop Earrings

Forever New Signature Maven Pearl Drop Earrings

1400
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A Classic Denim On Denim

Perfect for transitional weather, there is no way a closet can flourish without denim in it. A denim jacket is a core classic that has seen so many decades in the fashion world and right now, oversized ones are booming like no other. I love how effortlessly cool (and happy) Elaine looks in it, with a cool black tee and basic denim jeans to compliment the overall look!

Pro-Tip: 7 Denim Jacket Outfit Ideas

The Souled Store Originals Denim Stardust Women Blue Jacket

The Souled Store Originals Denim Stardust Women Blue Jacket

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Off Duty India Not Your Daddy's Straight Leg Jeans-Light Blue

Off Duty India Not Your Daddy's Straight Leg Jeans-Light Blue

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Blazer + Floral Skirt

The most repeated style of Elaine on Seinfeld: A fitted blazer with a knee-length floral skirt. The fit just got changed in colours and minor cuts here and there throughout the show, so there is no way I would have skipped out on this one. And the fact that she wore it mostly with white knit socks (super-duper 90s) and sneakers just made it a whole lot cuter!

Globus Beige Notch Lapel Stretchable Curved Hem Open Front Blazer

Globus Beige Notch Lapel Stretchable Curved Hem Open Front Blazer

3299
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Cider Middle Waist Floral Maxi Skirt

Cider Middle Waist Floral Maxi Skirt

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For Leather Weather

For when you want to look badass at work, this outfit shall stay unskippable now and forever. I personally loved those Seinfeld seasons when Elaine decided to keep her curls loose. She looked like someone who you would want to have in your circle. This fit, especially, blew my mind because I had never thought of pairing my leather jacket with a shirt. I mean, crop tops, yes, but never a shirt. Just a Cuban cigar and great curls to channel her energy to the max!

Forever New Heidi Pu Biker Jacket

Forever New Heidi Pu Biker Jacket

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The Souled Store Solids Blue Stripes Cotton Women Boyfriend Shirt

The Souled Store Solids Blue Stripes Cotton Women Boyfriend Shirt

1699
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A Monochrome Formal Fit

The late-90s Elaine has my heart, all of it. From her hairstyle (curtain bangs!!) to her formalwear to her overall aura, her character looks unparalleled. It is a gentle reminder to the present and upcoming generations that a blazer-skirt-stockings combo is not just a want, it is a need. 

Styli Off White Solid Long Sleeve Mini Blazer Dress

Styli Off White Solid Long Sleeve Mini Blazer Dress

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Allen Solly Women Cream Solid Casual Skirt

Allen Solly Women Cream Solid Casual Skirt

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Flower Power: A Floral Dress

Spring or no, Elaine and florals were inseparable. And looking at her outfits, I understand how you can wear florals even when the temperature drops. But this red one, in particular, caught my eyes like no other. Maybe it's the print or the hint of white here and there, or both along with the collar and silhouette, everything is right where it is supposed to be!

Cider V-Neck Ditsy Floral Knotted Midi Dress

Cider V-Neck Ditsy Floral Knotted Midi Dress

4199
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Carlo Romano Women Suede Leather Loafers Brown

Carlo Romano Women Suede Leather Loafers Brown

4800
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Printed Vest + Peter Pan Blouse

Another workwear outfit inspo from Elaine Benes that did not miss is this one. It's yet another combo that I never thought would look good until I saw her and was like "Yes, that's what we need." The blouse has half sleeves and a Peter Pan collar in a pretty pink hue that is set together with a collarless vest with paisleys all over. While I could not find the exact pieces, the ones I attached do just fine, promise!

Style Quotient Women Solid Light Pink Polycotton Smart Casual Shirt

Style Quotient Women Solid Light Pink Polycotton Smart Casual Shirt

1599
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Rareism Multi-Color Printed Houndstooth Waist Coat

Rareism Multi-Color Printed Houndstooth Waist Coat

2999
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Oversized Coat + Victorian Blouse

The feminine details like the knife pleats and the breezy fit make Victorian blouses my ultimate favourites. And if you are not very cheery about those heavy frills and embroidered collars then the one that Elaine wore is something you might like. Plus, she paired it with an oversized coat in a contrasting shade which is definitely the idea worth writing on a sticky note and pasting it on your wardrobe. 

NA-KD Pleated Round Neck Blouse - Cream

NA-KD Pleated Round Neck Blouse - Cream

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Twenty Dresses by Nykaa Fashion Beige Solid Lapel Collar Full Sleeves Midi Overcoat

Twenty Dresses by Nykaa Fashion Beige Solid Lapel Collar Full Sleeves Midi Overcoat

6795
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Schiffli Shirt + Overcoat

Another winter outfit inspo that you can easily recreate is this one with the most classic overcoat. Schiffli or eyelet blouses have been making waves again since last year and they are most probably going to be with us this summer as well. Nevertheless, it is a piece worth having. And we recommend keeping the shirt buttoned to the top for the perfect media-savvy vibe. 

Only White Schiffli Shirt

Only White Schiffli Shirt

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FableStreet Beige Double Trench Coat with Belt

FableStreet Beige Double Trench Coat with Belt

7395
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An All-Black Power Suit

I hardly believe that there is any other colour in the world that can take away the pleasure and impact of wearing all black. Elaine in a black suit with red lips and curly hair is absolutely unbeatable. In fact, this slay-worthy combination is in general unbeatable. The fact that she completed her outfit with that luxe-looking necklace? Wow, consider me swooned. 

VOLCAPE Chicago Black Co-Ord (Set of 2)

VOLCAPE Chicago Black Co-Ord (Set of 2)

9490
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Priyaasi Drop Design Ad Silver Plating Necklace with Drop Earrings Jewellery Set

Priyaasi Drop Design Ad Silver Plating Necklace with Drop Earrings Jewellery Set

6995
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Sailor-Collar Blazer + Jeans

The last inspo, and I'm sure it's no surprise that it's in context with a blazer as well. But what makes it stand out is the sailor collar element. And I know, I know, there is less to no possibility of finding the exact blazer, but you can easily DIY it by pairing your pink blazer with sheer foulards or any short white scarf. All this set together with jeans will be a semi-formal perfection! 

Forever New Chris Nipped Waist Pink Blazer

Forever New Chris Nipped Waist Pink Blazer

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FREAKINS 90'S Good Straight Jeans

FREAKINS 90'S Good Straight Jeans

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A literature and fashion grad who is powered by mitochondria and mocha. With almost 4 years of experience in writing all things fun, this is your spot for the top-notch recs!