Sightings & Scoops

Starbucks Baristas Just Got a Wardrobe Update — Here’s Why It’s Stirring the Pot

Public Visionary

15 Apr 2025 — 2 min read

Courtesy of Starbucks

Starting May 12, Starbucks baristas across North America are trading in their colorful fits for a sleeker, more uniform vibe — and fans have feelings. The coffee giant just announced a revamped dress code as part of its latest glow-up, and yes, the green apron is staying front and center.

Back to Basics, But Make It Barista-Core

The new dress code? Solid black tops (think crewnecks, polos, or button-ups) paired with black, denim, or khaki bottoms. It's giving: “I’m here to serve espresso, not express myself.” But to sweeten the deal, every partner (aka employee) gets two free branded shirts on the house.

This isn’t just a fashion flex — it’s part of a bigger movement called Back to Starbucks, a CEO-led effort to bring the brand back to its cozy, community-rooted roots. Think less “fast coffee chain” and more “neighborhood café where they remember your name.”

From Mugs to Mood

This dress code update isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s paired with other throwback moves like:

The return of ceramic mugs for in-store drinks 🧡
Self-serve condiment bars making a comeback (hello, cinnamon shaker!)
Free refills for dine-in customers (yep, everyone gets that perk now)

It’s all about turning the coffee run into more of a vibe — one where customers are encouraged to slow down, sip, and stay awhile.

Fans Are Split Like a Mocha Frappe

Some fans are here for it: “I kinda love the more polished look, it feels classic Starbucks again,” one Redditor wrote. But not everyone’s on board. Critics (and some baristas) are raising eyebrows over the sudden uniformity and added pressure to maintain a strict look, especially in such a hands-on job.

Let’s be real — when you're racing the morning rush with oat milk lattes flying left and right, the last thing you want is a collar check.

Why It Matters: The Green Apron Era

This change is bigger than just fashion. It’s about Starbucks reclaiming its visual identity. By stripping back the noise, the green apron gets to shine as the main character again — a symbol of consistency, comfort, and caffeinated joy.

So next time you stroll into a Starbucks and notice the matching fits, know this: it’s not just a style switch, it’s a strategy.

Kylie x Timmy Hit the Town Post-Knicks Win — Are We Finally in Their Public Era?

Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet just scored a win — again — for the Knicks and maybe for their situationship status. After watching the New York Knicks take down the Indiana Pacers 111-94 at Madison Square Garden, the duo rolled right into a cozy NYC dinner date — still in their matching Knicks

Justin Timberlake And Jessica Biel Look Cute Together After A Tumultuous Year

This Is What We Call: Lovebirds Justin Timberlake closed the final date of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour on a high note during his BottleRock Napa Valley debut — but it wasn’t just the music that had fans screaming. It was the t-shirts. Specifically, his t-shirt... and hers. Backstage at

Jennifer Lopez Just Took Broadway by Storm — and Stole the Show

When Jennifer Lopez steps out, it’s always a moment — but Monday night’s appearance at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre was a full-on serve. The pop icon turned up for Ring Them Bells: A Birthday Celebration for John Kander, a one-night-only concert honoring the legendary Broadway composer’s 98th birthday.

Amado Vargas Scores a Knockout and a Calabasas Flex — The Dynasty’s Dripping in W’s

After Amado Vargas delivered a savage 4th-round KO against Gonzalo Gaston Coria, the post-fight celebration wasn’t just champagne and high-fives — it was a full-blown Calabasas flex. Amado hit The Commons with his little bro, Emiliano Vargas, and let’s just say... the vibes were full-on dynasty mode. The Vargas