A week in work outfits with Melbourne artist, Minna Gilligan

“I do value outfits that you don’t have to think too much about.”

Working in a creative role, it can be difficult to know how to dress for the day. Instead of having a set uniform of crisp white shirts and tailored black pants (as much as I love both), an ever-changing schedule means every morning requires a set of questions. Am I running around, or just sitting at my desk? Do I need to dress specifically for a project? And most importantly, will I be in the background of someone’s TikTok?

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Melbourne artist Minna Gilligan‘s work is hard to miss. To say it smacks you right in the face is an understatement; her art is kooky, eclectic and colourful. Ranging from painting, drawing and collage (the latter of which she’s just released a crafting book about), Minna’s artwork is infused with psychedelic energy. Unsurprisingly, her workspace is a reflection of this. Most days are spent working out of her studio, also known as the spare bedroom in her home.

Here, she walks us through what a working week typically looks like, and the outfits she chooses to wear. Expect big practical bags, heavily discounted designer goods and knee-high boots (which she’ll have on until October comes).

Monday

I was working from home on my computer today, but I did have a couple of errands to run when I was finished. I had just received this Helmut Lang dress that I purchased and really wanted to wear it. I bought it for $84 down from $560 or something on The Iconic. I am completely addicted to finding bargains.

Anyway, I literally love it – it’s so comfy but still looks put together. The extended length of the sleeves is really elegant. My bag is by Kate Spade and it’s faux fur. It’s huge and fits every random item I require, as well as my groceries when I forget my reusable bags – which is often.

Tuesday

I had to shoot some content for Habbot today, they are a Melbourne-designed, made-in-Italy shoe company. I am fine at the getting dressed part, but not so good at taking photos (if you know how many pixels the camera on my teen phone had you would understand why this doesn’t come naturally to me). I wanted to wear this Staud dress, as it ha[s] teal colours throughout the floral print which compliment[s] the boots super well. The boots are by Habbot, of course, and they’re literally butter soft – I feel like a lot of people say that, but it’s legit true for these.

Of course, this outfit is a little optimistic for Melbourne winter, if I were to venture outdoors I would probably layer up with my Stand Studio coat (worn on Friday too!). Fortunately, I was home today – and for complete transparency, after I took the pictures and videos I needed to, I did get changed into my Ugg boots and ugly comfy clothes.

Wednesday

I had a day in my studio today, which is at home in our spare bedroom. I worked on some content videos to promo[te] my new book Collage Kit: A Cut and Create Book. I was making collages from images in the book and filming myself doing that, which doesn’t sound like work – and it’s kind of not, due to how enjoyable it is for me. I’m wearing a winter staple of mine, [a] Kuwaii a-line mini skirt.

The other staple that also features today is my Alias Mae black knee-high boots. I love these boots – they are super comfortable and keep their shape which I really like. The slight angle on the top of the boot is a cute detail that elevates them a bit. The jumper is from a couple of years ago and it’s by Shrimps. It’s so warm – almost *too* warm!

Thursday

I work part-time at the art magazine Art Guide Australia, so I was in the office there today. My Kuwaii skirt was out again, like all winter, I just wear… black tights and my Alias Mae boots, then alternate the top or jumper. I do value outfits that you don’t have to think too much about.

My shirt is from Rixo a few years ago. Leopard print is something I don’t feel ever ages, but that could just be me and my associations with it; I could be looking suuuuper dated right now! I did put on a black cardigan to keep me cosy in the office, but I drove to and from work so didn’t need anything super heavy-duty.

Friday

I was working from home today, so I didn’t get too dolled up. But my husband and I like to go to the pub on a Friday night for an end-of-week catch-up and debrief so I kept that in mind when getting dressed. We usually get a table outside under the heaters at the Great Northern or The Napier, but it’s still a requirement to rug up.

I’m wearing a Ganni dress and a coat by Stand Studio. I bought it on sale from The Outnet. It’s super warm and I love the maroon lining and trim. The necklace I bought at Savers; it’s a 1990s/early 2000s vintage piece from a shop called Urban Angel. Fittingly, I ended the week in my Alias Mae boots – I may as well just go to bed with them on until October.

For more of Mina’s looks, follow her on Instagram here.