Australian creatives style a wardrobe piece they never wear
IMAGE VIA @diandra.allysse/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
Giving lesser-worn garments their time to shine.
There are two types of people in this world: those who can easily let go of clothing and those who can’t. For the latter category, the decision to keep or pass on a garment can feel like a real, life-altering choice. What if my style changes? Is there any chance I could need this in winter? How do I know I won’t be suddenly invited to an obscure costume party?
Then – when you inevitably decide you have to keep the item – it sits in your wardrobe until the process repeats. And while I’m admittedly guilty of succumbing to this cycle myself, it’s time for us wardrobe-hoarders to change our ways. As Marie Kondo says, if it doesn’t ‘spark joy’, it’s time to let it go. Preferably to a secondhand store, so it doesn’t contribute to the ever-growing clothing landfill.
For more on slow fashion, head to our Fashion vertical.
If it does make you happy, wear it! Exercise your creative muscles by stepping outside of your comfort zone and ‘shopping’ your own wardrobe. To spark some styling inspiration (and joy), seven Australian fashion lovers show us a wardrobe piece they never wear.
Zoe Crow, founder of Ocray44
One fateful day, I splurged out and spent way too much on this beautiful Paula Canovas Del Vas blue mesh top. Unfortunately, the very blue top has been intimidating me for a while… and collecting dust in the process.
For this look, I’ve dragged the top out of the archives and styled it with a vintage pleated charcoal skit, a vintage Balenciaga city bag, Asics Gel-Aurania Kiko Kostadinov shoes, a Surfe Placid necklace, very blue stocks and very blue nails to match. I love the cohesiveness and comfortability of this outfit. I’m glad this beautiful top is finally getting the airtime it deserves.
Michelle Kanaan, content creator
This white blazer from Tigermist has been sitting untouched in my closet for months. I tend to gravitate more towards bright colours – or the complete opposite for an all-black moment – so this piece presented a challenge. I paired it with one of my favourite pieces in my wardrobe right now, which is my vintage leather vest from Saints and Sinners Vintage.
Wearing the blazer with something I love definitely sparked a new appreciation in me. I’m also wearing a pair of black thrifted pants and a tank top from amazing small businesses on Depop, Dream Girl Jewels. I’ve accessorised with a red leather tie my friend Tianya thrifted for me, some white sneakers from Itno Footwear and a hat I bleached myself.
Eboni Coniglio, content creator
One of my fave pieces in my collection is this super fluffy super cropped jacket from Somewhere Nowhere. It’s a small business that makes the cutest statement pieces. I’m just obsessed! I’ve paired it with my Dyspnea Snugsuit and some secondhand knee-high boots.
I’m really into wearing pieces that contrast in style at the moment. The cutesy fabrics and colours in this look clash with the grungier corset and boots. I feel like everything comes together to make the look stand out, which is always the goal!
Tianya Huang, content creator
Wearing new clothing might impress those around you, but when you style an outfit out of older pieces you’ve previously overlooked, you impress yourself. For this little project, I wanted to start with an item I’d only worn a few times many years ago. It’s this bright yellow Raf Simons asymmetrical tee.
It was a gift from my partner, back when my style leaned more towards looser-fitting and oversized silhouettes. I tended to wear a lot less colour back then, and the fit was quite long on a short torso like mine. And because I’m a sentimental hoarder, I’ve accumulated a fair bit of unworn clothing in my life. For the remainder of this look, I challenged myself to pick out pieces I hadn’t worn in at least a year.
I dug out my gorg Kowai Girls tartan pants and an Issey Miyake jacket to secure around my hips and break up the length of the tee. I then accessorised the house down boots because I wanted this look to be super campy and fun, like Fruits Mag vibes.
Then I added my pleather tie choker, fishnet gloves, arm warmers, a faux crystal and pearl body chain, Cheep Store earrings and this bootleg Gucci bag I picked up from some random little op shop.
Diandra Allyssë, model and content creator
Technically they’re not items of clothing, but I’ve always avoided wearing my natural hair and anything that shows my shoulders. I’m trying to wear my afro out more and learning to love all parts of myself. It’s easier to do when I’m wearing a cute outfit, like this one!
Ruby Staley, writer and content creator
Although it got caught up in the ‘micro-trend’ scene of 2020, I still absolutely adore my House of Sunny Peggy Cardi and I’m disappointed with how infrequently I wear it. With removable fluff and a relaxed fit, it’s a truly versatile piece. But because of its oversaturation online, I just don’t reach for it.
Considering what I paid for it though, I really need to make more of an effort to style it this winter. Here I’m wearing it buttoned asymmetrically and paired with my Sleeping With Jacques maxi skirt, RAQ crop and Converses for a cute, casual and comfy vibe.
Cyler Weinert, stylist and content creator
I found this handmade skirt in the Shag store on Chapel street three years ago. I love the gentle, creamy look of the pastels and the texture of the soft tulle. When I’m styling, I try to push the limits of masculine and feminine within the same look – and this skirt really allows me to play with that. It’s giving ‘I’ve got ballet at six and a bank robbery at eight’.
For more wardrobe styling inspiration, head here.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
