The work uniforms of 6 Australian and New Zealand creatives
IMAGE VIA @LARAFISHER/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
Business in the front.
Dressing for the office can be a tricky task – particularly when you work in a creative field. Striking the perfect balance between professional, comfortable and contemporary outfits isn’t easy. Self-expression also comes into play – is it one part workwear, two parts personal style? Or vice versa? Also, how do you dress for work when there you’re the one creating the dress code?
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To combat this, many of us fall into – sometimes subconsciously – our own kind of ‘uniform’. Confining our wardrobes to loose limits can help with the decision-making process (especially when you’re incredibly indecisive). Below, six Australian and New Zealand creatives show us their ‘work uniforms’.
Sienna Ludbey, Creative Director at Hello Sisi
Sharing a studio with Sister Studios and working at the shop on Sundays, I always find myself wearing the brand’s pieces. These snap pants are my favourite – so versatile to wear from day to night. This jumper is my favourite piece I’ve bought in a while, it’s vintage Fiorucci from Coco Store. I’ve also been living in this new denim jacket from Sister’s new denim label, Flowers. I like to be comfortable, so it’s always Converse on my feet.
Wynn Crashaw, founder of Wynn Hamlyn
In the Wynn Hamlyn studio, my uniform consists of white T-shirts (hopefully unstained), denim jeans and a rotation of prized sneakers – my current fixation is a pair of the vintage-inspired Adidas Spezial style in blue. My days in the studio are often ‘physical’. I’m often on my feet moving from one station to the next, cutting and sampling, so comfort and practicality are top of mind. If I need to meet with someone, I’ll throw on one of my signature knits and put on some boots to elevate the mood. Overall, my look is 100 per cent relaxed.
Anna Hoang, founder of Anna Quan
A part of my role is very physical. I need to be able to move and bend with ease to ensure the fitting and draping process is on point. My day-to-day outfit is usually comfortable and practical. I often wear a pair of my stretch wool pants teamed with a breathable cotton knit top or a tailored cotton shirt. I tend to add an oversized blazer over the top to complete the look. This versatility allows me to move through a range of tasks and meetings, like fabric appointments or fitting reviews, with style and with ease.
Juliet Souter, founder of Marle
Generally, you’ll find me in an oversized jumper (like our Ari Jumper) with a silk piece on the bottom, like our Isabella Skirt or a pair of relaxed silk trousers. If I want a more structured look, I’d wear something like our Percy Waistcoat (which is launching in August). At Marle, we use only natural fibres and fabrics. Firstly, because it’s a much kinder choice for our planet.
Secondly, because of how natural fibres feel on the skin. Owning and designing for a brand that creates the kind of wardrobe I want to wear also makes getting dressed that much easier. We create effortless, timeless separates. From our Willow Pant to the adored Joni Jumper, Marle pieces are refined, elegant and inherently wearable.
Vanessa Tan, stylist at Pave
As a fashion designer and stylist, I always dress for comfort and ease. The pieces on high rotation are always the quality basics – like knitted tops, silk tanks, shirts and blazers. I invest in these pieces and always use jewellery and accessories to elevate my outfit!
The polo top I’m wearing is by a new Australian brand called Pave. I love how they nail simplicity and comfort with the cut of their jersey tops. They’re made from merino wool, which makes them really soft and trans-seasonal. Though things can get pretty messy in the studio, I still try to dress in relaxed tailored pieces. They make me feel like I can conquer the day ahead.
Lara Fisher, Chief Executive Officer at P0ly Designs
Working in a hands-on creative field means getting dirty most days. I still want to feel good at work with clients popping in, so my ‘work uniform’ is usually shaped around some vintage jeans (my favourites are Levis or ’80s Calvin Kleins) paired with a white tee.
I love the vest trend – it’s a great way to cover up a grout-covered top and pull together a look. I also keep a nice pair of wide-leg trousers in the studio so I can change if going out straight from work. My all-time faves are these super wide Acne trousers, which I’ve had for a lifetime.
For more on dressing for the office, head here.
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