What do fashion freelancers in Melbourne wear to work?
IMAGE VIA @yung_parched/INSTAGRAM
AS TOLD TO DAISY HENRY
“I’m a black pants and a fun top girl at heart.”
Working in the fashion industry comes with plenty of upsides – the events, the occasional freebies and the wonderful community of creative people. But rest assured, like any other job, there are the inevitable downsides and no one is ever totally immune from the struggle of dressing for work, not even freelancers.
At a glance, working for yourself seems like the dream job. Whether it’s as a photographer shooting fashion events, or a writer typing away at a cafe, every day looks different.
For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.
There’s also typically a greater level of freedom in the fashion industry when it comes to workwear. You might need to look your best one day but by the next, a chic pair of tracksuit pants is considered totally appropriate. There really is no right or wrong.
Whatever your industry, seeing what other people wear to work is always fascinating. So, we put the call out to eight of our favourite fashion freelancers to see what they’re wearing when they clock on.
Amberley Colby, content coordinator and freelance writer
For me, work outfits need to follow a simple formula: comfortable with a point of difference. This is generally provided through colour, shape or texture. On this particular day, we were working in the studio and I was walking around a lot, so I opted for a pair of simple linen shorts and a white T-shirt paired with my new cherry-red cardigan.
Suleiman Thomas, photographer
I thrifted the jacket, shoes and shirt at the same Salvos store in St. Kilda and bought the pants from a friend’s market stall. When getting dressed, my main piece of focus was the jacket and the pants so I decided to go for colours that would compliment the two. I usually focus on one piece when I’m dressing up and build the rest around it.
Genevieve Phelan, publicist and writer
This is a classic me-heading-into-the-office lift shot before a big day on the tools. The top is Camilla and Marc, layered with a Friends with Frank timeless black trench for warmth (hello autumn) and the bottoms are some trusty Vic and Woods trousers. I’m a black pants and a fun top girl at heart.
The bag is a Ganni Bou bag in cherry red and my shoes are from Onitsuka Tiger. Peep the cute Mecca memorabilia tote bag for my laptop and we’re ready to hit the grind running!
Marysel Sousa, studio assistant and freelance writer
Today was a pretty relaxed day at work and my outfit clearly reflects that. I spent half my day working on some writing projects, and the other half rearranging the studio at Front Office for a video I’m filming. I kept it super casual with custom cowboy boots from a leather shop in Bali, Neuw Denim’s Daria jeans (I always go one size up for an extra baggy look) and a Front Office x Umbro jersey.
I’m a bit of a tomboy, so there have been many days in the fashion industry when I’ve felt criminally underdressed. Lucky for me, working for a menswear brand has had the opposite effect!
Charlene Davies, content creator and founder
I work from home, so being comfortable, practical and slightly presentable when I’m at Zoom meetings works the best for me. I’m also a big fan of tracksuits – short, long, Hello Kitty, you name it. They’re extremely comfy and mobility-friendly so I can climb up and down my attic to fetch styling materials and garments needed for work. If I need to take a drive somewhere during the day, I can just get up and go. All my tracksuits are 100 per cent cotton as well. Being sustainable in my comfort zone is important to me.
Sally Mackinnon, personal stylist
Comfort was my priority with a morning of online consultations and then an afternoon client wardrobe edit. I love a matching set and this weather is perfect for a vest and trousers. I feel comfortable and relaxed but equally polished and professional. My suit and lemon top are Tibi and my mesh flats are Country Road.
Lekhena Porter, photographer
On a freelance photo job, I try to look the part while still incorporating a bit of personal style and practicality. A stylist friend of mine (Cecile Huynh) was generous enough to let me borrow this insane Cecilie Bahnsen dress to wear to her wedding and I’m making the most of my time with it, so I outfit repeated while shooting street style at PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival.
My personal style is a bit more casual, so I dressed it down with a messenger bag to carry my camera equipment and some comfy boots for chasing down people I wanted to photograph.
Alexcea Apostolakis, studio assistant and freelance writer
My job looks a little different day to day but it always involves a lot of running around. My go-to is a good pair of lightweight pants with big pockets and comfy (but cute) shoes. Today I went for the Variety Hour Ditto pants in garden stripe (my current favourites) a linen vest for the Melbourne heat, and a little pop of colour with my ballet flats. Oh, and I can’t forget the ultimate office accessory – my MacBook.
For more on dressing for work in creative industries, try this.
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