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Hey, I Like Your Style! Inside the wardrobe of art director, marketing consultant and model, Mon Barton

IMAGE VIA @MONS.MONDAY/INSTAGRAM

WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT

“Also remember that when people stare, most of the time it’s because they’re checking you out, not judging you.”

We know personal style is a journey (I’m looking at you, Tumblr years), so we’ve introduced a new series Hey, I Like Your Style! diving into the fashion psyche of our favourite creatives. We’re talking the good, the bad and the 2007.

While the internet has made our fashion icons feel closer than ever before, even the most effortless of outfits came from a closet with some (well-dressed) skeletons. Clickable product tags, photo archives and lives chronicled in 30-second clips just don’t tell the full story.


For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.


These are the stories behind the wardrobes, exploring how we develop our own personal style. There’s a brilliance behind the way we choose to express ourselves and at FJ, we know every outfit has a story.

This week, we’re stepping into the eclectic Melbourne wardrobe of multitalented creative and model, Mon Barton. A friend to some of the city’s best-loved stylists and designers, Mon’s style fuses local favourites with high-end luxury and op shop finds.

Moving effortlessly between oversized pantsuits and silky slips, Mon uses fashion to play with the modern notions of femininity. Leaning into the ‘men’s section’ lead her to a breakthrough in her style journey, coupled with an important realisation. “It turns out that most of the time, people are too busy worrying about themselves to judge your outfit.”

Who are you and what do you like to wear?

 

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A post shared by Mon (@mons.monday)


My name’s Mon, I’m 26 and I’m a marketing consultant, art director and model. When it comes to getting dressed, I undulate between being masculine and feminine. I’m literally always thinking about what I have in my wardrobe and how I can wear it differently the next day.

What has your style evolution looked like? Do you feel like you’ve gained confidence in the way you dress?

I grew up being so fixated on showing off my body when it came to styling and getting dressed. That stemmed from deep-rooted insecurity, a lack of self-love and an inability to feel truly comfortable. I remember when I started seeing quite feminine women wearing what you’d typically call ‘masculine’ clothing.

I was so stoked to see this because I had always obsessed over men’s fashion and really envied the outfits they got to wear – and yet never felt like I was ‘allowed’ to wear their clothes. I remember reflecting on a thought: when you see someone on the street and adore what they’re wearing (whether it be super simple or extremely extra) you’re just in total awe, not judging them.

So one day I just started trawling op shops for men’s shirts, blazers and pants, because that realisation made me so comfortable with dressing however I want, whenever I want. It turns out that most of the time, people are too busy worrying about themselves to judge your outfit.

Personal style is a journey. Have you ever felt like you needed to fit into a particular fashion box?

 

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Oh yeah, this has been a big one for me. I’ve literally always had this belief that you have to have an iconic style, and stick to it. I think this developed because I always pedestaled older figures who had really distinguishable, solid aesthetics. For me, this planted the idea that in order to ‘know yourself’ sartorially, you have to commit to one style.

As time has passed, leaning into expressing myself in so many different ways through my style has helped me come into myself more. Some days I feel like prancing around in my little prairie dress and some days I wanna wear my Jordans, jeans four sizes too big for me and a blazer. So I should!

Take us back to those awkward teenage years. Do you have any fashion regrets?

Far out, I wish I could dig up the archives for you! Let’s just put it this way – I was the second in charge at Supré when I was 16.

What are the most expensive and least expensive items in your wardrobe?

 

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Most expensive would be my two (soon to be three) Frisson Knits, archival Comme Des Garcons pieces and my Acne items. The least would be my staple singlets. I’m sorry but the Target kids section does the best singlet cuts I’ve ever come across.

What is the most meaningful fashion piece you own?

Honestly, some of the best pieces in my wardrobe are from the op shop. I absolutely love the uniqueness of second-hand shopping and I think for me,  those pieces hold such sentimental value. When you go op-shopping, you put in work.

I’m a very serious op shopper and have put hours into trawling through my favourite stores, looking for particular colours, cuts, shapes and brands. It’s a part-time job that totally pays off.

Do you take your style inspiration from anywhere or anyone in particular?

 

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Oh, 100 per cent! No aspects of my style are original – but is anything anymore? I go between super simple and sleek, clean outfits with block colour or neutral palettes and very rogue, colourful fun fits that are a nod to past eras and trends.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to get out of their fashion comfort zone?

Always remember one thing… your anxiety and insecurities are lying to you! You won’t ever look bad in something if you wear it with confidence. Back yourself, trust that first internal voice that told you to put that outfit on. Also remember that when people stare, most of the time it’s because they’re checking you out, not judging you.

What are the wardrobe items you wear on repeat?

 

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A post shared by Mon (@mons.monday)


My Filippa K Hutton trousers, Helmut Lang double seamless bra top, Adidas x Human Made firebird trackies, Tony Bianco knee-high boots, white Super Birkis, and – of course – my Frisson Knits.

See more of Mon’s killer looks here.

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