Hey, I Like Your Style! Inside the wardrobe of Sydney-based content creator, Joely Malcolm
IMAGE VIA @JOELYMALCOLM/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“I think my confidence actually came from the way I dress.”
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 delving into the eclectic wardrobe of Sydney content creator, Joely Malcolm. Describing her aesthetic as somewhere between “Bratz doll and an eight-year-old boy”, Joely’s wardrobe takes cues from street style and internet culture (yes, she did have a Tumblr phase). A lover of colourful prints and kitschy details, Joely’s favourite pieces are personal – like a one-of-one skirt from a local designer, and her grandad’s well-loved black trench coat. Scroll on for her style journey.
Who are you and what do you like to wear?
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Hiya! I’m Joely and I’m a content creator from Sydney. I like wearing whatever makes me feel good! I think I sit somewhere on the line between the style of a Bratz doll and an eight-year-old boy.
What has your style evolution looked like? Do you feel like you’ve gained confidence in the way you dress?
I think my confidence actually came from the way I dress! Growing up, my parents gave me full control of how I dressed because they saw how happy it made me, so I’ve been clashing prints and making poor fashion choices since I was a toddler.
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There were definitely moments in my journey that shaped the way I dress now – specifically the Tumblr era and everything that came with it. My style inspos at the time were Effy Stonem and Orion Carloto, which I honestly still think you can see in my style! I grew up not fitting in, so this was the first time I felt like I belonged somewhere and met people who had strong personal style and similar interests as me.
As much as I love to preach personal style, I definitely had a big micro-trend moment in 2020/2021, where I tried to fit in with bright colours and marble prints. I felt so uncomfortable the whole time as I knew it wasn’t me, but it’s hard to drop something when you’re praised for it online!
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As much as I look back on that time and cringe, I am grateful for it because without it I would have never snapped into the style I have now, which I think is somewhere in between it all. Right now I don’t really think I have a specific ‘style’, I just wear what I feel like on the day. Sometimes I feel like being a flower fairy, and other days I feel like dressing like a little boy in a sports uniform.
Personal style is a journey. Have you ever felt like you needed to fit into a particular fashion box?
Of course! High school was a very hard time for me. I was the only kid at my school that dressed the way I did, and the other kids made sure I was aware of it. I wore a uniform so I would do what I could to show my personal style (hairstyles, shoes, etc) and some kids thought it was fun to point out how ‘weird’ that was to them.
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There were a few times I would come home from school, cry and think about giving up and fitting in, but I’m grateful those feelings were fleeting. I was so lucky to have external friends and my family who reminded me that my style is a huge part of what makes me feel like myself, and I am so grateful they did! Who knows what I’d be like now?
Take us back to those awkward teenage years. Do you have any fashion regrets?
Oh god, do I? Just because I loved the Tumblr era doesn’t mean it was kind to me all the time! Jeffrey Campbell Lolitas with LONG jet-black hair (with blonde roots, lol) was never for me, but I tried my best!
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I also had a ‘boho’ phase in early high school which was rough (think Spell knockoffs with knee-high gladiator sandals). I don’t really see these moments as regrets though, as they were crucial points in my fashion journey!
What are the most expensive and least expensive items in your wardrobe?
Most of the items I wear are under $10 as I mostly shop at op shops, however, my $5 crochet patch jeans are coming to mind! My most expensive item would be my Tabi ballet flats which I found in the Ssense sale after a long time hunting, but the cost per wear on these is already pretty low so I think it was a great investment.
What is the most meaningful fashion piece you own?
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I have two! The most sentimental piece I have is a black trench coat which was my grandfather’s, which I wear almost every day. My custom Hydra Opia skirt is another one, because when I think of my change from microtrends to really honing in on my personal style that is the pivotal moment! Plus the Aquarius in me loves owning something that only I have, lol.
Who or what influences your style?
My friends mostly! I’m lucky to have gorgeous creatives with amazing style around me who constantly inspire me and push my brain. I’m partial to a Pinterest scroll – my algorithm really gets me! I also love looking at creatives online who I think have similar styles to me or where I want to be. Faves ATM are Linmick and Chantelle Thach!
What fashion piece are you saving for right now?
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I was saving for but actually just purchased the Pics Top from Lirika Matoshi! I’ve been thinking about it for so long, so I bit the bullet. I think some vintage Roberto Cavalli jeans I saw on Depop will be next for me if someone doesn’t get them first!
What are the wardrobe items you wear on repeat?
I have a much smaller wardrobe than people think, so everything gets repeated! In saying that, at the moment it’s my Tony Bianco motorcycle boots, silver Permanent Vacation hobo bag that fits everything, Sister Studios Heaven Hoodie, vintage baby face tees, Gotham tanks and of course, my Hydra Opia plaid skirt. Not to mention my KazMexico jewellery I designed which I wear every day, even if I’m just at home!
Who are your favourite local designers?
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I have so many but off the top of my head, I think Ramp Tramp Tramp Stamp, Nicol and Ford, Youkhana and Ouse World are the brands I am stalking on IG the most right now… they all give me very queer and ethereal energy which I just adore!
You can follow Joely for more here.
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