7 Australian creatives share their best mood-boosting outfits for ‘off’ days
IMAGE VIA @alishayi/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY Genevieve Phelan
Fashion as a mood-altering force.
You’re in a stroppy mood on a random Tuesday, preparing to stomp to the office and embark on a long day of tedious tasks. Maybe you copped a flat tire last night and realised there was no oat milk in the fridge this morning, before discovering you never put that washing in the dryer.
This is where the trajectory can go in one of two ways: crisis activation or self-induced revelation. The last thing you want at this particular moment is to catch your reflection in a tram window and feel uninspired by the ensemble you put on that morning. The despondent vibe can be heightened by a lacklustre outfit or turned around if you’ve deceived yourself by looking fabulous.
Looking for more fashion news and features? Head to our Fashion section.
While recently constructing outfits for long, meetings-heavy work days, I realised the power a pair of Tony Bianco knee-high boots and my new Cos heatmap top can have. When I wear my Friends with Frank trench coat or a shimmery, structured On Parks blazer, I feel significantly more powerful than when I lean into my gremlin energy and don activewear for the office.
Don’t get me wrong, the latter is often necessary and I am a huge advocate for having your sloth days. But when push comes to shove on a low-mood morning, there’s a transformative impact that comes with a go-to glory outfit.
I’ve been contemplating what my default look would be on a ‘meh’ day and thought I’d brief a few other Australian creatives on the same conundrum. What’s interesting to note is that colour is vital to some, monochrome is necessary for others and a couple of people prioritise cornerstone wardrobe pieces that personify who they are. Here are the ways people utilise fashion as a form of self-therapy.
Alice Carrett, Head of Communications at Hatrik House
I am a big advocate for always dressing more formally than you need to – wear the pearls and the blazer! Particularly if you are having an off day or are travelling (sweatpants in an airport are a huge no), there is nothing that can make you feel more together and ready for the day than a good, polished outfit. In a work context, I love wearing suiting pieces that are comfortable (yet meeting appropriate) and still fun for knockoff drinks with the team.
Here, I am wearing an Acne Studios blazer and one-shoulder vest, a Deadly Ponies bag, thrifted black cigarette pants, rings from Anna Marrone and my grandma, bangles from Lucy Folk and Zara flats. I try to buy everything secondhand when I can, though Acne sales are my investment season every year.
Clarissa Harris, Managing Director of True Tribe and business consultant
I make a conscious effort to step it up in the wardrobe department on the days I’m feeling down. It must be stylish and comfy (which isn’t always an easy combo), so when I see something I like, I’ll get it in all the colours. Today, I’m wearing a sheer collared shirt from my favourite local label Kloke – it’s the perfect office-to-bar top.
My boots are from Camper. I don’t know what it is but when I wear heels, my mind feels sharper and less sluggish. For a hit of dopamine dressing, I’ve added a pop of colour with this cosy McIntyre blue skirt from Keoma. A coloured lip and jewellery are an instant cheer-me-up and these drop earrings are by my best friend’s label Mass.
Alicia Millan, Founder of Aletheia & Phos
I always wear a pop of colour, especially when I’m feeling meh or it’s my day off. Blue is my jam – it makes me feel grounded, calm and happy. I dress for comfort and really consider what I purchase because it has to work back with the rest of my wardrobe. I’m obsessed with a hot pair of slacks and wear them most days (these Marle ones are lightweight and 100 per cent wool), and I love a super oversized denim jacket that I can layer thermals and knits under in winter.
The blue daisy patches on my Marni jacket sent me to the moon. Even if I’m chilling at home, I’ll have big earrings on. Earrings finish an outfit. I’m wearing two new designs from my Dolce Far Niente collection I launched last week. The Piccolomini Earrings have a beautiful ultramarine enamel I can’t get enough of. My earrings are the Aletheia & Phos Grotta Azzura Earrings and Piccolomini Earrings, complete with an Aletheia & Phos Mythology Necklace.
Ariane Leondaridis, Co-Founder of Ilio Nema
The best way to uplift my mood usually is to wear colour but also nothing tight, because comfort is comforting. My Ilio Nema Pollux shirtdress is usually my go-to – it’s a one-piece outfit, which is great when you feel low-maintenance, and it’s perfectly oversized.
Every time I wear this outfit, I get compliments. It’s the easiest way to uplift my mood. Nothing makes you feel better than a stranger telling you in the street “You look fabulous, darling!” Sometimes when really you can’t have positive thoughts for yourself, it’s nice to let someone else do that for you.
Lucinda Bayly, Director of Bayly PR
On my meh days (I currently have serious jet lag), I generally gravitate toward colour or bold pieces… [with] a kind of ‘fake it til you make it’ mentality. Today, I have a few business development meetings, so I can’t be too OTT. With that said, I often pair more toned-down looks with some fabulous boots, like these Isabel Marant studded cowboy boots that I stole from my beautiful mum. (Sorry if you see this, Mum!)
When I’m feeling a bit off, I tend to go for familiar pieces, so I don’t have to work too hard to make the outfit work. Instead, I’ll grab something I know I feel confident in, and this Tibi skirt and jacket set is a frequent contender. I bought it off The Outnet about five years ago and the cost per wear has been phenomenal. [The] necklaces are vintage, the tee is Uniqlo (very old and now looking a bit scrappy) and the earrings are Medley.
Lucky Angel Deza, content creator
A gem from Goodbyes, this brown leather jacket keeps me warm and it’s super versatile when I’m feeling too lazy to put an outfit together. The satin maxi skirt from Runaway the Label screams sleek, sophisticated, and chic! You know when you want to cancel your evening plans after a long stressful day at work but there’s that small chance you still want to go? This slim twisted top from Country Road convinces me that I have to go and make an appearance.
Alisha Thornley, content lead and creator
On days I need a little extra spring in my step, I like to throw on a printed piece to do some heavy lifting in the mood department. Oroton makes great printed pieces like this seashell shirt in easy silhouettes… Pairing with a favourite pair of shoes is my winning formula. Low effort, high reward!
For more on dopamine dressing, head here.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
