A week in work outfits with Melbourne Theatre Company artists Kala and Cam

Cute and studious.

Working in a creative role, it can be difficult to know how to dress for the day. Instead of having a set uniform of crisp white shirts and tailored black pants (as much as I love both), an ever-changing schedule means every morning requires a set of questions. Am I running around, or just sitting at my desk? Do I need to dress specifically for a project? And most importantly, will I be in the background of someone’s TikTok?

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For Kala Gare and Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward, the acting duo starring in Melbourne Theatre Company’s upcoming new musical, My Brilliant Career (based on the Miles Franklin novel), dressing for the first week of rehearsals means being ready to be up for anything. 

Seesawing between hours-long script read-throughs, playing music and practising scenes, both Kala and Cameron prioritise comfort while still expressing their own unique style. For Kala, this looks like streetwear by local brands and a mix of feminine and masculine styles, while for Cameron, it’s pops of colour and a nod to ’70s aesthetics. Read on to see how the pair dressed for a week on the job.

Day one

Kala: The first day of rehearsals is always a big treat, getting to meet all the people involved, and man, there are so many people working at Melbourne Theatre Company getting this story up on its feet. It was a day of hellos, chats and a big old read-through of the new script, so I went with a comfortable casual yet moveable vibe with my fave Clothing the Gap x Homie collab T, baggy jeans and sneakers – need the room to sing and talk big in this show!

Cam: On the first day I wanted to dress up a little since we weren’t going to be moving a lot and I wanted to feel special, so I decided to wear my grandmother’s red leather jacket from the ’70s. She lives overseas so it felt like I had her with me even though I haven’t seen her in a while.

Day two

Kala: Today was our first day of really getting into the work, and for us that meant music calls! This is an actor-muso musical, which means that we as the cast are also the band (yeah, it’s very cool). So a lot of sitting and singing and playing and detailed work on the arrangements of the songs. The fit on this day was specifically inspired by my sweet sister, because it was her birthday! And there just happened to be T-shirts with her face made in her honour so, naturally, I had to wear one.

Cam: On our second day we were doing music but I wanted to feel as comfy as possible since we’d be sitting down. I opted for some trackies, a singlet and a shirt, all from Uniqlo, and I’m wearing my cosiest perfume ever, Eyes Closed by Byredo. I also decided to wear my favourite coat that one of my best friends gifted me.

Day three

Kala: Music day 2.0! That means more sitting, so comfort but moveability is key. The hair was hairing and giving gorgi 80s rock band hair so I chose a double denim fit to match the vibe. I’m loving these baggy jeans (from Glassons – a size too big to get the oversized look and held up with a belt and a prayer). They’re deliciously comfy and I love how the wash goes with my bleach blonde. Double denim ’80s and a white tee for your hump day!

Cam: Another music day! But I decided it was time to pull out my vintage corduroy ’70s flares (can you tell I like that era?). I paired them with my brown leather boots and an airy white shirt, also thrifted.

Day four

Kala: This was actually the last day of our working week, and don’t be fooled by the sunshine in this photo – Naarm turned out a classic four seasons in one day so layering was key. A gorgi black turtleneck (a city staple if you will) and a vest with a cutie black headband had me feeling cute and studious for our final day of the week.

Cam: I wanted to feel a bit comfier again today and who doesn’t love a simple black tee? I also wore a bit of a lighter scent, Coconut Sun by Seven Virtues.

Day five

Cam: Today was actually a day off, thanks to the public holiday, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress up a little! I’m pretty sure every piece I’ve got on today is thrifted. Yet again giving ’70s vibes and I’m very much not mad about it.

Kala: A gorgeous public holiday was all the excuse I needed for comfy clothes – and the sun actually did come out and stay! Trackies and my beloved Crocs were the perfect end to the week, and I’m also sporting a hat from my friend’s brand Socaboy which I am utterly obsessed with. Those reds and navies go so yummily with the bleach-blonde hair and dark brow. A restful end to a focused and content-heavy week, and now we are headed into the next week where we really get into the building of the show! Can’t wait – come and see us down at Southbank Theatre! 

Get your tickets here to see My Brilliant Career, on stage from November 7 at Southbank Theatre in Melbourne. Under 30? Snap up half-price seats.