A week in work outfits with Melbourne designer and Sage Avenue founder, Priya McPherson

Lessons in winter dressing.

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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This week, Priya McPherson, the founder of Melbourne label Sage Avenue, shows us her week in work outfits. With winter well and truly upon us, Priya relied on her transeasonal closet staples – an oversized coat, knee-high black boots and comfy layers – to get her through busy days travelling and running her small business. Here’s what she wore throughout the week.

Monday

Monday was a cold one. Winter has well and truly settled in for the next few months. It does take me a few weeks to adjust to the weather in terms of outfits; I always find myself wearing outfits that are curated for warmth. I feel like my groove is slowly coming back and today’s outfit was stylish with the added luxury of keeping me warm for the day.

Today’s outfit is inspired by ’90s Jennifer Aniston (one of my go-to style icons). For the base, I am wearing a Uniqlo Heattech turtleneck long-sleeve paired with a vintage Burberry skirt, which has been one of my best vintage finds ever.

I opted for my new black St Agni Boots to match the outfit because whilst they are my new obsession, they are also really good for – you guessed it – keeping warm. For outerwear, I chose my Nakedvice oversized coat and of course, my Sage Avenue Edition 16 handbag for the pop of colour in this outfit.

Tuesday

One of my favourite things about a new season is rediscovering pieces of clothing in my wardrobe again. Today, it was this purple bomber jacket that I bought secondhand from Goodbyes last winter. I’ve paired this with the grey skirt that I bought from Stupid Vintage and my Stella McCartney boots with my Sage Avenue Edition 11 handbag. Styling tip: invest in a coloured puffer jacket this season. It does wonders in elevating and uplifting outfits in this gloomy weather.

Wednesday

Wednesday’s outfit had a trusty suitcase as an added accessory for the day. That’s because I travelled to Sydney for a global textile expo and let me just tell you, the different weather that came through for me today was insane. I left Melbourne early in the morning in cold rainy weather, landed in Sydney to 18 degrees and sunny and arrived back in Melbourne late to cold rainy weather again!

I’m wearing ballet flats from Senso, Neuw Denim Daria Jeans, a St Agni grey long-sleeve paired with their grey singlet on top… and a vintage blazer that I bought for only $10 (another one of my favourite vintage finds to date). I tied it all together with my Sage Avenue Edition 16 handbag.

Thursday

I am really trying my hardest this winter season to not fall into the classic pants/jeans with a jumper look every day. Capris are a great alternative to pants and today, I have opted for my Portman capri pants paired with a Uniqlo white baby tee and my new vintage belt.

Also if you couldn’t already tell, my Nakedvice oversized coat is a wardrobe staple for me at the moment (if you are in need of a new winter coat. I would be heading for this one). To elevate and add a pop to the outfit, I have opted for red accessories which included my red Senso ballet flats and an unreleased Sage Avenue sample handbag.

Friday

On Friday, I travelled to Tasmania for the weekend! It was a much-needed break and a chance to see the notorious Dark Mofo. My wardrobe for today had to be simple for travelling around in, warm enough for when I landed in Hobart, and comfy enough for the actual flight.

When I truly need to be comfy for the day, I tend to reach for a baggy or looser pair of jeans… I opted for my Agolde low-slung white jeans paired with a white long-sleeve that included a white singlet underneath for extra warmth.

I matched the outfit with brown and yellow Adidas Sambas, my trusty Nakedvice oversized coat and the Sage Avenue Edition 16 handbag for a pop of colour. Oh, and a cheeky little Friday afternoon vino in hand. Last winter styling tip: singlets under long sleeves are a lifesaver for that extra warmth in this cooler weather.

Follow Priya for more here.