A week in work outfits with Melbourne fashion TikToker, Soupi
Words by Maggie Zhou and Izzy Wight
Staying true to personal style in the corporate world.
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?
For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.
For one Melbourne fashion TikToker whose moniker is Soupi, dressing for her corporate job while keeping to her personal style is part of her daily decision-making. While her digital content sees her sharing her latest fashion finds and travel diaries, her full-time role keeps her at her desk, hunched over a screen for most of the day.
Seesawing between going to the office and working from home, Soupi’s work outfits prioritise comfort while still being put together. Her wardrobe is made up of many Asian designers, with core pieces picked up on her recent trip to Seoul. Read on to see what how she’s styled her office outfits.
Monday
I usually work from home on Mondays, but I decided to head into the office today as I had dinner plans in the city after work. My office dress code is ‘business casual’ but I honestly still don’t know what that means! Today I decided to go for my version of a white shirt and trousers combo.
My white shirt is from a Chinese brand called Dosordonts, it takes the idea of a classic white shirt but then elevates it with details such as oversized balloon sleeves, [an] exaggerated collar and [a] V-cut hemline. To pair with the oversized shirt, I wore my favourite Kijun balloon pants and my vintage Doc loafers that I scored from Lost and Found in Fitzroy.
My work bag is from Prada (kindly passed down from my mum). Although, at its core, this is just a white shirt and black trousers, both pieces have elements that make them unique, meaning I am still able to show my own style whilst trying to survive in the corporate world.
Tuesday
I worked from home on Tuesday, so honestly I was mostly in front of my desk all day in a hoodie and sweatpants. During lunch though, I decided to step out of the house and go to a local coffee shop for a break since the weather was so nice! It was still a bit chilly so I’m wearing an oversized Comme des Garçons Homme Plus jumper, [a] Kijun pleated skirt, Miu Miu flats and my favourite Marge Sherwood bag.
I felt super warm and cosy in this outfit, as the jumper literally felt like a wool blanket. I think I was feeling a little stressed that day from work, so stepping outside and getting some fresh air was so important for me, as it allowed me to take a little break… away from my computer.
I absolutely love working from home, but I do frequently have days where I am sitting in front of my computer for hours, without getting any fresh air or sun. Those days can be challenging, so I am trying to make a conscious effort to get up and go out more during lunchtime to break up my day and unwind a little bit.
Wednesday
I headed into the office again on Wednesday for some in-person meetings. I decided not to take a coat today because it was going to be super warm. I did, however, forget how cold Melbourne mornings are, so I was shivering on the train commute to work!
This outfit is pretty similar to Monday’s outfit, and I’ve come to notice now that a white top and black bottoms is kind of my go-to work uniform. I usually try to pre-plan my outfits for work the night before as I’m always in a massive rush in the morning (I love to sleep in), so I usually stick to this combo in the warmer weather. I just add a cardigan when it’s a bit chillier.
My white shirt is from Christopher Nemeth and I picked it up on my most recent trip to Tokyo. I love the ruched detailing on the top third of the shirt, and [its] oversized sleeves. I’m wearing my Kijun pleated skirt again and my shoes are the Anatomic Ballet Flats from MM6 Maison Margiela. My bag is from Charles and Keith and it’s the perfect size to fit my work laptop.
Thursday
Thursday was my final day of the working week as it was a long weekend in Melbourne this week. I worked from home during the day (I sat at my desk in a bathrobe all day) and at lunch, I decided to drive to another local cafe for a coffee. I just wanted to wear something casual and comfy today, so I opted for this cute tee with a teddy motif that I purchased in Seoul from the brand Aeae.
My pants are from Low Classic and they are super comfy – it literally feels like I’m wearing sweatpants. To match my silver heart necklace from Monday Edition, I’m wearing my favourite silver ruched pumpkin bag from Cosmoss. For shoes, I’m wearing my Doc loafers again; [they] are on the chunkier side to fit with my oversized pants.
Almost all the clothes I’m wearing today were purchased in Seoul! You can buy most of these brands internationally on websites such as Ssense, but there is a significant markup compared to if you buy them in[-person], so definitely add these brands to your list if you’re visiting soon!
Friday
I saved my favourite outfit for last! So today was a public holiday in Melbourne and I had to make the most of it by going out for lunch in North Melbourne with friends. The weather was amazing today and it was just warm enough to be able to wear a dress, so of course I had to pull out one of my current favourite pieces in my wardrobe, this Cosmoss dress.
I went to around five stores in Seoul to hunt down this dress and was finally able to pick it up (on sale too!) on one of my last days [there]. The shape and details of the dress are reminiscent of Simone Rocha and Cecilie Bahnsen, with its volume and ruffles. I loved the style of this dress so much that I also bought it in black!
To pair, I wore some knee-high white socks, Mary Janes from Melbourne-made shoe brand Post Sole Studio and my Marge Sherwood bag. This was definitely my favourite outfit of the week and I’m so excited to wear this dress more in the warmer weather ahead!
To keep up with Soupi, follow her on TikTok here.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
