I swapped wardrobes with my sister for a week, here’s how it went

“It’s so easy to have decision fatigue with dressing, so this really injected new life into my style.”

If I’m being completely honest, it’s easy enough to wax lyrical about capsule wardrobes and closet-planning spreadsheets – but even the most mindful shopper occasionally gets bored of their clothing. Trends are everywhere, and it’s admittedly difficult to resist the pull of online sales and lunchbreak window shopping.

Looking for a wardrobe refresh that didn’t harm the planet, Melbourne sisters Katie and Angie Di Fabrizio created Trashie. Held at the Nicholas Building, Trashie’s bi-monthly clothing swap events give attendees access to a treasure trove of new items, plus a place to rehome their unwanted pieces. Each Trashie offers a curated selection of new (to you) accessories and clothing, a paradise for the hunter-gatherer.

For more style inspiration, head to our Fashion section.

As an official media partner of the 2023 Festival, Fashion Journal is spotlighting the designers, makers and entertainers featured in this year’s program. I’m lucky enough to know Katie and Angie personally, and the duo’s upcoming Trashie swap at PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival got me thinking.

As two of the coolest people I know, I wanted to put Katie and Angie’s clothing-swapping abilities to the test. For a week, I challenged Katie to swap her unconventional, sporty-grunge style with Angie’s boho-nymph aesthetic. “Angie and I share a Venn diagram of taste,” Katie tells me. “Some things we wholeheartedly love together (which end in arguments and peace treaties) but other things I personally would never do.”

“It’s so easy to have decision fatigue with dressing, so this really injected new life into my style. Exploring the side of Angie’s stylistic expression was interesting, to say the least. I don’t resonate with the girl in those pictures, but she looks hot. So I guess this is where I insert my plug and say come to Trashie, because variety is the spice of life.” Find the results of the clothes-swapping experiment below.

Katie Di Fabrizio, co-founder of Trashie

Monday

Well well well, this was a dainty little number to kick off the clothing exchange week. I was emitting Charmed energy (Prue, obviously) and I loved it. The velvet skirt was such an interesting piece from Angie’s wardrobe. It made my wee tummy poke out – however, I was not mad about it.

My favourite part of this ensemble was the black Frenchy-chic blouse, which I have forced Angie to let me borrow for the foreseeable future. A win for Katie!

Tuesday

It’s day two and I already feel like a boho fashion deity. To be frank, I have always looked down on bubble tops and felt they were too Y2K – but reframing the top in more of an eclectic style sold me. The head scarf is not a Katie staple so was a wig wearing it. I felt like Angie driving in a van going to look at a waterfall. J’adore.

Wednesday

If Monday was witch, this outfit is wench. And I honestly feel like this is very much within my wheelhouse. With Angie’s clothes, I felt room for my self-expression. Which was maybe going against the brief (sorry), but this week did bring out a more feminine and coastal Katie. When Angie styled me with this skirt I loved it; the lace and feel of it are so flouncy.

Thursday

Now, this was an ‘I’m hungover and wearing a Y2K, off-beat, Ed Hardy homage’ outfit. This top was 100 per cent something I would never wear… but I found myself quite liking the colour. Also, I hate, hate, hate bandanas on myself, but this one Ang gave me actually looked alright. This was probably my least favourite look, but I won’t blame Angie. I’ll blame the alcohol.

Friday

Friday baby. When I say “Penny Lane”, you say “manic pixie dream girl!”. I adored this ensemble so much as it is so not me… it’s like, the sole opposite of how I identify with my clothing. I loved every yummy bit of this outfit. It was so comfy and outrageous. Perfect. Also, am I a bandana girly now?

@k8t18t

Angie Di Fabrizio, co-founder of Trashie

Monday

I started off the week with a soft launch. I wore this tartan skirt and a vintage black fringe jacket combo. I wore this to a day at work – it definitely got noticed as a switch-up for me (but a really good one). I felt confident, as it was an outfit I would totally pull out for myself. I added my own style to it by slicking the hair and wearing my own jewellery from Sabi. This showed that you can swap clothes and [still] adapt them to your flavour. There’s no one way to wear a piece.

Tuesday

For a day of op shopping on Melbourne’s Southside, I chose to go with this white blouse, black maxi skirt and vest… a special mention to Katie’s ‘K’ necklace for making an appearance. Putting this outfit on made me realise this would’ve been younger Angie’s dream… a week of stealing my older sister’s wardrobe? Yes, please! I loved how this look made me feel. Katie definitely heroes comfort in her day-to-day fashion choices and frankly, I’m here for it.

Wednesday

This outfit was my star of the week and one that is VERY Katie. I would’ve never thought to wear it for myself, but I loved it! I felt cute, flirty and fun! It was all about the comfort of the Asics white track pants. The low waist was an edge for me, as I’ve always believed I couldn’t pull it off. But yet again, stepping out of my style limitations and wearing this ’fit the way Katie would… I realised I kinda ate this look.

Thursday

On Thursday, I was put in this look that Katie actually swapped at our October Trashie event. The eclectic pairing of the business tie and grey maxi dress is something I would never think to wear together, but it was fun to strut around Melbourne Northside whilst running my daily errands. Also, the boot choice Katie gave me was a highlight for the outfit.

Friday

I finished off the week strong in the most out-of-my-comfort-zone ’fit. Katie chose this parachute
pant and hot pink crop combo with her iconic pink knitted headpiece from Sittin’ and Knittin’. To
pull this look off, I had to embody what the clothes were giving… which is a skill Katie has always effortlessly had.

This day really taught me that ‘pulling something off’ is just about mindset and confidence. To evolve your style, you have to push and challenge your comfort zone. This is also what clothes swapping is great for… it’s a ‘try before you buy’ kinda deal. Come swap a piece from your wardrobe for a new flavour, try it out and then swap again (or keep it forever)!

@angiedifab

To buy tickets to Trashie’s next exchange at PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, head here.