A week in work outfits with Fashion Journal intern Ariana Rigazzi

“The skirt-over-pants trend has single-handedly changed the way I dress.”

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.

This week, Fashion Journal intern Ariana Rigazzi takes us through a week in work outfits. Since stepping foot in the office a few weeks ago, Ariana’s wardrobe has been a fun rotation of unique, thrifted finds. In fact, when asked where she got a certain top or skirt (which we do most days she’s in), her response is more or less the same: “This entire outfit is secondhand” she’ll say.

Though the nature of having so many special, one-off pieces means it’s hard to replicate Ariana’s style, her penchant for layering, playful proportions and a monochrome palette is a testament that getting dressed for work doesn’t have to feel like work. Whether it’s an afternoon teaching singing or a day in the office, she’s all about creativity and resourcefulness. Read on to see how Ariana dressed for a busy week.

Monday

Monday is a uni day and given I’m in the final semester of my masters, it’s usually pretty hectic. This outfit is definitely a go-to Ariana uniform for a busy day. Throwing a skirt over the top of anything makes me feel a little more put together, even though I’m literally wearing track pants underneath. As you’ll see throughout the week, the skirt-over-pants trend has single-handedly changed the way I dress. I love to layer, so now that I’ve opened my eyes to this combination, you’ll rarely catch me in pants alone.

Tuesday

Tuesday is day one of two at FJ for the week and after the office I was headed out to dinner with a friend. The ‘skirt’ I’ve got over my pants is actually a thrifted cami that was victim to a stubborn oil stain. I figured I could tuck the top of it into my pants, and voila, now it lives on as a skirt. I’ve been trying to be more resourceful with my wardrobe and find new ways to wear old pieces before parting with them and this little hack has brought this cami back into regular rotation.

Wednesday

Truthfully, I spent the first half of my workday in Adidas shorts and a hoodie, crouched over my laptop. Thankfully, the latter half of my day was a bit more exciting. I’m a singing teacher on Wednesday afternoons (lore unlocked) and while this outfit would’ve been a bit much for playing scales at the piano, I was heading into the city afterward to watch a friend perform in a show. My greatest accomplishment in life is my vintage leather jacket collection and this floor length burgundy trench might be one of my favourites. I found it at Swop and I’ll cherish it forever.

Thursday

Thursday is my second day at FJ for the week and today Melbourne blessed us with the first 30 degree day of Spring, so it was very exciting for my arms to see a bit of sunlight. This entire outfit is secondhand. I’m especially proud of the top (it’s Italian silk) and I found it at Brunswick Vinnies for only seven dollars. I thrifted these boots in Vietnam and I love the edge of the cutout on the base, plus they’re some of the comfiest shoes I own. As you can see I’m very much pushing the side-part for my slick back’s – my inner 12 year old self is so excited it’s cool again.

Friday

Any of my friends who see this are going to think I’ve been cloned because wearing this much colour is very out of my comfort zone. My goal for this year was to wear at least one colourful item per day. While most days that colour has been grey, something came over me today and I’m not mad about it. I thrifted this skirt in Japan – it was originally a midi skirt but it shrank in the wash and I spent an embarrassing amount of time trying to salvage and stretch it out. So, now it’s very mini but at least it’s wearable over pants!

Keep up with Ariana here.