A week in work outfits with accountant Jean Nguyen

“Not to be dramatic but I don’t know who I would be without these shoes.”

It’s never easy trying to come up with new outfit combinations for the working week. Instead of having a set uniform, 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 what am I meant to do when my favourite pants are in the wash?

Given that it can be a daily struggle, we’re asking our favourite local creatives for outfit inspiration. This week we’re digging through the wardrobe of the most stylish accountant we know, Jean Nguyen.

For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.

Those of you on TikTok might recognise Jean’s videos, where she regularly shares styling inspiration and fashion recommendations. By day, she’s the resident accountant at streetwear boutique Laced in Brisbane.

After working at a private TAFE for almost seven years, she says she’s grateful that her current role gives her the chance to apply her skill set with her love of fashion. “Getting to do my thing with numbers in the fashion world is my favourite part,” she says.

There’s also the added bonus that working at Laced, Jean isn’t bound by the typical dress code of traditional corporate environments. Instead, she’s guided by whether she feels like something comfortable, edgy or dressed-up. “From there, I pick the first item that comes to mind and it naturally comes together,” she explains.

“I also don’t give myself too much time to think about it either. 10 to 15 minutes max to get dressed so I don’t overthink the outfit.” On high rotation are local labels like Arthur Apparel and Manic Muse, as well as Asian-owned brands like Matter Makers and Gamble Worldwide. And of course, no outfit is complete without a good sneaker.

Monday

When I’m feeling lazy, 95 per cent of the time I will opt for either a Needles track jacket or Needles HD track pants. They’re the easiest no-brainer pieces for me and I feel most comfortable in them as well.

Now’s probably a good time for me to mention that Needles is one of my most favourite labels. They’re a Japanese brand and their track sets are probably their most recognisable garments. I don’t have any special reason for them being my favourite brand other than the pieces are just always so comfortable and cool when I wear them. I love how they use colours and patterns in their collections.

Tuesday

Some days when I have an extra second in the morning, I’ll go for a fun shoe. In this fit, I thought these yellow Highs and Lows x Asics GEL NYCs would be fun to complement the green and maroon mix on my tops. The green sheer cardigan is from Protemoa, the tank is from Ghostboy and on the bottoms I’ve got some Needles HD Track Pants.

I also have to show you my stunning work bag. This gorgeous leather number is from a Melbourne brand called Manic Muse. She is so spacious, and it fits my lunch box, my coffee keep cup and all my other essentials. I was searching for the perfect work bag for months because I just couldn’t find one that was more fun than the standard ‘boring’ bag, until I came across Manic Muse. Now that I have it, I couldn’t love it more.

Wednesday

Today’s work outfit features some of my favourite local Australian brands. The top is from Highs and Lows’ very own in-house winter collection and the bottoms are from Arthur Apparel. These pants are awesome because the skirt is detachable, so I can style the skirt with other pieces. Not to mention the pants are such a great staple on their own.

Thursday

On top, I’ve got a Needles x LHP crew neck sweater I bought during my recent trip to Japan, and some camo cargo pants from a Thai brand called Matter Makers. And the Nike 95 Neons were the obvious choice to match. I really enjoy colour blocking with patterns, so this fit was fun. A bold deep colour with some camo just looks so stylish every time.

Friday

These are my most favourite shoes. They are the Cecilie Bahnsen x Asics collab Kayano 20s from Autumn/Winter 2025. I’ve worn these a few times every week ever since I first got them in May 2025, without fail. They are the perfect combination of cute, cool and comfortable. Not to be dramatic but I don’t know who I would be without these shoes.

This is an example of a more ‘chic’ work look for me: a layering moment because that is so in right now and some comfy straight-leg pants. And my favourite shoes, of course. The sheer long-sleeve and pants are from Glassons, and the tank top is from Cotton On.

Saturday

I’ve got on a layered long-sleeve T-shirt from Highs and Lows, a distressed hoodie from Gamble Worldwide (a Vietnamese brand) and baggy balloon denim from Shinzo for an off-duty look. On my feet, I have some Vans Old Skool Pearlised.

Vans have recently found their way back into my life. It had been almost 10 years since I put on a pair, but the brand has been doing some really cool shoes as of late! Lots of different patterns, distressing techniques, charms, and they’ve been working with so many cool artists and designers like MetaGirl and DOCG.

Keep up with Jean here.