A week in work outfits with Fashion Journal intern Zemira Whitehead

Secondhand finds, a lot of layers and much-loved designer pieces.

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?

This week, Fashion Journal intern Zemira Whitehead takes us through her week in work outfits. With a jam-packed schedule that sees her going from her internship with us to university classes and two different waitressing jobs (not all on the same day, mind you), Zemira’s outfits are practical and comfort-focused without ever being boring.

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

Mixing secondhand finds from stores like Goodbyes and Lune Selects with pieces from local labels like Bodicia B and Sexiaz Lingerie, her expertly layered outfits always have an air of effortlessness. Read on to see what garments she’s gravitated to.

Monday

I start my week off working at Sunhands, a cute cafe, deli and wine bar in Carlton. After my shift, I had some time to kill so I decided to sit and work on an assessment. It’s such a beautiful space so I prefer studying there than at uni, plus the food is amazing. Sometimes, however, I will take advantage of the location after my shift and do some retail therapy at Newend Jewellery or Readings bookstore.

Then I jumped on the tram and headed to RMIT’s city campus for a lecture. I’m in my third year of a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing, minoring in Literary Studies. Today I only had one class and frustratingly it’s just an hour long, but because I’m already in the area I diligently go (pats self on back). After class, I headed home and my sister invited me to dinner with some friends at Good Times on Sydney Road. Then we finished off the night with a sweet treat from Luther’s Scoops.

Because I have to go straight from work to uni on Mondays, I always opt for a comfortable and practical outfit. Today I’m wearing my olive grey Bodicia B reversible tank; this top was such a great purchase, I wear it at least once a week. I have been all in on the revival of skirts over pants. I find it’s a great way to add visual interest to an outfit while keeping warm. The pants are pinstripe men’s trousers from an op shop and the skirt is also thrifted. My belt is G-Star, the bag is from Lune Selects and my shoes are Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66s in green and beige.

Tuesday

On Tuesdays, I’m here at Fashion Journal. Today I was working on an article where I interviewed a naturopath about bruising easily (you can read it here). It’s quite common for me to find my legs covered in unexplainable bruises, so I enjoyed getting to work on this article and learning about the potential causes. I then started drafting up an article about shadow work (which you can read here) and prepped some event and career listings.

After work, I went straight home. With the sun going down so early, I’m less inclined to fill my afternoons with outdoor activities like I would in summer. I spent the night hanging out with my two housemates (my sister and cat) and reading Carpentaria by Alexis Wright, which we’re studying at uni.

This morning I was running a little late and my outfit showed it with my wrinkly button-up DKNY shirt (not that I would have ironed it even if I had the time). The leather jacket I stole from my sister’s closet (a major bonus of us living together), the skirt is my friend’s which she long term lent me (keeping it in the family), and my shoes are Dr Martens Pandoras in Cherry Red I bought from Goodbyes.

Wednesday

Wednesdays are my second day interning at Fashion Journal. Today I was working on some TikToks, one of which was a deep dive into the FJ archives so I had the pleasure of scouring through issues from the ’90s and early 2000s. Wednesdays are a pretty big day for me as I go straight from the FJ office to a shift at Ima, a Japanese restaurant in Brunswick (girls gotta pay her rent!). Luckily, Wednesday nights are pretty cruisy so most of the time it feels as though I’m just hanging out with my coworkers.

I like to dress comfortably when I’m at the office, so these Adidas blue and yellow track pants from Goodbyes are a go-to for me. They’re the perfect balance of comfort, warmth and a fun pop of colour (which I usually don’t have much of in my outfits). My top is a cashmere blend long-sleeve from the Italian brand Intimissimi and is definitely a staple in my winter wardrobe. The trench coat is thrifted and is by the brand Katies, and my shoes are black ballet Tabis. Sadly they aren’t Margiela (one day, one day) but they are handmade with eco-leather (which we love) by the Etsy brand Raboesy.

Thursday

Usually, on a Thursday I would head to uni for my Literature’s Ethics class, but since today was a public holiday I had the day off. So I spent the morning cleaning my house and getting through some washing before working on an assessment. I always have a much more productive day when I start by cleaning my space. I find it helps clear the mind of mental clutter and allows me to focus on the task at hand.

After a few hours of work, I decided it was time to get dressed and leave the house, so I took my computer to a cafe. My friend invited me to a gig at the Grace Darling Hotel which was the perfect motivation for me to get my assessment finished and submitted early. As I knew I would be going out later I popped on an outfit that I could go straight to the gig in. The top is from Sexiaz Lingerie, it’s the third colour I have owned in this style, so obviously I’m a fan. I’m wearing an Australian wool skirt handmade for me by a friend from Paris (how lucky am I!?) over a pair of black Face Off pants. I’ve paired it with Onitsuka Tigers and a Lune Selects handbag.

Friday

On Fridays, I’m at uni most of the day, so I start my morning by making coffee and breakfast. My first class was Popular Culture in Everyday Life and today we were looking at Orientalism in the media, specifically analysing Wes Anderson’s films. Thankfully, it was an engaging class as a slight hangover from the night before left me very sleepy. During my break between classes, I took myself out for lunch at Shujinko on Elizabeth Street. Ramen is my favourite meal so I have been trying new spots near my uni on Fridays as a little treat.

My second class was the Media and Communication Internship unit which allows me to intern at Fashion Journal. After uni, I went home and had some drinks with my sister and friends before we headed to The Night Cat to watch the band Floodlights.

Today I wore my favourite Issey Miyake top that I bought from Newend Jewellery (it stocks secondhand designer items as well as jewellery), Adidas shorts, my Katie’s trench coat and my favourite knee-high boots that I thrifted from a country op shop.

For more of Zemira’s looks, follow her on Instagram here.