A week in work outfits with Fashion Journal intern Parth Rahatekar

“My wardrobe is an ode to the things I love: fabrics and fun accessories!”

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?

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This week, Fashion Journal‘s intern Parth Rahatekar takes us through their week in work outfits. Aside from writing about sunscreen and slutty shorts (among other things) for FJ, Parth is a poet and freelance writer currently pursuing their Masters of Writing and Publishing at RMIT. Safe to say, they have a lot on their plate and need a wardrobe that takes them from the office, to a lecture, to an evening event.

Through their style, Parth loves to highlight their passion for textiles and enjoys putting India’s handloom heritage in focus. They’re also recently discovering the joy of thrifting and earrings, so their wardrobe is filling up with op shop finds and dangly jewellery. Read on to see how Parth dressed for a busy week.

Monday

I don’t believe in feeling the Monday blues, as much as I love wearing them. I didn’t have much on work-wise, just a bit of freelance writing to finish, socialising and pouring over poetry for inspiration. 

I’m wearing my favourite navy blue double-weft shirt, paired with my handwoven black linen shorts. I was feeling a bit cheeky, so I paired it with a handmade faux cow satchel (it has pink lining!) that I found at Savers and a scruffy jacket in case Melbourne weather decides to do its thing. I accessorised with blue single-stone earrings and my white Dr. Martens, laced with ribbons. 

Tuesday

I was feeling a bit Indian academia-core in the morning, this outfit would easily fit the halls of Delhi University. Like most of my wardrobe, this look is pretty much an ode to the artisans of India. The kurta is handwoven khadi cotton, a fabric emblematic of India’s decolonisation movement. The pants are custom-made silk georgette and the shoes are my favourite handcrafted leather loafers which I can’t stop wearing. Add some big pearl earrings and I was internship-ready!

Today was a funny one – it was cold because of the rain, but still warm in the office. My answer to unpredictable Melbourne weather has always been a good shawl. I can’t believe more people aren’t catching on to their versatility. This shawl is a hand-me-down from my mum, made in Manipur. It’s warm enough for the moody weather but also light enough to sashay around with. 

Wednesday

Catching me at Code Black on Fashion Journal internship days is as surprising as finding a fork in the kitchen. After the rain yesterday, it was a bit chilly so I decided to dress for it. It was a day for email follow-ups and to write an ode to men in short shorts, so I rocked up wearing a printed shirt that I usually enjoy with my shortest shorts. It’s from Drugstore Cowboy, a friend’s brand that produces nostalgic shirts in limited batches. The jacket is a thrifted find from Uniting Op Shop in Fitzroy and the earrings were gifted by a friend.

Thursday

Like most things in life, I love a bit of drama with my outfit. I found this puffy-sleeved blouse at Scavengers on Sydney Road. I like it because it has an extra bit of oomph that elevates the look, without being uncomfortable. Today was a day for writing indoors, but I had a cute dinner planned with my girls later, so I decided to keep it a bit extra. 

I also really like these pants. They’re handwoven cotton and have carried me through many work days with ease. Once again, you can spot my favourite white loafers (they have frills!) and a shawl. This one is a Kutchi Bandhani shawl. It’s a bit heavy but just the pop of colour I need. To play off that red, I wore my cherry earrings and a silver chain that bounces light. 

Friday

Honestly, what is up with Melbourne weather? It was so misty in the morning, so I decided to layer up and reach for my earthiest tones. Sometimes I just need grounding, even if it is from my wardrobe. I’ve been working on drafts of my poetry for my upcoming performances and that’s what I spent most of today doing, as well as some freelance writing for one of my upcoming projects.

This outfit started with this cute leather jacket I thrifted, under that I threw on a brown ikkat shirt (once again handloom). I wanted to experiment with layering skirts, so I’m wearing one I stole from my friend, paired with custom corduroy flare pants. If you look closely, my earrings are squishy hearts filled with confetti (it jiggles around!) and I’m also wearing my crystal bracelets for good luck (or whatever they’re supposed to do. I just liked how they looked).  

For more of Parth’s looks, follow them on Instagram here.