The whole point of our monthly Shopping Lists is to stress-test these ‘wants’ — actually considering why, how, where they slot into our lives so we aren’t just buying things based on pure animal instincts. Although this month, you might argue there’s a bit of that happening, and that’s…honestly fine, too. You’ve got to follow your nose for beauty, desire and fun sometimes too!

Enjoy the browse x

P.S. This month, our paid subscribers get some exclusive discount codes to use on their shopping whims: 15% off at Friends with Frank, 20% off at Anna Rossi Jewellery and 20% off at Reliquia — sign up for access ♥️

If you’re a brand and want to offer our delightful paid subscribers an exclusive discount code, email us at hello@homeroom.com.au and together we’ll make a lot of people happy.

Sophie

HEAVEN MAYHEM / Edith Earrings — $205.00

I’ve collaged / linked / recommended these earrings multiple times now. Initially I thought I wanted them to be the same size as the beads on the necklace, a heftier piece —but I actually think they’re far more versatile as they are. I love a statement earring such as this worn casually which is pretty much how i’m dressing 100% of the time for now, so a little dangly bit goes a long way.

Annie

COURTNEY ZHENG / Verdure Tapestry Print Jeans — $540

I am sick over these pants. Courtney Zheng is fast becoming one of the first designers I look to for interesting/beautiful garments (there have been so many Courtney Zheng product links flying around our private chat over the last 8 weeks, so she is definitely a thing!) and these just prove why. And, as you’ll see from one of Soph’s picks below, the verdure tapestry aesthetic is kind of a theme of this month’s newsletter. It’s beautiful, no?!

There’s a concept in advertising and marketing: romancing the product. It’s essentially the art of telling a story around a functional product in order to create an emotional connection with your audience. Well, consider my legs two willing products, CZ! Romance away!!

Sophie

CAMILLA & MARC / Rowan Knee Boot — $1200.00

The perfect pair of all-day-boots is not super high on the necessity list right now (especially not at this price point) but BOY am I lusting over these boots. There are few items that hit quite like the perfect boot in completing an outfit. I can picture myself in multiple looks just dreaming about them right now: grasping at a midi skirt hem, peeking out under a slinky maxi, jeans and trousers tucked in. They feel equal parts classic and inoffensive, with interesting and statement. I want em’, but I shall not have them in this here season of life. But you definitely should.

Annie

MUNA ROSA / Birthstone Pendant and Chain — $280

Muna Rosa is a beautiful Melbourne jewellery label by Rebekah Chugg. She very generously gifted me this pendant in silver with sapphire (as well as this gorgeous ring) and I have not taken it off since I received it. I’ve been on a bit of ~journey~ with my everyday jewellery, which — aside from being the most indulgent sentence I’ve ever uttered — has meant I’ve basically decided I’m prioritising the type of jewellery I will wear for years, not months. I’m pretty sentimental with jewellery, and while I love costume jewellery and fun, on-trend pieces, in this season of life, I am gravitating towards simplicity for the daily grind.

Sophie

ETSY / Verdure Wall Hanging — $115 AUD (approx.)

The nesting continues. I am always on the hunt for ultra affordable art for our walls and next to plastering them from top to tail with my boy Viv’s artwork, a printed tapestry is the best option. I love me a French verdure but I won’t be affording the real deal in this lifetime —so why not support a small family run business on Etsy. I’ve had a HK Living piece from House of Orange for years and i’m still obsessed with it, so inexpensive for a huge amount of wall real estate. I’ll be placing this one next to my bed just like so (below).

Annie

DISSH / Demi Black 7/8 Capri Pant — $129.99

I really thought I’d completely bypass the capri pant renaissance, and I’m extremely late to the party, BUT I am here nonetheless and it’s for a very specific reason: to wear with a very structured, sculptural black blazer that I purchased from Zara without quite thinking through what the hell I’d wear it with.

I love our Classmates group chat (this is where our paid subscribers congregate to share hot takes, tips and recommendations — it’s truly the best part of opening my IG app!) because without it, I probably wouldn’t have thought to pair said blazer with a pair of capris.

I’ve got my eyes on this pair from Dissh; feels like a very low stakes way to dip my toe (ankle?) into the silhouette. Wish me luck, I will share how it all comes together on our IG.

Sophie

THE DAIRY / Classic Leopard Phone Cover — From $69.95

I’m craving a little classic leopard this season so the timing of this gift from The Dairy is perfect. I like my classic leopard in tiny doses so this phone cover is the ideal accompaniment to my cool weather selfies. Double chin not included.

Annie

NELSON MADE / Mira Flat Black Pony — $299

I think the mark of a good pair of shoes is how repulsed the opposite sex is by them. When I slipped these on, my husband said they looked like they were going to crawl up his leg. Mission accomplished. I love them. They are supremely comfortable, and I actually think they’re kind of sexy in a kind of hideous and scary way. Is that a thing? Let’s make it one.

Sophie

ST. AGNI / Stripe Relaxed Pleat Pants — $499

I love an informal pant masquerading as a formal one, my aspirations to be chic and comfy at the same time will stop at nothing — a tailored pant stands no chance against I! I like the midnight / navy tone too. My foray into navy (and khaki for that matter) has only just begun, it’s always felt too…. mature? Or something. My mum wore a lot of navy in the 90’s. Perhaps that’s why? Who knows. But i’ve been feeling it’s about time I explore some softer neutral alternatives to black and navy is a natural progression. I shall report back on this most serious of endeavours.

I see them with literally everything: oversize tees, slouchy sweaters, triple layered fine knits. These would also serve as a perfect preggo pant for the first and second trimester that you could wear afterwards.

Annie

FRIENDS WITH FRANK / The Chloe Cardigan — $359

I’ve had some bad luck with cardigans lately, almost like a cardigan…curse? All the bad luck has been my doing, of course, by inadvertently throwing them in the washing machine, shrinking them down to comically Cher Horowitz proportions and rendering them absolutely ruined. Depresso! I vow not to let this lovely little wool cardi from Friends with Frank meet the same fate. I like this one for the colour and fit: not too cropped and just the right amount of relaxed through the body and the sleeves.

And, crucially, the buttons don’t make me want to scream.

Don’t forget, our paid subscribers get 15% off at Friends with Frank. You can become paid below.

Subscribe now

That’s all for this week, but if you missed our last newsletter, take a look below. We answer one of the most challenging dress codes of all: what to wear when you want to be just a little bit dressed up.

homeroom

OUTFITS: A little bit dressed up

There comes a point somewhere between your last random after-work drinks and your first household budget/child/airfryer purchase (insert your preferred signifier of adulthood here) that you stop getting dressed dressed…

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17 days ago · 15 likes · homeroom

See you next week!
Annie & Soph
xoxo

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When in the Before Times you might have spent a deliciously indulgent amount of time planning your cute work/weekend outfits, in the Now Times, the busyness of life has well and truly toppled that ritual.

At least, that’s true for both of us.

In this season of raising little tiny people, working from home, and being extremely conscious of those aforementioned household budgets, it’s a rare occasion when we feel called to get a little bit dressed up.

But when those occasions do come along, it can feel like trying to answer a trick question: be casual, but be polished. Be a little bit sexy but not try-hard. Be the ‘you’ you used to be before kids. But also be the fun mum, the cool mum. The mum who wasn’t just wiping sauce off the dog’s head. Just be the very best, most unbothered, most effortlessly glamorous version of you, ok? OK???

It’s a head fuck.

The ‘a little bit dressed up’ scenario recently cropped up in our group chat as being one of the most universally challenging to dress for. And it doesn’t event require an invitation to go anywhere, either. Wanting to be a little bit dressed up could mean that you want to elevate what you’re wearing on the reg juuuust a smidge. Just enough that you feel slightly more put together, with your best foot forward. Fair!

So, ‘a little bit dressed up’ is a highly subjective dress code with no right or wrong answer. But, with a few helpful frameworks to think about, it can feel less like a cryptic crossword clue and more like a style philosophy.

The key to unlocking this whole Pandora’s Box of a dress code is in the 80/20 rule: 80% of your outfit should be grounded in simple, unfussy fabrications like denim, cotton, jersey, etc. 20% should be the more formal or playful elements like faux fur, patent leather, silk, beads and sparkle.

It’s that tension between the ultra-casual base and ridiculously formal flourishes that makes for an interesting outfit.

In fact, being ultra casual when you go out is a look unto itself. Throw on a pair of heels and a bold earring and it’s a whole thing — just ask SJP / Patricia Field / Molly Rogers or Danny Santiago.

This week behind the paywall, we unpack six frameworks that make ‘a little bit dressed up’ achievable:

• Knitwear + dangly bits

• Faux fur + denim

• ‘Nice’ bottom + casual top (aka the inverse of our Y2K go-to formula)

• Texture. That’s All.

• Blazer (aka the modern-day cure-all)

• Trackies + heels

We’ve also had a couple of our favourite brands jump on board with discount codes this week which we’re always so appreciative for ♥️ Scroll for:

• Friends With Frank 15% discount

• Anna Rossi Jewellery 20% discount

For more inspo for getting ‘a little bit dressed up’, hit the link below.

A little bit dressed up

Knitwear and Dangly Bits

It really feels like Matthieu Blazy is scratching an itch we didn’t even realise we had over at Chanel. His combination of effortlessly relaxed and almost painfully chic seems to have hit the nail on the $50,000 head. But it’s resonating not just because the pieces are liveable (if only in reality for a very privileged few), but also put together in such a way that can be recreated relatively easily with what we already own. Case in point: the quarter zip knit + glamorous statement jewellery combo.

It’s obvious to say that jewellery goes a long way in the ‘a little bit dressed up’ stakes, but it’s also maybe not that obvious in the moment of actually dressing yourself. A bold necklace or pair of earrings can make even the most casual of outfits interesting.

Tip: slip on a stocking sock with your shoes for added interest during the colder months.

HEAVEN MAYHEM / Edith Earrings — $205

ELKA COLLECTIVE / Winston Jacket — $399

UNIQLO / Uniqlo U Double Face Knit Half-Zip Sweater — $79.90

CAMILLA AND MARC / Noa Denim Jean — $350

A.EMERY / The Wylie Belt — $140

BASSIKE / Slouch Studded Shoulder Bag — $650

STUDIO AMELIA / Sierra 90 Heel — $665

Faux Fur and Denim

Ok, 25 year old us is deeply comforted by this combination. It obviously has those Indie Sleaze/Erin Wasson rock and roll connotations, which is fun and glamorous in its own right, but you can dial into more modern references with your accessories: sunglasses, long pendant necklaces, sculptural earrings. Fresh, minimal makeup also keeps you in 2026 territory.

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But we’re living in a time of wardrobe fluidity: your work slacks can form the basis of your weekend look. Your trusty work blazer can take your slouchy jeans on a date night. That is, if you look for the right workwear staples — ones that will offer true versatility through cut, colour, fabrication and detail.

So, this week, we bring you our definitive workwear edit for 2026.

We’ll preface this edit by saying that it caters specifically to women who work in “office” settings or those who have client or customer-facing moments built into their working lives. If you’re someone whose work is hermetically sealed from the outside world, you can probably get away with wearing just about anything (or nothing at all?!). Likewise, if your work requires a uniform or utility-based clothes - we offer out sincerest and maddest respect, but this will not be the edit for you.

Below the paywall this week, you’ll find:

• 7 light jackets — including one that has been going off in the homeroom group chat this week

• 12 knits — including 5 polo knits that feel absolutely essential right now

• 6 chic tops — the kind you can wear forever, and easily layer under your light jacket

• 7 shirts — not boring ones, cool ones you’ll want to wear on the weekend too

• 11 pairs of trousers — ranging from relaxed, slouchy, tailored options

• 6 midi skirts — including the best fringed and lace-hemmed options we’ve seen lately

• 4 pairs of shorts — the long-line short lives another season, friends

• 4 dresses — beautiful, simple, timeless options that don’t feel stuffy

For inspiration on how to wear workwear in 2026, check out Sophie’s moodboard below.

The Workwear Heroes

Other older Pinterest workwear boards here and summer edit here.

Ok, onto the edit!

Light jackets for quick thinking

Blazers are safe, but expected. A clean, crisp light outer layer in a technical fabrication is where it’s at in 2026. Cool, calm, collected…and when worn closed, they can double as a top all of their own. We’re looking for options with forward point collars or funnel neck options for a point of interest near the face. This Friends With Frank number has had the group chat in a spin since one of our members purchased it.

1. HENNE / Emile Jacket – $389

2. BASSIKE / Cropped Twill Jacket – $595

3. SCANLAN THEODORE / Tech Trench Bomber – $650

4. FRIENDS WITH FRANK / The Penelope Cropped Trench – $449

5. FRIENDS WITH FRANK / The Lou Coat – $599

6. VENROY / Tailored Wool Zip Suit Jacket – $280

7. ASSEMBLY LABEL / Waverly Jacket – $180

Knitwear for every need

Stick to fine knits (leave the chunky knits for weekend slouch). The Miu Miu / Tory Burch-ified collared polo effect continues to dominate here — think: pointed collars and delicate buttons in sorbet and primary colours, worn with slouchy trousers for a combo of prep and cool. Give oversized knits office legitimacy by pairing them with tailoring and lace-trimmed layers.

1. BASSIKE / Cashmere Linen Polo – $450

2. FRIENDS WITH FRANK / The Imogen Knit – $389

3. OROTON / Short Sleeve Knit Polo – $169

4. BASSIKE / Knitted Cotton Baby Polo – $240 (on sale)

5. HENNE / Daphne Top – $229

1. HENNE / Ines V Neck Jumper – $189

2. KLOKE / Overflow Knit – $369

3. SCANLAN THEODORE / Babywool Polo – $160

4. \KLOKE / Descend Merino Knit – $359

1. ELKA COLLECTIVE / Victoria Cardigan – $179

2. WYNN HAMLYN / Double Up Rib Cardigan – $450

3. HENNE / Ettore Vest – $169

Tops that give your shirts a break

If we had a dollar for every time we were tasked with finding a non-boring work top, we’d have enough money to buy…well, one of the non-boring work tops below. This is such an overlooked category of your work wardrobe, but owning just a couple of options will give you excellent mileage for everything from client meetings to after-work drinks. With sleeveless styles (ideal for layering under light jackets), look for high necks and draping to add interest. That Harris Tapper number haunts our dreams.

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We know so many of you love these monthly round-ups (and we really lo…

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These instincts arrive in me like a physiological homing pigeon approximately once a month, when my animal brain takes over from my prefrontal cortex. Women cop a lot of shit, but attunement to our bodies is (can be??) a joy. And in these moments of attunement, how we decide to dress our bodies is worth paying attention to.

Dressing with what I’ll call bodily empathy gives us comfort, a sense of control or freedom, and can be a functional tool that makes the day feel easier. This is especially true in those tender first weeks and months after having a baby, as you wrestle with a metamorphosis that nothing can prepare you for.

Soph and I are often asked what to wear, how to dress, and how to think about getting dressed in those first few weeks and months of postpartum life. It’s been almost two years since I entered that metamorphosis, and it’s incredible how many details have dropped out of my brain - like loose lemons dropping out of a wet paper bag. What did I wear? Honestly, fucked if I know.

Enter: Sally Tabart.

Sally Tabart is a writer, a strategist, an editor and a brilliantly creative, generous soul whom I first encountered when we were both scurrying around RMIT together (in some combination of American Apparel and Funkis, no doubt) while studying comms and media. Over the years, I’ve admired her career in publishing. She was one half of the cult-like Ladies of Leisure community and was also the managing editor of The Design Files for several years. Today, she is taking on the biggest role as mother to her beautiful one-year-old daughter, Lila. You could talk to Sally for hours about fashion, design, culture - both high and low - and nobody would make you think and laugh at the same time, at quite the same pace.

We’re so delighted she agreed to write today’s newsletter about postpartum dressing. Her tips are practical but creative, and even if you’re not a new mum or expecting to be, I think you’ll find things you can apply to your sense of style and getting dressed. It’s also chock-a-block with cute links to cute clothes that you can wear if you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or literally never want to think about kids ever again.

Sending love to all who may be struggling with fertility, and to all those on the journey.

Xx

-

By Sally Tabart:

Before I had my daughter Lila in January last year, I thought a lot about what I would wear in the early postpartum months. When you’re pregnant and peering over the abyss into the ‘other side’ it’s truly impossible to know what life is going to be like. New mums are so often portrayed as frazzled, exhausted and on the brink of a breakdown in stained t-shirts, leggings and frizzy ponytails. Would the experience of having a child change me so fundamentally that I would completely lose the ability (or will?!) to dress myself? Would I really not have time to take a shower or run a brush through my hair?! It felt so daunting! It’s not even like I was expecting to put together outfits that were interesting or cool. But I knew that if things fell apart (which they kind of have at times), I would need to, at the very least, feel somewhat put together to make it through. I sound like I’m exaggerating, but I’m kind of not.

Now I’m on the other side, I understand why some days there is simply no improving your appearance. And yes, there have been times when showering got bumped down the priority list. Figuring out how to dress your newly postpartum body can be really fucking hard. Everything is a lot…squishier…and things change and fluctuate all the time. There’s also a very functional element to dressing in the first 6 months or so after having a baby that adds to the conundrum and limits your options. If you’re breastfeeding, your boobs need to be accessible. You’ll likely be getting spewed on quite frequently. Most of your time is spent either sitting/lying down or walking, walking, walking. If, like me, you had a C-section, the idea of anything fitted around your mid section might sound like hell for a while.

When it comes to clothes and how they make me feel, pragmatism has never been at the top of my priorities. But these days I’ve had to give a little on this. It’s so easy to see how you might just end up staying in pyjamas or activewear all day – and I want to be clear, this is ABSOLUTELY a valid and probably very sane decision during this absolutely mental season of life. BUT. I’m here to tell you that if getting dressed is important to your mental health, it doesn’t have to be like that! In fact I truly believe that, with a little planning, the majority of the time you can still assemble some semblance of an outfit and feel like yourself.

I have spent A LOT of time refining my postpartum wardrobe. Don’t get me wrong: I’m not winning any style awards for my performance over the last 12 months, and I’m still having outfit regretsies all the time. But I have spent so much time experimenting with the balance of comfort, style, function and identity. I’ve bought, sold, returned, exchanged, Depop-ed, Repop-ed and donated. I’ve trawled social media for inspo, tried things, made mistakes, cracked some codes, and finally feel like I’ve figured out a refined answer to the question of what to wear when you’re newly postpartum (...just in time for everything to change again when I return to work soon!).

Having a baby and everything that follows is the most transformative, vulnerable experience you will likely ever go through. If you’re freshly postpartum and in a funk, or pregnant and feeling anxious about who the new ‘you’ will be on the other side, don’t worry. There will be a time when you’re excited to leave the house in a hot little outfit again. I’m now in the midst of a new phase where I’m getting my mojo back and figuring out what the new me looks like, and it feels fucking amazing. It’s not going to be trackies forever!

Until that time comes for you, here are my tips to help you feel like you’ve got it together when you’re in the ‘put clothes on body’ phase of postpartum.

1. Consider a postpartum capsule wardrobe: One of my favourite creators for fashion inspo, Ailie Smith, made a TikTok about the idea of a postpartum capsule which really helped me reframe my approach to getting dressed during this time. The first year of being a mum has been such a distinct season that it feels right to assign it a uniform of rotating pieces that can easily be mixed and matched, and are also fit for multiple purposes. For me, this is less about purchasing lots of new pieces and more about reducing the need to confront my whole wardrobe every day. In contrast to the little control it felt like I had over my baby, having a small edit to work within seemed like a relief.

2. Buy multiples: If you find a staple piece that you like, holds its shape, you feel good in and is extremely comfortable, congratulations: you’ve hit the jackpot. Buy it in multiple colours. I LIVED in a brown pair of Alpha60 Romeo knife pleat pants throughout my pregnancy and postpartum. One of my first trips out of the house postpartum was to go and buy a second pair in black. I’m sick to death of them but they’ve seen me through some tough times. I can’t quit them.

3. Get dressed for the night shift: In the first few months where the line between days and nights were hazy, I always got ‘dressed’ for the night. Before the sun went down we tried to reset the house so that we were somewhat prepared for whatever was in store, and the same applied to getting myself ready. The ritual of having a shower, doing my skincare and getting dressed for the night helped with the 5pm scaries (IYKYK).

I had 4 pairs of these pyjama pants and another 4 of this cami that, with a cardi overnight, was extremely comfortable and easy to breastfeed in, but also didn’t make me feel like shit if I wasn’t able to get out of them until 3pm the next day. I also lived in my Mumma Milla leakproof bras and wore the camis a lot overnight.

5. Limit your colour palette: For some people, colour is part of the joy of getting dressed. But I find it overwhelming! If you’re like me, I found it helpful to stick to a neutral palette of black, brown, white and navy, with a couple of my safe colours in there (blue and red). I tried to make bright green trackies work one time and it spun me out all day.

6. Keep it simple (then add accessories): In my opinion, now is not the time to be aiming high sartorially. I found a lot of comfort in finding the shapes and styles I felt like myself in, adding a few cute accessories and just wearing a variation of those things on repeat. I’m a big fan of the scrunchie/necklace combo, even with pyjamas.

7. Don’t splash out on the basics: When talking about how her style had evolved postpartum, stylist Allison Bornstein mentioned that she was no longer buying expensive basics like singlets and t-shirts. This is a little at odds with what we’ve been conditioned to do (invest in quality basics), but I do think there’s something in this for the specific postpartum period we’re talking about. When you’re changing your top multiple times a day (milk leaking, baby spit up etc.) it kind of doesn’t feel worth it.

8. This is all temporary: You know when you go travelling with a very limited selection of clothes, and the second you get home you can’t bear the thought of ever wearing them again? That’s what’s going to happen to your postpartum wardrobe. Invest in a few key things you’ll wear allll the time – for me, that included Nagnata trackies and a pair of Salomon mary jane sneakers – but know that one day you’ll get the ick and will not be able to look at them for a very, very long time.

After much field research, here is my list of early postpartum clothing essentials, plus four easy outfit formulas to file under ‘no sleep’.

The Must Haves:

• 6 Maternity Bras

• 8 Elevated Trackies

• 10 Pull On Pants

• 6 Relaxed Tees

• 9 Tops & Tanks

• 7 Accessories

• 7 Comfy Shoes

• 10 Bags (Nappy & Cross-Body)

• 10 Button Up Layers

Easy Peasy Outfit Formulas For:

• The First Coffee Out

• The Nap Walk

• Visitors Coming Over In 5

• The Night Shift

The Must Haves

Maternity Bra

I mainly wore Mumma Mila leakproof bras and camis, and Skims maternity crop tops, but my bigger boobed mum friends said Bonds were the best option. I haven’t tried them, but am very into the look of the First Thing maternity bras.

1. SKIMS / Maternity Nursing Scoop Bralette — $84

2. MILK / The Leakproof Essential Milk Maternity Bra II — $99

3. JUEM / Bernie Bra — $79

4. MUMMA MILLA / Leakproof Night Bralette — $74.99

5. JUEM / Jane Maternity Crop — $85

6. FIRST THING / The Maternity Bra — $69

Elevated Trackies

One step up from pyjamas, elevated trackies are what you change into when you’re getting ‘dressed’ for a big day of being naptrapped at home, going for a walk, popping out to the shops or getting a coffee. Save the super sloppy trackies as a special treat for the days you’re really in dire straits.

1. DEIJI STUDIOS / Soft Pant — $128 (on sale)

2. LE BON SHOPPE / Balloon Pants — $160

3. NAGNATA / Organic Motley Track Pant — $420

4. BEFORE MARCH / Espresso Recline Pant — $195

5. PINKY & KAMAL / Odyssey Terry Towelling Pant — $155

6. ALPHA60 / Ridge Short — $160 (on sale)

7. BUDDY / Denim Tee Shorts — $129

8. JUEM / Maya Pant — $119

Pull On Pants

Distinct from the elevated trackies, chuck the elastic waist pant when people are coming over or you’re in the mood to sidestep away from full leisurewear. Having a satin and a poplin pair seemed to get me the most outfit range. Size up!

1. ASSEMBLY LABEL / Amara Pant — $100

2. DISSH / Percy Silk Pant — $229.99

3. ALPHA60 / Cooper Pant — $202 (on sale)

4. MARLE / Ellidy Pant — $260

5. ST. AGNI / Relaxed Pants — $279 (on sale)

6. DEIJI STUDIOS / Flounce Pant — $165

7. FME APPAREL / Panel Pant — $310

8. VENROY / Crepe Elastic Waist Pant — $200

9. ASSEMBLY LABEL / Lola Barrel Pant — $100

10. FRIENDS WITH FRANK / The Heidi Pants — $249

Relaxed Tee

A postpartum staple for a reason! This sounds easy but requires a bit of trial and error. It can be hard to get the right balance of oversized so it looks intentional and cool, rather than bed shirt territory. Personally, I like a boxy cut.

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Enter Paula Joyce. A Melbourne-based counsellor and psychosocial support worker with a background in fashion PR and journalism, so naturally her interest in fashion sits at the intersection of creativity and psychology — exploring how our clothing choices relate to self-perception and self-worth. Paula is a very good friend of a very good friend of ours. Annie and I have both been sort of parasocial friends with Paula via our good friend, via Instagram. I regularly harass Paula for outfit credits and, to my dismay, the answer usually involves something of the thrifting / vintage / international market ilk, making her style even more enviable. Her ability to pick treasure amongst trash is an unbelievable skill which she has honed over decades of thrift shopping. I’m tempted to use the word innate in here somewhere but I really do believe this skill can be cultivated with a bit of patience and practice — a lost art form in the current world of shopping. So, we’ve asked Paula to share her top tips for shopping vintage clothing online, further into the article.

My advice? Go in with a very clear idea of what you’re looking for, write these items down in your notes as they come to mind and revisit them. If you’re still thinking about this piece after a while, start your hunt. Online shopping is overwhelming so having a very clear idea of what item you’re looking for will keep the search results tailored and targeted. It takes patience but the results are rewarding, its likely far fewer people are going to have the item you’ve found. There’s a rush to finding something you really love after putting in the effort to find it. And these pieces are REAL. There’s something I’ve been feeling about my outfits and clothing recently.. Like they’re not real, or they’re too perfect? Or clean? I query this could be a result of being gifted pieces semi-regularly and while it is a lovely perk of what we do, it can remove some of the grit of personal style. That grit, Paula has oodles of.

Over to Paula ♥️ Thanks for being here with us.

Sophie. X

Paula Joyce

As the mum of a toddler, I don’t have much time to thoughtfully put outfits together or really feel out what I want to wear. There’s an interesting duality to how I dress day to day. Often, I’m dressed purely for functionality, in martial arts pants, an oversized men’s shirt and trench coat, zero makeup, with wet hair tucked under a cap. Other days, when I have a bit more time up my sleeve, my approach is far more considered: carefully selected pieces—usually pre-loved designer, vintage or thrifted finds. There’s something liberating in that versatility. I don’t feel pressure to be performative with what I wear, and when I’m time-poor, I find comfort in uniforms that are tried, tested and already chosen.

My partner and I have free rein over each other’s wardrobes. I’ll borrow his Dries suit, trench coats and graphic tees, and he’ll take my caps, tees and shirts. It adds another layer of versatility and playful experimentation that keeps things fun, even on the most low-key days.

When shopping, I focus on selecting pieces that work with my existing wardrobe (usually pre-loved) and pairing them with my staples: a good vintage graphic tee, my white Margiela Tabis, Fendi Oyster bag and oversized wraparound Miu Miu sunglasses.

I run a store on Depop (@thekillingmoon777) and treat my wardrobe as something that’s always evolving. If something isn’t being worn, I’ll sell it before bringing anything new in. It keeps everything curated and intentional, while creating space for pieces I’ll actually use.

I’m deeply interested in the psychology of fashion and how clothing impacts our moods, confidence and self-esteem. As a mum, I’m conscious of practicing positive body image and try to place the emphasis on fit and how clothes feel, rather than the size on the label. I know my daughter is absorbing all of this, so modelling a healthy, creative relationship with clothing feels like something meaningful I can pass on.

Last year, I spent four months in Europe with my family, taking style notes in every city we visited. I sourced vintage bridal and one-of-a-kind pieces from Italy, Paris and Spain—pieces that are now being restored in Australia ahead of an online store launch in 2026. This collection was my opportunity to curate for others the way I curate for myself, with care and intention.

My Pointers for Shopping Vintage & Pre-Loved Online

1. Choose your platform - Authenticated luxury consignment platforms like Vestiaire Collective and The RealReal are ideal for preloved investment pieces. Depop, a peer-to-peer resale app, works well for contemporary brands, vintage and some designer pieces (not vetted but buyer-protected). eBay and Facebook groups can also uncover hidden gems.

2. Be specific with your searches - Search by brand, fabric, cut, colour, era, location—even aesthetic or trend. The more targeted, the better your results.

3. Learn a few construction terms - Descriptors like bias-cut, spread collar, or flounced hem can help you uncover listings others miss. You don’t need to know everything—a basic familiarity will do.

4. Always measure, never trust size - Vintage sizing is unreliable. Compare listing measurements to your own, or a piece you love that fits. If measurements aren’t listed, ask. Sellers are usually happy to help.

5. Pay attention to fabric - Natural fibres generally wear and age better. Wool alone varies hugely—merino, cashmere, lambswool, mohair—each wear differently, require different care, and come at different price points.

6. Know your labels - Start with familiar labels, then expand. Some of my vintage go-tos are Prue Acton, Finlaw, Merivale (dresses); YSL and Jones New York (suits); London Fog and Baracuta (trench coats).

7. Read listings properly - Examine photos. Read descriptions carefully. Look for condition notes, signs of wear, or defects. If something’s unclear, ask.

8. Make reasonable offers - Test the waters if something’s been listed for a while. Offering slightly below asking price often works—worst case, they say no.

9. Know your gaps and make a list - Knowing what you’re looking for keeps you focused. This is equally valuable when thrifting in person and sorting through endless racks. Focus on what’s missing from your wardrobe, not what’s already covered.

10. Accept that it takes time - Some pieces take months or years to find. You’ll get faster with experience and better at trusting your instincts.

Here’s a week of outfits that show how this plays out in real life—the uniforms, the pre-loved finds, the borrowed pieces, all curated with whatever time I had that day.

Sunday

I'm meeting a friend for a wine (which will likely turn into many). I've borrowed my partner's Dries suit, clipping the fastener onto the belt loop to make it fit. I've toned it down with a vintage tee and flip flops from Sydney label Maria Farro, which keep the look grounded so it doesn't feel too formal.

SUIT: Dries Van Noten — an aussie iteration here

TEE: Vintage — try Depop or if you’re in Melbourne, American Rag and Lost & Found are great for vintage graphic tees. This one is too cute.

FLIP FLOPS: Maria Farro / Mera — $209

SUNGLASSES: Lexxola / Lulu — $400 (currently on Depop)

BAG: Miu Miu from Reina

• Depop option 1

• Depop option 2

• Vestiaire

RING: LIÉ STUDIO / The Victoria Ring — $165

Monday

I'm working in my support work role today, so I'm dressed for comfort but also keeping things versatile with layers as we're heading into the CBD and, well, Melbourne weather. I found these camo pants and this antique chemise slip at a flea market in Turin, and wearing them always takes me back to that trip. These are the kinds of pieces I gravitate towards when I have time to be more considered—pieces that carry memories and meaning.

TEE: Thrifted

CHEMISE: Turin flea market — why not try Etsy, or Posse

TROUSERS: Levi’s, from Turin flea market — Bassike option or an actual army pant for a similar slim leg look

FLIP FLOPS: Maria Farro / Mera — $209

BAG: Fendi (Vestiaire)

• Vestiaire option 1

• Vestiaire option 2

SUNGLASSES: Miu Miu (Depop)

• Depop option 1

• Depop option 2

• Vestiaire option 1

• Ebay option 1

• Ebay option 2

Tuesday

I have the day off work today and I finally get to join my partner and daughter who are on holidays. My hair's a little sweaty from yoga, and we're rushing to squeeze in a pram nap, so I'm keeping it relaxed. There's something playful about the contrasting patterns and fabrics, and these obnoxious sunnies from Loewe cover everything and tie it all together. Even when I'm rushing, there's room for a little experimentation.

TOP: Junya Watanabe (Depop)

• Ena Pelly

SKIRT: Prada (Depop)

• Olga Joan

• Depop option 1

• Depop option 2

• Depop option 3

• Vestiaire option 1

• Vestiaire option 2

• Vestiaire option 3

FLATS: Margiela

• Farfetch

• Ebay

• E Nolan

BAG: Miu Miu from Reina

• Depop option 1

• Depop option 2

• Vestiaire

SUNGLASSES: Loewe

• Loewe

• 1.74

Wednesday

Back at work today, so I'm in my beloved martial arts pants and trench uniform. I started wearing these pants (in both black and white) years ago. I love the cut and how comfortable they are. Time for some new ones soon. Hoping I get lucky at Savers but they're easily available to purchase online too.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Up first is the divine and über cool Ashiya Omundsen of ultimate anti-fast fashion label, Par Moi. I don’t s…

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I’m at 13 weeks and have hit that fun ‘only slightly chunkier than I was before yet nothing fits’ stage, far sooner than anticipated. Yes I know I shouldn’t be calling myself chunky but it’s true. While i’m busy telling myself to be grateful for the miracle that is life, i’m also dreading the havoc that is currently being unleashed on my body for a second time, with the many anecdotes in mind of just how much harder pregnancy is on your body the second (and third etc.) time around. Woo! The ultimate lesson in selflessness whether you want it or not.

One way I found pregnancy 1.0 slightly easier to grapple with was to make sure I at least felt at home in my clothing if not my body for a while. It definitely wasn’t all the time (I spent A LOT of time in mens’s XXL tees and Uniqlo seersucker boxer shorts) but when I could be bothered I attempted to dress my bump in a way that made me feel good. So tell your friends, your sister, your aunt, your cousin — plenty of ‘non-maternity-wear pregnancy style’ is incoming. Which is actually just loose waist clothing for those who seek not to be strangled by their clothing. This is me pregnant or not so not a lot will actually change besides a lack of tailored waistlines and a surplus of elastane.

Happy Holidays. We love you guys!

Sophie (and Annie).

XX

Long Shorts / Short Longs

The reign of the bermuda continues, often with a cargo influence in this here household. I’ll be wearing mine with loose shirting as above, boxy and baby tees. The bermuda can be divisive, mainly because it cut off the leg in a less ‘flattering’ way, so a finer shoe can be the key to balance here.

May I note that I was absolutely off the ‘flattering’ word train, but I think my perspective has been changed as the conversation has developed. What i’ve come to realise is that no matter which way you slice it, there is a more flattering way to dress each different body. That doesn’t mean it’s the one ‘right’ way to dress but I also no longer believe it means ‘skinny’ like I previously thought. Research proves that the human eye is attracted to balance, so now when I use the ‘F’ word I’ve reframed it in my mind as referring to the balancing of proportions. But I may change my mind again next week.

SUNGLASSES: CHIMI / Saint — $390

I’m still on the CHIMI train. If you prefer to keep your glasses polished rather than going too wild for what can be quite an expensive purchase (me) then opt for a tinted lens for something just slightly more interesting.

NECKLACE: LOVE ISABELLE / Valere Jasper Necklace — $169

You may notice this colour is a common thread throughout this particular newsletter because i’m currently obsessed. Citrine? Lime? I dunno but I lurv.

SHIRT: KSUBI / Labels Astra LS Shirt — $189.95

Way more chic than it looks in the collage. Super oversized, loose, airy and sheer-ish. Perfect summer wearing. I’m not much of a linen gal so despite not being 100% natchy, i’m onboard.

I’m also lusting after this shirt for a point of difference.

BRALETTE: MODIBODI / Sylvie Bralette — $41.99 (on sale)

SHORTS: I LOVE UGLY / Leighton Cargo Short — $77.40 (on sale)

For the spenny option I love these.

BAG: WYNN HAMLYN / Woven Beaded Bag — $250NZD

THONGS: DOF STUDIOS / Nadia — $229.95

Flood Pants

The silhouette is back and I don’t hate it. Theres an ease to a pedal pusher, a certain ‘I don’t give a fuck’. I don’t have much more to say about it apart from once again, a finer shoe can help here if you are self conscious of your calves like a lot of us. As well as a hem that isn’t fitted / is slightly flared / loose. Balance, etc. etc.

OH, and they’re good in a flood.

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Be kind to each other and remember to look for light everywhere.

xx

Gifts Under $100

1. SOLEIL SOLEIL / Square Pareo — $90

2. MOODS BY A / Cage Necklace — $88

3. FELLA / Scrunchie — $35

4. THE HOLD / Beaded Keyring — $70

5. MAGGIE MARILYN / Summer Cap — $95

6. POPPY LISSIMAN / Window Wallet — $85

7. PAN AFTER / Plaid Bag — $65

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But first, for N…

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Office / work dress-codes are now so fluid that it can be really hard to decipher w…

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• Key word; denim

  There’s an ease and effortlessness to denim that we’re often trying to evoke in our everyday looks — this is inbuilt into it’s very stitching so starting an outfit with a denim piece is usually a good first step.

• The second key word; longer

  I fully support a short hem, a short scroll through my personal IG page will give you all the evidence you need here, but there’s something about turning upwards of 30 that makes you want to cover up a little more. I’m hoping it’s not solely societal body ideals though i’m sure this plays a role, but the desire to get em’ out feels less pressing than it once did.

• Comfort

  Granted you’ve purchased well and your shorts aren’t too firm or rigid, denim is comfortable! If in doubt I always size up and alter the waist for ultimate comfort’s sake.

We struggle to revisit them because we don’t know how to wear them in a way that doesn’t evoke this said negative nostalgia. So how can we course correct? How do we wear this classic throw on summer favourite in a way that feels cool again? I’ve kept this super edit tight, only keeping the pairs I think i’d personally actually wear and how i’d wear them.

Onto the shorts…

Sophie xo

The Shorts

1. ALPHA60 / Garcia Denim Short — $199

My personal favourite and the pair I plan to purchase. If I were more organised and a better Substacker i’d have purchased these before the newsletter and shown you how i’d wear them. Alas.

They’re low slung which is a style i’m personally loving again. Not so low you can see your crack, but low enough to give off that ‘i’m cool and relaxed’ vibe despite the hectic mess that actually lies beneath (i’m referring to my head not my nether regions). And TBH i’m getting rather sick of having waistlines sit around my… waistline. Let the tummy breathe!

I see myself wearing these with a tee. An oversized shirt, perhaps a shirt over strapless top when i’m feeling more fruity. A delicate top. But really my mind went straight here to Laurel Pantin.

2. FRIENDS WITH FRANK / The Felicity Denim Shorts — $229

The pleated denim short. I think these are the style which cause the most trouble when it comes to styling, it’s the mix of pleats and length that scream 90s. But they can be so chic when the styling is done well. The easiest way to get it right here is to keep it pretty clean and minimal because the style itself is a bit of a moment. Because the pleats create a bit of a blouson, keeping the top fitted will stop you from feeling like you’re actually back in the 90s. Or wear a the top half cropped so that it just skims the top of the short.

3. ELKA COLLECTIVE / Odin Short — $169

The pleats aren’t quite so exaggerated here and the length not so long, so it makes for easier styling. Personally when wearing white denim I can’t help but wear a white top, an all white look just looks cool. However the days of wearing all white with a toddler are limited so i’d most likely be pairing with a pop of colour. I used this mustard baby tee in a commercial recently and haven’t stopped thinking about how i’d wear it. It’s 20 bucks!

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Few things date like a cut of jeans (skinny, flared, bootcut, low-rise, ‘mom’ cut…the recent history of jeans basically collapses all of culture into a few key eras). So, if feeling current and contemporary in your style is important to you, then shopping for jeans is an inevitability. Might as well find a pair that makes you feel all powerful. And it is possible, as evidenced by our Classmates group chat this week, where many of you have shared your jean shopping wins.

It all started with Soph tried on a few options from Sydney label Beare Park, which in August launched a capsule range of denim: two pairs of jeans and a pair of relaxed shorts. Soph tested different sizes in both the mid-rise and high-rise cuts, eventually settling on the mid-rise in a 27 for passing the ‘squat test’ (an essential test if you ask us) and for also looking extremely hot. As denim goes, they are for sure a more expensive option, but one of those rare pairs that will take you from casual to cocktail vibes with the change of a shoe.

And then Soph went one step further and stopped in at Grace here in Melbourne to try on their plethora of jean options, where she shared this sage advice for anyone shopping for a pair of jeans - print out and keep in your wallet for the next time you’re considering committing to this most olympic of fashion quests:

• Focus solely on finding new jeans, don’t attempt to conquer anything else while you’re at it

• Plan for it to take a long time, anything short of that is a blessing

• Go fed and watered, your jeans need to fit and not feel uncomfortable after eating! Also, sustenance

• Wear or take the shoes you will most likely be wearing with the denim

• Try on multiple sizes in the styles you really love

• Enquire about the give of the denim to gauge how much they will stretch with wear

• Treat yourself, you likely wear your jeans multiple times a week. Invest in a good pair

This week, we’ve compiled an edit of the best jeans from local labels right now, broken down into style and wash. Looking for ideas for how to style them? Check out our Pinterest board below.

Relaxed all day denim

Good luck out there.

Soph & Annie

x

BALLOON (AKA BARREL LEG) JEANS

Whether they’re here for a good time or a long time, we’re not sure yet. We can see a return to a slimmer leg starting to take hold, which is no wonder given just how popular wide leg styles have become. But regardless, a barrel/balloon leg jean looks bloody good to us right now. The movement, the proportion and the playfulness of the silhouette — the shape is a moment, particularly with a strappy sandal.

1. ALPHA60 / Essex Jean — $229

2. ALPHA60 / Essex Jean — $229

3. ST. AGNI / Mid Rise Balloon Jeans — $389 **homeroom favourite

4. BASSIKE / Motley Long Rise Slouch Jean — $290 (on sale)

5. HENNE / Filomena Jean — $229

6. NOBODY DENIM / Vera Jean — $269

7. NOBODY DENIM / Vera Jean — $269

WIDE & BAGGY LEG

A relaxed, wide-leg jean is to 2025 what a skinny jean was to 2005. There’s no getting around them: this is the denim style that’s dominated the runway-to-high street pipeline of recent years (who could forget those comically oversized Loewe jeans a couple years back). Supremely comfortable (as jeans go) - a wide, baggy leg jean looks chic with more classically ‘refined’ pieces: tailoring, heels, lace, layers. Very hard to take off for a generation of women raised on jeans that could double as sausage casings.

1. MARLE / Wide Leg Jean — $260

2. HENNE / Elio Jean — $269 **homeroom favourite

3. ALPHA60 / Chevy Jean — $249

4. SCANLAN THEODORE / Denim Two Tone Boy Jean — $360

5. MARLE / Border Jean — $260

RELAXED & STRAIGHT

This cut has a more snug fit through the hip and thigh before running straight down to the ankle. Perfect for anyone who doesn’t want a full-blown barrel or baggy leg but still wants a level of comfort from their jeans. The key here is not to let your typical size get in the way of the right size for you in any given cut — try multiple sizes in the style you love to find the desired effect. A lighter wash offers a more casual vibe, while darker washes cross more easily into more dressed-up contexts like work or evening. But we’re a big fan of a light blue wash anytime, day or night.

Light Blue

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Soph and I spen…

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Flat sandals for spring/summer are mandatory, but this year we’re drawn to a little more texture, shape and detail. Animal prints both scaly and furry are on the agenda. Red is still a thing. A big thing. Even the gorpcore devotees will find an excellent (and quite chic) option in our edit below.

To be more specific, in this week’s newsletter you’ll find:

• Seven ‘delicate’ sandals with a finer strap

• Six classic black sandals with a thicker strap (more suited to pounding the pavement, should that be of any concern for you right now)

• Seven options in a “colour” (mainly really elegant neutral tones like chocolate brown)

• 13 pairs of thongs (or flip flops if that’s easier off the tongue for you) — don’t let the number fool you, this is all very good news for your feet

Everything you’ll see in this edit is by an Australian label (as is our MO) and something we’d only recommend to a friend (that’s you).

We. Are. So. Back.

Delicate sandals with a finer strap

A finer strap can sometimes mean less comfortable for multiple reasons. But look out for a soft leather, a cushioned footbed, or, if the straps aren’t super soft leather, then aim for a rounded strap.

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