Spoiler Alert: This Fashionable Bunch Does Not Work In The Creative Scene
The five individuals here range from a trader to a forensic investigator. What they all have in common: they smash the stereotype of what a corporate executive's wardrobe should look like.
By Noelle Loh,
Five fashion enthusiasts from the corporate and science industries share how their professional fields don't stop them from having fun and expressing themselves through the way they dress.
What does your job entail?
“I go through the likes of stock exchange listings, press releases and news articles to track transactions and then key the information into a database... Fortunately, there’s no strict dress code as I don’t have to face clients.”
Is there a stereotype of how people in your industry should dress?
“A basic dress, designer bag, high-heel shoes and very nice hair – often balayage.”
Describe your style.
“Very mismatched because my look is always made up of pieces that are either thrifted or hand-me-downs. Growing up, I rarely wanted new things because I found them expensive and because I’ve been procuring my wardrobe through such means for such a long time, I’ve no desire to spend much money on clothes – I try to limit it to a maximum of $12 per garment. And of course, this is also a more sustainable way to shop.”
On Sybil: Her own hand-me-down shirt, thrifted skirt, clutch sourced online, socks sourced from Taobao, and sandals from American shoe brand Keen
Any creative background that might have influenced your style?
“Going from wearing a school uniform every day to university, where one can wear anything he or she wants, I realised that I could define my look, and that’s what got me thinking more about style.”
A funny fashion anecdote at work.
“I was in a lift with my boss when she commented that, for once, she liked my top.”
On Sybil: Her own brand-less dress, leggings sourced from Taobao, bag sourced from McDonald’s, and Bijoux shoes from the Japanese accessories brand Tokyo Bopper
Describe your personal style.
“Eccentric and weird. I think it’s been indirectly influenced by the music I listened to growing up – noisy music like hard metal – and my hobbies then, such as skating.”
Favourite shopping haunts.
“Everywhere – from thrift stores and online secondhand stores to boutiques both online and brick-and-mortar... For a while now, I’ve been buying lots of Balenciaga, because Demna’s designs are simple yet elevated and relatable to my lifestyle and interests.”
On Tyler: His own Bladee X Heaven By Marc Jacobs T-shirt, thrifted cropped pants and boots, earrings – brand unknown, and Balenciaga cap, sunglasses and Le Cagole bag
Are people surprised to learn about your profession based on your style?
“Most of the time, though I wouldn’t say it’s a very big reaction. It’s quite common for them to think that I’m in the fashion or creative industry – or that I don’t have a job.”
What do you wear to work?
“The same as most guys in my industry, shirt and pants... I don’t really want to stand out at work, and I’m not uncomfortable in these pieces. They’re just everyday clothes. In some way, think of it as dressing for the occasion the same way a race car driver has to wear a racing suit. I wouldn’t say it’s boring, and work is just work – a means to make money – so I don’t get too affected about how my job requires me to dress a certain way.”
On Tyler: His own Balenciaga blazer, pants, tie and boots, Celine By Hedi Slimane shirt from Celine, and earrings – brand unknown
INEZ SARA, 23, RECENT AEROSPACE ENGINEERING GRADUATE LOOKING FOR A JOB IN THE FIELD
How are aerospace engineers expected to dress?
“A lot of polo tees and chinos. There are no set rules – some companies in the industry might actually be okay if I were to wear these rainbow dungarees – and that’s really the stereotype. It’s an area that calls for practicality. It’s also a male-dominated field.”
Your fashion influences.
“I’d describe my style as pretty bold and funky, and I’m trying to be more maximalist and trendy nowadays, which I find really fun, and a lot of my inspiration comes from Instagram and Twitter. The biggest factor though is probably my sister, who was in fashion design. I get a lot of confidence from her.”
On Inez: Her own Lucy & Yak overalls, thrifted bodysuit, belt from the Depop-based vintage store Maibee, and Dr Martens X Lazy Oaf boots from Dr Martens
Most treasured item in your wardrobe.
“These rainbow dungarees from the UK-based label Lucy & Yak, which only makes dungarees and has strong sustainability ethics. I was in love with every single one of its designs so I was really happy when I got these – it’s such a loud and fun piece, and feels very comfortable.”
Would you work at a company with a strict dress code?
“I would. I hope to incorporate a bit of my personal style into my work attire, but I also understand that I can have fun with the way I dress outside of work hours. It’s always been the case even back in school – yeah, getting ready every morning took a lot of effort.”
On Inez: Her own dress and top from the London-based vintage retailer Minga, sunglasses from the now-defunct online accessories brand Fexuss, necklace and bracelet that she received as a gift, and Dr Martens X Lazy Oaf boots from Dr Martens
What does your job entail?
“People like me support the litigation team on its investigation of fraudulent activities in corporations to find evidence that can be used in court... I’m still quite new in this industry, having joined a year ago. Before that I was an auditor.”
Brands you’re into.
“Comme des Garcons is my favourite – I’ve not seen anything on its latest runway that I like, but I adore its archival pieces... I don’t know if it’s Covid that’s got to me, but I’ve found myself buying less and focusing more on basics that I need, as well as thrifting. There’s more meaning to getting a piece from the past than a more recent season when designers seem to have got more repetitive... There’s also Ludovic Saint Sernin for its gender-fluid designs that encourage one to wear whatever he or she wants.”
On Fae: Her own Comme des Garcons top and skirt, Ann Demeulemeester boots, and hand-me-down jewellery
What do you wear to work?
“Usually a black shift dress, and I’m almost always all in black. In forensics, you have to dress professionally and it’s important not to distract people... Being so constrained during work hours has only meant that on the two days each week that I’m not at work, I wear whatever I want.”
Been mistaken for being in the creative line?
“Often. I do run a floral business with my partner on the side. I wanted to study design, before I decided to settle on accountancy and let design remain my passion... I also think being in forensics calls for creativity, because you’re dealing with humans and have to think like others to uncover evidence.”
Do you intend to stay in forensics?
“It’s tiring at times, but it’s also fulfilling so, for now, it’s a firm yes.”
On Fae: Her own top from the London-based label Asai, bikini top from Asos, Maison Margiela pants and boots, hand-me-down jewellery, and Lemaire handbag
Describe your personal style.
“Dark, minimal and functional because being comfortable is what’s most important to me... It’s been this way since I was in my late teens when I got into Yohji Yamamoto and music genres like hardcore punk, where the performers are always in black.”
Has WFH culture offered you more freedom to dress the way you like?
“The company that I’m at (he prefers to keep details under wraps) requires me to go into the office only 1 per cent of the time. Before this job, I was doing the same role at an investment firm and I was always in a white shirt and black or grey pants.”
On Andre: His own Nicholas Daley jacket, Cav Empt T-shirt, Outlier pants, Kiko Kostadinov bag, necklace from the Canadian recycled sterling silver jewellery brand Maple, Hoka sneakers, and rings from Hollow Bones and Werkstatt:Munchen
What does dressing up do for you?
“It’s one of the ways for me to express myself because, you know, I can’t draw or design... I’m also actually very shy and awkward, and wearing clothes that make me feel comfortable is like having on armour. It gives me a certain sense of confidence.”
Brands more people should have on their radar.
“The Danish brand Sunflower, which makes basics with interesting cuts and fabrics that can still pass off as corporate wear; Stussy for the many collaborations it’s been releasing; the Tokyo-based Cav Empt – I’m a T-shirt person and I like the design language behind its tees, cropped and boxy; and this other basics-focused brand called Kotn for its sustainability efforts – it’s B Corp certified.”
On Andre: His own Tres Bien cardigan, Essentials T-shirt, Stussy pants, and Engineered Garments x New Balance 990v5 sneakers from New Balance, and rings from Hollow Bones and Werkstatt:Munchen
Photography Athirah Annissa & Lawrence Teo Art Direction Jonathan Chia Coordination Khong Yawen Hair EC Tan/Kizuki+Lim Makeup Beno Lim, using Shu Uemura
This article first appeared in the Oct 2022 Reality Edition of FEMALE