FEMALE People Cam: September 2024 Edition
Our monthly compendium showcasing true Singaporean style as captured on the streets.
By Paige Boon,
Every month, we are inspired by the originality and uniqueness of the styles and outfits flaunted by people on the streets. In this month’s edition of our FEMALE People Cam, we captured stylish individuals who are unafraid to dress up for any occasion. From a day out at Orchard Road to thrifting at Haji Lane and attending a concert by a Gen Z pop idol, these individuals are making life their runway. They are indeed “our favourite reference, baby.” Keep scrolling for your next outfit-of-the-day inspiration.
Name: Wang Qin
Age: 20
Occupation: Student
Spotted at: Club Street
Her fit: “Most of what I’m wearing is from Taobao, but the outer top I’m wearing is from my sister.”
Inspiration behind her fit: “I wanted to wear this pink dress today, and since the weather was hot, I could not layer too much. Because of that, I decided to wear this outer top made out of a thinner material.”
Her personal style: “I like a mix of cutie and comfortable clothing pieces.”
A song that is currently on repeat: “Anything by the Korean pop boy group, Seventeen.”
Name: Sonia Ko
Age: 27
Occupation: Graphic designer
Spotted at: Club Street
Her fit: “My shirt is from a brand called @archyped on Instagram. My skirt is from Princess Polly and my shoes are from Dr Martens. My bag is from a Korean brand called Samo Ondoh, my necklace is from a brand on Taobao called Sumiyaki, and my rings are from various shops in Japan.”
Inspiration behind her fit: “I guess creatively speaking, I’m more inspired by Japanese street fashion and punk styles. This mainly inspired my outfit today.”
Her personal style: “Just whatever is comfortable, but I like wearing black a lot as it is easier to match, and adding colour through accessories.”
A song that is currently on repeat: “君の脊髄が踊る頃に by Dezert, just a current earworm!”
Name: Jinny Chau
Age: 30
Occupation: Sales advisor
Spotted at: Club Street
Her fit: “My T-shirt is from a Korean brand called Avahome, and my jorts are also from Korea. My waistcoat and belt are both from Zara. My shoes are Adidas Gazelles, and my bag is a vintage Fendi Baguette. For accessories, my rings are from Chrome Hearts and Gucci, and my necklace is from a store in Korea.”
Inspiration behind her outfit: “My fashion sense is always inspired by Instagram influencers, such as street style OOTD and fashion bloggers, as well as Korean pop idols. For this outfit specifically, I decided to wear baggy denim shorts, which have been trendy recently, and match them with other pieces in my wardrobe. Most importantly, I wanted to feel cosy and comfortable in my outfit as I travel around Singapore.”
Her personal style: “I love wearing a boyish style with denim jeans every day. I like jeans of all kinds – wide leg, straight, and baggy. I feel like this style fits my personality.”
Favourite accessory to wear: “A bag is the essential item of my outfits. It is the final step to make my outfits more complete and helps to enrich them with my character. I love decorating my bags with cute keyrings and toy dolls, and I constantly refresh my bag based on my look.”
Name: Megan Arlin
Age: 33
Occupation: Gallery director
Spotted at: Singapore Gallery Month opening at Club Street
Her fit: “My outer top is unbranded and I got this more than five years ago. My inner top is from Beyond The Vines, and my pants are from Uniqlo. I got my bag from Porter Yoshida, and my earrings from Mormormor.”
Inspiration behind her outfit: “I always try to go with timeless and versatile pieces with a bit of a twist. In this case, the twist is my outer top.”
Favourite accessory to wear: “Earrings, you can go from simple to bold, depending on the event.”
On how art has shaped her dressing: “With my work as a gallery director, my general rule is to wear an outfit that doesn't compete with the art, so I mostly dress in black or neutral colours.”
Name: Cevin Ung
Age: 19
Occupation: Student
Spotted at: Rochor
Her fit: “My top is from Thrift Milf in Kuala Lumpur, and my skirt is from Hongdae Vintage in Seoul. My shoes are Rockfish Weather Wear Mary Janes, and my tote bag is from Goodtotes. For accessories, my rings are from Albedo and @yeureirei on Instagram. I am wearing a necklace from @ecstralmagick and @socksinmymouth on Instagram, as well as another necklace from @xms_store on Instagram.
Inspiration behind her outfit: “Although I didn't have a strict inspiration for my outfit, I loosely followed the relaxed and feminine silhouette of Japanese fashion, as my top and skirt are from Japanese labels. I was more focused on how I could creatively yet cohesively mix and match pieces I don't wear at all, and I paired my pieces to make a monochrome outfit.”
Favourite way to accessorise an outfit: “At the moment, I love accessorising with headgear. Clips, ribbons, all sorts of hats or even eyewear. I think it's a very underrated area of accessorising and can complete an outfit when done tastefully. My mind may be empty but my head area isn't.”
Her current fashion obsession: “I'm a bit obsessed with highlighting my femininity at the moment. As a younger teen I used to have phases of hating dresses and skirts, but now I'm the complete opposite, can't imagine my closet without them! Loose silhouettes and soft textures like knit or satin dominate my outfits nowadays.”
Name: Chen Leguan
Age: 16
Occupation: Student
Spotted at: Lasalle College of the Arts McNally Campus
Her fit: “My top is from Taobao, and my dress is from Zara. My heels are from Charles & Keith.”
Inspiration behind her outfit: “My inspiration was the thought of wearing an outfit that looked soft and cute!”
Her personal style: “I like to go for a mix of both cute and hot in my outfits.”
On why she likes monochrome outfits: “I feel like monochrome outfits make it easier to wear different clothes from my closet and put together cohesive looks.”
Name: Nathalie 'Tsuomi' Ngin
Age: 19
Occupation: Student
Spotted at: Lasalle College of the Arts McNally Campus
Their fit: “I got my clothing pieces from small brands on Taobao. My hoodie and shorts, as well as my tights, are from these brands.”
Inspiration behind their outfit: “My inspiration is Jeff the Killer's bloody white hoodie. I bought something similar and paired it with what I already had.”
Their current fashion obsession: “Definitely guro kawaii and jojifuku fashion.”
One tip for people wanting to explore their style: “Be cringe and be free. Don’t be afraid of what others think or say.”
Name: Tan Ni Ke
Age: 19
Occupation: Student
Spotted at: Lasalle College of the Arts McNally Campus
Their fit: “My top was free from a pop-up at Peace Centre. My shorts are from Shein, as it is hard for me to find good plus-size options in physical stores. My bag is from Shopee, decorated with badges that I have collected over time. My shoes are platform Converse.”
Inspiration behind their outfit: “I was trying to go for a casual outfit for class, drawing inspiration from the 90s and early 2000s metal scene.”
Something they want to try: “I would like to try wearing corsets and more layers, but Singapore is too hot for that, so maybe when it’s cooler. I would also like to wear gothic-inspired makeup to school one day.”
On wearing black: “I wear black 98 per cent of the time. I take inspiration from gothic and punk styles and listen to punk and metal music. Hence, I would say that it has influenced the way I dress and the colours I choose to wear.”
Name: Irna Iryani
Age: 24
Occupation: Service crew
Spotted at: Madison Beer's The Encore Tour at Singapore Expo Hall 7
Her fit: “My entire set is from the online clothing website, Shein.”
Inspiration behind her outfit: “My inspiration comes from artists like Madison Beer and Ariana Grande. Since I wear a hijab, I have to create a halal version – not too revealing, but still fashionable!”
Her personal style: “I would describe it as simple yet attractive. I think my style also depends on my mood.”
Current favourite musicians: “I’m currently obsessed with Madison Beer, Ariana Grande, and Sabrina Carpenter. I love the way they dress, and they are so pretty.”
Name: Muhammad Ismail bin Ahmad Mohayathian
Age: 17
Occupation: Student
Spotted at: Orchard Road
His fit: “The denim vest was thrifted from a place in Chinatown called Nearest Ten. The flowy mesh top was taken from my sister’s wardrobe. The denim flared pants were also thrifted from Nearest Ten. The shoes are from Dr. Martens, and the newsboy cap belonged to my father. I got the necklace from my aunt when she bought it in Melaka. As for my bag, I got it from Fairprice supermarket.”
Inspiration behind his outfit: “My outfit was inspired by 2000s boho chic with cowboy vibes because I have always admired the eccentric patterns associated with boho chic. I chose a top with flowy sleeves as it resonates with me, reflecting my carefree and naïve nature while wandering around the big city. The warm-toned brown also creates a more inviting feel for me, as I’ve always loved talking to people. Using a colour palette that people associate with comfort allows me to present myself as more friendly and welcoming.”
His personal style: “I would say my style is pretty versatile. I love the idea of having different styles every day, as it reflects who I am as a person. I have multiple traits that make me unique, and by having various styles, I can easily express them through different articles of clothing. Having one definite style would make me feel very restricted and closed off. Ideally, letting my creativity flow naturally through the way I dress enables me to let my mind run free.”
The item he cannot leave the house without: “I could never leave the house without my YSL Libre perfume. Smelling good is always a treat, and I love having a signature scent that people associate with me! I truly adore the YSL Libre perfume, as the rich scent of white floral and citrus gives off a sexy yet classy aroma. It’s a must-have, I must say. Aside from that, it holds sentimental value, as my mother bought it for me for my birthday, and it has been my prized possession ever since. I bring it everywhere with me. Whenever I need a quick pick-me-up, two spritzes of that perfume, and I’m good to go."
Name: Sharifah Shaheena binte Syed Read Ai-Idros
Age: 17
Occupation: Student
Spotted at: Orchard Road
Her fit: “The white button-up shirt is from H&M. The long black skirt was a hand-me-down from my mother, and the blue striped coat was a gift. The leopard tote bag from Olivia Hassler was thrifted. The shoes are loafers from Dr Martens, which were also a gift. The locket was bought at a market in Melaka.”
Inspiration behind her outfit: “The main character of an anime called Paradise Kiss, Yukari Hayasaka, inspired me to explore the world of fashion even further and gave me the confidence to express myself, even in humid weather. When deciding on this outfit, I imagined myself in her shoes and styled myself based on what I think she would do, as the coat reminded me of her.”
Her personal style: “My style usually changes depending on my feelings and my desire to experiment with different looks. I draw inspiration from online influencers and their street fashion, as well as the distinctive styles seen in Nana and Paradise Kiss. My wardrobe features muted colours and uniquely patterned clothing and bags, which add a personal touch. Having patterns is the most crucial part of my outfits, as they add personality and allow me to feel expressive. Loafers are always my go-to choice and main preference, making them a staple in every outfit.”
Current favourite musician: “Shoji Meguro is my favourite musician because his Persona soundtracks have had a profound influence on my life. I listen to and obsess over his music regularly, finding that it inspires and motivates me deeply. His compositions fill me with energy and drive, enhancing my focus and making me feel empowered throughout my day.”
Name: Muhammad Aidil bin Muhammad Jamil
Age: 17
Occupation: Student
Spotted at: Orchard Road
His fit: “My outfit was mostly reworked and handmade by me. I made my bag during the June holidays because I was bored with my other bags, which just weren't giving me enough style. The pants were upcycled from really oversized black cargo trousers, and the chains were handmade from random items. My secondary school CCA was throwing away old, unused blazers, so I took one, styled it, and upcycled it. Other than that, the beanie was a gift from my cousin, and the top is a Playboy Bunny long-sleeve polo that I thrifted from Lucky Plaza. My shoes are Dr. Martens.”
Inspiration behind his outfit: “I usually customise and upcycle things to my own liking, making them unique and different, and therefore more ‘me.’ I like to think of myself as my own trendsetter, and hopefully, others understand my perspective. While I upcycle and take inspiration from others on how to customise, in the end, it’s all about my own preferences and creativity. My inspiration is myself, and while others can try to imitate it, it will never be the same, which is how I perceive my uniqueness.”
His personal style: “My style perfectly describes my state of mind, featuring messy designs and odd references that only a select few understand. It is a mix of maximalism and extremism, along with looks inspired by the anime JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, homeless and trash couture, grunge, layering, and mostly reworked, handmade, and upcycled pieces. Almost all of my wardrobe consists of upcycled and second-hand items.”
Favourite way of accessorising: “I usually stick to my three main accessories: necklaces, rings, and bracelets. If not, I’ll wear hats or beanies, ties and glasses, or a mixture of both. I’m always carrying my bag, which is full of all sorts of things; you never know when you might need a spare power bank or plasters. On top of that, I usually have my headphones with me.”
Name: Valene Ong
Age: 17
Occupation: Student
Spotted at: Haji Lane
Her fit: “I got my top and skirt from clothing Telegram channels. My cardigan is from Uniqlo, and my bag is from re.drmg. My shoes are from Charles & Keith, my glasses are from my grandmother, my necklace was gifted by a friend, and my belt is from Un.wastelands.”
Inspiration behind her outfit: “I was just going for something cute and casual! I always try to add more colours to my outfits, like today.”
Her personal style: “I would describe it as a colourful and soft girl aesthetic. I do try other styles sometimes as well!”
Favourite item in her closet: “As of now, I would say my mini skirts.”
Name: Charlize Lim
Age: 17
Occupation: Student
Spotted at: Haji Lane
Her fit: “My top is thrifted from Jalan Jalan Japan, and my pants are from Cider. My bag is from Marimekko, and my shoes are from Taobao. As for accessories, I thrifted them from Jalan Jalan Japan or various stores in Bangkok.”
Inspiration behind her outfit: “I was trying to incorporate both the ‘female horror game protagonist’ style with the sub-style ‘dark mori’, thus the darker black and red colour palette I chose. I also experimented with proportions and layering.”
Her personal style: “I would describe my personal style as experimental and colourful. I am a big fan of bold colours, patterns, and graphics in apparel, as I feel that they perfectly encapsulate my bold personality and how I’m feeling on different days. Additionally, I adore the confidence and freedom that comes with dressing up, and being experimental with my outfits means I can wear whatever I want without conforming to any aesthetic. I can take the time to explore them all.”
Favourite item in her closet: “Definitely a pair of low-waisted blue acid-washed jeans I thrifted from Jalan Jalan Japan in Malaysia, with pink Japanese crepe fabric along the waistline. It is such an easy and timeless piece in terms of styling, and it goes with almost every top in my wardrobe, which makes creating outfits so much easier.”
Name: Teo Min-Min
Age: 17
Occupation: Student
Spotted at: Conan Gray Found Heaven Tour at Singapore Indoor Stadium
Her fit: “My top was thrifted from a shop in Bugis, and my skirt was something I found in the depths of my closet. My bag and shoes are from Taobao, while the star fishnets, gloves, and rose choker were purchased from Shopee. The tie is from Daiso.”
Inspiration behind her outfit: “My inspiration came from Conan Gray’s latest album, Found Heaven. I wanted to capture the concert vibes while sticking to my usual style, so I included the colour palette of yellow and black, the star elements (fishnets and metal hair clips), and paid tribute to his famous album Superache and the song Alley Rose by tying a red rose choker on my yellow tie and wearing my petal earrings. Leather is also a material Conan wears a lot on this tour, so I knew I definitely wanted to wear leather gloves and my platform boots. I tend to dress more femininely, so I wanted to add a certain edge to it while keeping it flowy.”
On her interest in fashion: “I’ve always loved fashion since I was young. From the age of about four, I took pride in picking out my own outfits. I remember others thinking it was my mum who styled me, and I would get upset that she received the credit; it was honestly quite silly and memorable. I’ve always found it satisfying to put together an outfit from scratch using purely my ideas, colour palettes, or the vibe I'm going for. I believe fashion has always been a way for me to express myself creatively, and it brings me great joy, which is why I’m interested in studying fashion. I hope that when I'm older, I can provide others with the same opportunities.”
Favourite fashion icon: “I recently discovered a knitwear designer whose work I really love. Her name is @khawpann, and her brand is @mad.mori. I’m obsessed with her designs and the colours and textures she incorporates into her work. The silhouettes she creates through her clothing pieces are honestly so gorgeous and intricate. Personally, I don't knit; I prefer crocheting. However, I still appreciate her work, as both crafts take a lot of time, and pattern-making for knitting is not easy at all. Her ability to create new and interesting designs astounds me, as honestly, in this day and age, a lot of things have already been created. Her ability to produce something new and eye-catching is definitely amazing and cool, and I admire it greatly.”
Name: Jeryl Lim
Age: 20
Occupation: Awaiting National Service
Spotted at: Conan Gray Found Heaven Tour at Singapore Indoor Stadium
His fit: “I thrifted both my cropped button-up and the vest from Orchard. I got the pants from Aelfric Eden. My belt is from Aliexpress, and my shoes are from Dr. Martens. Most of my accessories are either from Aliexpress or random trinket shops. Lastly, my red panda bag is from River Safari (now known as River Wonders).”
Inspiration behind his outfit: “I mostly looked at Pinterest and TikTok for outfit inspiration! For this outfit, I tried to incorporate Conan Gray’s style in a way that is still very much me.”
His personal style: “I guess the closest thing would probably be Y2K. I do tend to switch things up a bit, so it's a bit difficult for me to pin down a specific style, as I like to play around with different aesthetics.”
His go-to thrifting spot: “My go-to thrift shops are definitely the ones in Lucky Plaza! They have such unique and affordable pieces, which I love.”
Name: Kendra Ho
Age: 19
Occupation: Student
Spotted at: Conan Gray Found Heaven Tour at Singapore Indoor Stadium
Her fit: “Both of my tops and my bag are from a store called Dirty Laundry. My shoes are from Kumi Vintage, the stockings are from Taobao, and my necklaces are from Vivienne Westwood and Taobao. I got my bracelets from Pandora, Vivienne Westwood, my mum, and my friends."
Inspiration behind her outfit: “My inspiration came from a collection of 1990s-inspired pictures, mainly from clubs and parties. I tried to incorporate more sequin and jewelled elements into my outfit and bring out more colours and graphics with references to pop culture prints.”
Her personal style: “My personal style really depends on how I feel on the day, but I mainly gravitate towards vintage, '90s and '80s styles, as well as a bit of punk fashion, influenced by the type of media I consume.”
Favourite fashion icon: “Currently, it has to be John Galliano. I enjoy his interpretations and works for various brands, especially in haute couture.”
Name: Xen (prefers to be known as Xen)
Age: Polytechnic Student
Spotted at: Conan Gray Found Heaven Tour at Singapore Indoor Stadium
Their fit: “My top is actually a skirt stolen from my sister, and my skirt is from Uniqlo. My gloves were a gift from a friend, and my boots were purchased at a random market in Korea. The ribbon around my neck is from a dress I accidentally tore. I am wearing my mother's old necklace, along with earrings from one of the night markets in Korea, and a bag that was a free gift from Skechers.”
Inspiration behind their outfit: “I didn't have any specific inspiration in mind, but I realised later in the day that my outfit somewhat resembled Irene from Red Velvet’s outfit in their music video, Psycho.”
Their personal style: “I would say that I like Grunge fairycore, as well as Goth and Punk-inspired aesthetics.”
Favourite fashion icon: “The late Alexander McQueen. I love his bold and experimental style, which resonates with my personal headspace and style. As someone who also designs, I aim to create phenomenal pieces that inspire others to embrace their wildness and creativity.”
Name: Nurul Amannie
Age: 19
Occupation: Attraction operations staff
Spotted at: Conan Gray Found Heaven Tour at Singapore Indoor Stadium
Her fit: “My top is from Conan Gray’s tour merchandise. My skirt is a hand-me-down Levi’s skirt, and my shoes are from Shein. I got my bag from Taobao, and my accessories from Taobao and Shopee.”
Inspiration behind her outfit: “I was going for a simple fit, but I still wanted to match the theme. I would say that I was inspired by Conan Gray as well!”
Favourite item in her closet: “My trusty white tank top. It is super versatile and looks cute when styled in almost any way.”
Her style icon: “Fay Tan Suan (@tan__suan on Instagram)! I love the way she styles different pieces together, and it amazes me each time."