It may seem like a strange statement to make, but putting together your wardrobe is a seriously meaningful task. I have come to realise that clothes have the ability to introduce people to the values that we hold close to our chest. They can correct assumptions that people make of you, and we naturally use clothes as tools to compensate. To give you an example, I was born and raised a city gal all my life, so I find myself drawn to pieces like fishing jackets and denim overalls that speak to a hard working life on the land. Essentially, clothes embody values, and we are drawn to items that charm us. So let me describe some of the most feminine qualities that come from wearing pieces that could be completely borrowed from the boys.

– Lauren

Nina wears Bleu de Cocagne indigo coat, House of SOHN x Uncoolinschool shirt, Roseanna trousers, and boots by Sarenza.

Generous

An oversized quilted coat like this indigo kimono pictured below by Bleu de Cocagne oozes kindness and generosity from its soft shape and giant form. I would say that the oversized shirt cuffs that grow out of the coat sleeves, shielding the model’s wrists, speak to playfulness, and the cloak’s natural indigo hue brings out an earthiness that compliments its kind shape.

Above Nina wears W’menswear parka and culottes, vintage embroidered denim shirt, and Acne slippers.

Hard Working

Denims and basic, sturdy fabrics like canvas are synonymous with work garments and getting-the-job-done. Workwear garments like this canvas parka pictured above have become icons of the idea, and to me tell people that its wearer sees much goodness in modesty.

Above Nina wears Roseanna hoodie, Golden Goose Deluxe Brand coat, W’menswear oversized bandana, Jonathan Liang trousers, and Nike sneakers.

Sentimental

Nostalgia and sentiment are tools that ground us to our roots. Wearing your grandmother’s scarf around your neck or your dad’s cashmere coat from the 80s (to his dismay) can say powerful things to others. Sentimental pieces like these tell people that you value history, connection, and personal exchange. People who treasure these priceless objects often find themselves in deep inward reflection.

Model Nina wears Tugrace coat, vintage Levi’s white cut-off jeans, vintage shirt and slippers.

Though these giant values can be treasured and expressed by anyone of any age, background or gender, they can be wonderful ways to express your femininity. No matter what shape or silhouette you might be drawn to, your personal style is an invaluable key to telling people what your values are. As said by author Alain de Botton, “our wardrobes contain some of the most carefully written lines of our autobiography”.

Modelled by Nina K at Marilyn Agency
Styled by Smita Lasrado
Shot and written by Lauren Yates for Vogue Australia.