The end result of dreamy fashion shoots like this one may look polished and aspirational, but behind-the-scenes, the people involved in the image-making are dressed more for utility than glamour.
If you’ve ever been on set of a shoot, you’ve probably noticed that stylists are the most cool, comfortable-looking people in the room. Always. They radiate an effortless vibe, but chances are they've put a lot of thought into their work uniform. The outfit must be unrestrictive, practical enough to lug garments around in all day, have many pockets, and still look professional - after all, they represent themselves to clients as someone with good taste.
It’s how we aspire to dress everyday, basically. Going straight to the source for some utilitarian outfit inspiration, we asked some local stylists to tell us exactly what they wear on set.
Sarah Stuart @styledbysarahstuart
Depending on the job, I need to wear something that lets me move around easily, can carry all my random items on set, yet still look polished. I usually wear jumpsuits that are crease proof, with large pockets – that way I can easily hang bulldog clips, tit tape and cram lint rollers in them.
My current go-to is to wear soft tailored suits and am leaning into the oversized trend – again great for their roomy pockets. Also if the model/talent gets cold I can put my blazer around them in between shots. For footwear, I used to wear baby heels but now I would opt for chunky Prada loafers or my Alia Mae ballet flats.
Tori Ambler @toriamblerstylist
Almost every day on set I wear a wide leg pant – my faves are Mina (RIP) and Olivia Cashmore – or wide-leg jeans (Levi’s wide leg ribcage), my matte black adidas Superstars, black socks and an oversized shirt, often men’s from an op shop or dreamy Harris Tapper. I also love an oversized blazer or trench. All day comfort is key!
Crystal Lim @crutsal
Always comfortable, always practical. Never accessorised, always with pockets. Flat shoes, breezy t-shirt.
Chloe Hill @chloechill
Muse the label ‘Mahi’ pants have been my go to lately. Really anything lightweight and easy to bend down in, in a dark colour (so grass stains and dirt on the knees won't show up ha). Then a cool baggy T-shirt and a lightweight coat with big pockets keeps it feeling a little polished. I have a Kate Sylvester checked coat in a beautiful lightweight wool that I have worn on too many shoots to count. It's breathable but also a little warm if the Pōneke wind sets in!
Dan Ahwa @danahwa
Essentially, I like to feel comfortable on set. My preference in general is a pair of baggy oversized track pants or jeans with a pair of sneakers which I will then change into Ugg boots or a pair of slides with socks for when I'm on set. My go to track pants are a pair of black technical snow pants from Huffer or a pair of Paris Georgia shell trousers; or a pair of black Olive jeans that are double-pleated so they look semi-professional.
I usually wear a baggy T-shirt, my favourite is an old vintage Harley Davidson Cozumel Mexico T-shirt which is so old but has aged to the point where it just hangs perfectly and is super soft. Or I will wear a Nike Dri-FIT half-zip top, tucked inside my jeans or track pants. And always a cap. I usually switch between my Kali Uchis Obsesión trucker cap or my Roger Federer cap in honour of the GOAT which I have had for years and is something of a good luck charm now.
Estelle Schuler @estelle.schuler
Sometimes I have to haul so many clothes around town it’s literally a workout lol. Being on set requires a lot of movement (especially if I have to do last minute prep beforehand), so the key for me is comfort. I’m always in something loose fitting or baggy, for breathability and flexibility. And my black cowboy boots, because I just don’t feel like myself without them.
Helen Young Loveridge @helenyounglove
Two words: comfort and options! Styling is, funnily enough, extremely unglamorous, and involves a lot of heavy lifting and crouching to adjust things and put people's shoes on for them (so you don't crease what you just spent hours steaming!). You're often on set in all kinds of weather, so you get to experience the full throes of nature.
I'll start my day four top layers deep and peel off as required. I always bring a second pair of shoes too – the All-Terrain Crocs are my favourite – to switch it up in the arvo or if we're shooting in the studio so I can slip them off easily to not mark the floor. Spare socks too – fresh crew ones and a woolly option; game changer.
Top wise, it's always a Buddy tee, usually a mini in a bigger size for comfort, with a singlet under, and I pack a merino cardi for a lightweight warm layer. I live in a pair of Eytys Titan jeans that I love, and I attach my kit belt to them to keep them up ha! A pair of Buddy pants and shorts get packed for maximum comfy options. Shoes are always sneakers, the more orthopaedic or running tech the better, your feet take a hit when you're working. I don't think too much about what I look like when I'm on the job, it's pretty utility-focused, and I hate being too hot or cold or restricted in any way. To be fair this is how I dress everyday regardless.
