A fortnight into spring – and not far from glorious summer weather – means we are beginning to reach for workwear that’s tailored, lightweight, and outerwear that brings a little colour.
We’re seeing a trend in the RUSSH office, with our favourite seasonal tailoring – hailing from brands like Elka Collective, Hansen & Gretel, Faithfull and Harris Tapper. Whether you’re on the hunt for weather-appropriate workwear, or your street style leans corporate, we present our favourite tailoring-inspired selects of the season.
Samantha Corry
Social Media Coordinator and Writer
A great pair of jeans that holds its shape is my kind of tailoring. I love my Levi 501 90s jeans, particularly in spring when it’s still a bit cool. And getting to the sunnier season, some thin sunglasses from Gentle Monster always add a touch of chicness to a tailored fit – and practicality.
I’m also loving the in-between seasons as I can wear boatnecks and ¾ quarter length sleeves. These ones from Cleo are so gorgeous, and 100% cotton which is very important for breathability. I’m also always on the look out for the best white shirt, and P. Johnson always has such beautiful tailoring and quality – I have my eye on theirs.
And coming into the warmer weather, as I don’t tan at all… I’m now in need of a bronzer. As a deep lover of Westman Atelier, I’ve thought about trying their bronzer drops.
Cassandra Dimitroff
Features and Production Editor
I’ll admit I’m a late adopter of the long short, but I’ve finally found myself gravitating toward the longer hemline. The Friends With Frank Sofie top and Sofie short are my ideal – crisp, loose, but still tailored with some shape. Similarly, SIR.’s Seamstress Bias dress has that kind of loose but still shaped tailoring.
Hansen & Gretel are taking the cake right now for my favourite jacket-and-short combo with the pairing of this Millard Cropped Jacket and Reilly Suit Short. I also love the mandarin collar on this COS Shawl-Collar Belted Top.
Mia Steiber
Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher
My favourite kind of spring tailoring always comes in the form of a matching set. I think it’s the easiest and most fun way to look put together. I adore this blue set from Third Form. It’s a very light knit, so perfect for early spring weather. Maybe less office appropriate, but this pearly white set with the shorts from Hansen is so timeless. I love how these Venroy wool pants can be dressed up or dressed down. The lipstick, cherry red of this Faithfull pants set is unbelievably perfect for the season. These pieces work so well as separates too. I’m also loving this little sheer number, I think there are so many way you can wear these kinds of pieces.
Stacey Gaskin
Consumer Revenue Manager
I’m on the same page as Mia, and am loving Faithfull’s soft tailoring. This Mesa Top and Astrid Pant set makes me think of summer and would be great from desk to bar. Also, the Orsa Blazer will be a go-to for me this season. Another blazer I have on my list to purchase is this Atmos&Here Lani Double Breasted Blazer. The colour is divine – very transseasonal.
I’m loving the Uniqlo and JW Anderson Cotton Volume Sleeve Shirts, and have them in multiple colours. And there’s nothing better than a perfecty fitting pair of jeans. Levi’s 501 90s and Calvin Klein 90s Straight Jeans are hard to beat.
Not tailored, but this Lace Trim Silk Blouse from Scanlan Theodore underneath a blazer would be lovely. And these Saint Laurent Le Loafers are at the top of my wishlist.
Aleks Beare
Brand Art Director
My obsession for spring is knee length skirts. I bought a tailored one, with pockets(!) in Paris a couple of years ago and found it great to dress for work with a bomber jacket, socks and loafers or also casual with a tee and ballet flats on the weekend. This is similar from COS. And these Bassike super soft loafers elevate while being comfortable. And a sock that doesn’t get sucked down into your shoe is imperative to me, and these from Levante work well.
Bombers are not traditionally tailoring, but zipped up they are more structured and feel I can cheat into the tailoring style. Loving this one from Albus Lumen’s latest drop. And an oversized blazer, this one by Phoebe Philo, is my ultimate favourite for tailoring. Now it’s spring my red nail polish is going back to the CHANEL sunny bright reds.
Sophia Serafin
Implementation Manager
Australian brands do tailoring so well, and this spring I’m looking to a few staples to inject into my working wardrobe. These Elka Collective pants in a seamist feel so refreshing, and Camilla & Marc have some of my favourite shirting right now. This white shirt with pintuck detailing pairs well with jeans, while I love this sheer draped top for an evening event.
I recently purchased this Harris Tapper cropped blazer, which has become a staple in the seasonal transition period. I’ve also got my eyes on this St. Agni asymmetric skirt in grey suiting, along with a few accessories to break up the tailoring – Coach’s Kisslock bag in a delicious brown suede, and this burgundy mule from Alias Mae.
I’ve also been endlessly scrolling on Vinted since it landed in Australia. There are so many great finds for Spring, particularly as the Northern Hemisphere starts culling their Summer wardrobes ahead of Autumn.
Jaime Carmody
Digital Marketing Specialist
When it comes to tailoring, I’ve always found it easier to gravitate towards sets. Firstly, they instantly make me feel put together, and secondly, they make getting dressed in the morning that little bit less stressful. First up is this gorgeous silk skirt and top set from Aotearoa designer Oosterom. It feels so effortless, and I love the idea of styling the top separately with jeans, my tabis and a red lip for a more relaxed, versatile look.
I’ve been loving adding chocolate tones into my wardrobe wherever I can, so I instantly fell for this chocolate pant and jacket set from another Aotearoa designer, Eiko Sato. The pants offer three styling options in one, which is perfect for me as I’m always looking for ways to rewear and restyle pieces I love. I can add the studded belt for a subtle detail, or attach the coordinating skirt overlay to completely transform the silhouette. Essentially, three different looks in one. I love the idea of pairing the set with a fun bag, whether I’m heading to work or out for dinner. Staying with the chocolate palette, I’m also very into these heels from Tony Bianco at the moment. They’re the perfect balance of comfortable and chic, with just the right height for wearing all day (or night).
I also feel like my Spring tailoring wardrobe isn’t complete without a good pair of cargo pants. I spotted Rebe’s collection on the runway at New Zealand Fashion Week last month and instantly knew it had a place in my wardrobe. Beyond the tailoring, I’m obsessed with their fringe belt accessories and leather jackets. So many cool pieces I can see myself wearing on repeat.
Kirsty Thatcher
Senior Digital Editor
A good white shirt is a must-have, and I think I might have finally found the perfect one. It’s by a new Australian brand, three and seven – it’s a great slim-line cut, and the fabric is slightly thicker. You can dress it down with jeans, or feel a little more put together with a pencil skirt, or some black trousers.
Speaking of pieces you can dress up or down, I love these longline knits from P Johnson. Great for this in-between weather, too. Bassike are doing some beautiful pleated skirts at the moment – they’re nice and light as the weather gets warmer. I love this one in white, and this one in pink if you’re a little more adventurous.
If all else fails, you can’t really go wrong with all black. I love this tank and trouser combination from Elka Collective. It would look great with some jewellery – I’m eyeing off this tennis necklace from Chloe Charton.
Koby Dulac-Daley
Fashion Assistant
Tailoring is a must in a versatile wardrobe. Some of my most-worn pieces are a pair of pinstripe tailored pants and an oversized blazer. Tailoring really does make all the difference to how a piece looks on you – advice I need to take myself, as I tend to wear things quite oversized and tell myself I’ll tailor them one day.
I have plenty of blue striped button-downs, but this one from Deiji Studios would be a perfect addition. Maison Essentiele has some great relaxed tailored pieces, including their Scoop Neck Tank in cream. I’ve been keeping my eye on Itadaki lately, and their Wang Top in cocoa is perfectly oversized yet fitted.
A label renowned for tailoring is P. Johnson. Although it’s not their typical suiting, I love their Hendy Jacket in butter. Harris Tapper puts a beautiful twist on tailored pieces, and their Graff Jacket in cream is quite the statement piece. A classic brown pleated pant is a workwear must, so this pair from Elka Collective is perfect for the office.
Every now and then, Kourh mixes some fun, directional workwear into their drops. I’m loving the olive pinstripe pants in their current collection. Finally, coming back to Salt Murphy as I always do – with designs spanning every day of the week, including office hours – this navy pinstripe top is a really fresh twist on a classic.
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