Construct your look

If you want to adopt the trend for “dressing like an architect”, you’ll need some materials.

I’m often banging on about balance and proportions being the key to a resolved look. By this, I really mean teaming fitted garments with roomy ones. Coco Chanel said it most succinctly: “Fashion is architecture – it is a matter of proportions.”

“Dressing like an architect” is how commentators are describing fashion’s current fixation on oversized, structural and tailored garments. I thought I’d try selecting items that I can see my female architect friends going for.

I’ve looked for garments with simple shapes and interesting textures and details, and a neutral colour palette. Knowing my friends’ proclivities, I’ve also favoured local designers.

The thing about my architect friends is that they have an eye for good quality make and materials, but they also want their clothes to be easy to throw on. They want garments that are timeless, hard-wearing and suitable for site visits, meetings, and desk time, often all in the same day. They’d be wearing these outfits with practical shoes and lowmaintenance haircuts.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

Will.i.am optical frames, 2 pairs from $299 at Specsavers

Juliette Hogan Strike shirt, $399 Moochi dawn earrings, $50

Witchery double breasted linen blazer, $300 Alexandra Dodds extra large hoops, $406 from Miss Crabb

Kowtow Technique dress, $289

Wynn Hamlyn pants, $350

Bao Bao Issey Miyake prism tote, approx $1000 from Matches Fashion Workshop Denim Lia high waisted pants, $298 Sills navy check dress, $379

La Tribe Chain sandals, $230

Gestuz Kaya shirt, $320