Work Uniform: Dress Up’s Stephanie Downey

It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly 10 years of Dress Up. The Melbourne-based fashion label, started straight out of uni by designer Stephanie Downey in 2006, has continually championed an understated and intelligent approach to everyday dressing. Downey’s vision has remained constant; each season is a mix of practical separates in quality fabrics, with just the right amount of statement. Learn to recognise the Dress Up details and you’ll soon begin spotting Downey’s clothes on all the best-dressed around the city.

Since the recent birth of son Arlo, Downey splits her days between home and her Collingwood studio. She tells Broadsheet why shopping bores her and what she wears when she’s not in Dress Up.

Broadsheet: Be honest, how often are you in pajamas when you’re working from home?

Stephanie Downey: I don’t wear pajamas! I try to get dressed. I won’t lie, it’s nothing fancy and I’m not putting on make-up every day. But it’s still important to me to get dressed in the morning and feel good in what I’m wearing.

BS: What’s a lazy outfit for you, then?

SD: Probably jeans and a T-shirt most of the time. I just always want to be comfortable wherever I’m working. I feel really comfortable in pants or jeans rather than dresses because I feel like I can move easily in them.

BS: How would you describe your style?

SD: My style is quite understated and casual – an extension of the label’s style, I suppose. Beautiful fabrics are one of the main elements of Dress Up clothes, and I’m also very picky about the fabrics in the garments that I wear and buy. I’d prefer to spend more on fewer garments that will feel nice to wear and last me longer.

picture: http://www.queenieaustralia.com/short-mini-formal-dresses

BS: So is there a distinction between what you wear at work and outside of work?

SD: Not really. I probably wouldn’t wear something really good to work, like a silk dress, or something I’d get my lunch on. If I make too much of an...