“Do you know that your day will be strongly influenced by what you wear?” So asks personal stylist, fashion editor and body diversity advocate Emelia Morris.

The Geelong local is making a name for herself off the back of her approachable, eclectic style that is as much fun as it is functional. And she’s all about the way clothes make us feel. “If you put on your old tracksuit pants with holes, a stained jumper and your tatty old uggs, you’re most likely going to feel sluggish. As a result, you might not have a very productive day. On the flipside, if you put on something that makes you feel confident and sharp, you’re more likely to have a more productive day.”

It’s a theory that I put to the test recently. It was week 10 of lockdown in Sydney and with the sun shining and the smell of jasmine in the air, I’d had enough of rotating between the beige and the black hoodies in my wardrobe. (Beige for my motivation level, black for my mood). I had a Zoom call scheduled for mid-morning, so I put on a dress. With its bright pink floral print and balloon sleeves, I felt an instant lift. And with the dress doing the heavy lifting, it seemed only right to back it up with some hair and makeup. That done, I sat down to my desk – the dining table – feeling more polished and professional than I had in months.

It’s a placebo effect, of course. I’m no more intelligent, organised, or capable when I’m wearing a dress than I am in my slouchiest tracksuit. But if I feel it, does it matter?

That day was one of the most productive I’ve had in a long time. So in the interest of productivity (ok fine, and a little frivolity), we sat down with Emelia Morris to find out what to wear, whether we’re WFH or back in the office…

Visit emeliamorrisstylist.com or follow her at @emeliamorrisstylist

The three must-have pieces for every woman’s work wardrobe

1. A blazer “It's of those items that is a classic, that can be dressed up or down, and that will never go out of fashion. And it can also be easily integrated to your after work and weekend wardrobes too. Opt for black or navy, as you will be able to easily pair this back with multiple outfits.”

2. Tailored pants “A great pair of tailored pants in a neutral colour such as black or navy is a staple. Opt for a neutral coloured bottom so that you will be able to wear a variety of different options with your tops - such as prints and colours - more easily as you will have a neutral as a base.”

3. Comfortable shoes “A lot of people disregard shoes as an essential, but for me they can make or break an outfit. You also don't need to sacrifice your comfort for style anymore. There are many footwear labels that have been podiatrist approved that are also very stylish, such as Bared Footwear and Frankie4.”

How to stretch a few key pieces out into a Monday-Friday wardrobe

On a budget? Emelia says it’s all about “having pieces that you can maximise. What I mean by that is how you can wear your clothing in more than just one way. For instance you could have a classic black blazer that you could wear over a dress, or you could pair it back with pants and a top or even a top and skirt. I like to think when I buy something that I need to be able to style it a minimum of 3 different ways. I also think buying something quality over quantity - and quality doesn't always mean expensive – is a good idea. Pay attention to how something is made, the type of fabrics used, how it will wash, and whether it’s a classic piece that won't date as quickly.”

Bargain or investment piece? Here’s how to decide…

“There are few things to consider when investing in key work pieces, such as buying quality over quantity.  You want to be buying pieces that will go the distance. Look for fabrics that are durable and that can be easily washed over and over again, and look for styles that are classic such as a black blazer, black pants, a pencil or a-line skirt, as they will be sure to last you longer than a trend piece that may go out of fashion more quickly.  

Things that you can grab for a bargain could be classic cotton tees, button down shirts, or camis that may go under a blazer. There are lots of options for these, and you can usually grab these key wardrobe items all year round.”

The ultimate WFH outfit?

“I have a few working from home go-tos. I love just wearing a tee paired back with a blazer and a comfy pair of jeans. I also sometimes wear my elevated loungewear - I'm not talking PJs, but something a little bit more sophisticated.”

Looking for brands that cater to all bodies?

“I am very passionate about more representation for body and sizing diversity in the fashion industry. The average size of an Australian woman is a size 14 to 16, however many labels stop their sizing at a size 12, which is disappointing when mid size women (size 12 to 18) make up the largest proportion as a group in a sizing range and are unfortunately often not catered for by many retailers . However, there is good news. The industry is starting to shift in the right direction with some positive changes. We still have a long way to go but there are some really great brands out there that are pushing the boundaries to do better in this space. Check out Forever New (6 to 22), St Frock (6 to 22), Commonry (10 to 22), ASOS (Multiple retailers stocking standard, mid and curve range - lots of options), Portmans (6 to 18), and Sportscraft (6 to 18).”