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Question: what kinds of clothes do you wear to work every day? But more importantly, why do you think you wear them?

Sounds like a simple enough question, right? But when we asked 34 women about how they get dressed for work and how they feel about it, turns out the answer is… it’s complicated.

Side note – watch this hilarious yet informative video on what you should 100 per cent not wear to work. Post continues after video.

For some, their work clothes are chosen for them. Others find having a work uniform to put on every day liberating. Then, there are the women who use their wardrobes to create a brand or communicate their personality, either by choice or out of professional necessity.

And some of us just really love the process of getting dressed for work in the morning. Others don’t. At all.

If you’re curious to find out how other women choose their clothes for work, keep scrolling to see the glorious, unfiltered work outfits of 34 Aussie women and read about their approach to office fashion. Their thoughts are bloody fascinating.

READ: 37 women share exactly what makeup (if any) they wear to work and why.

1. Maria, in digital communications.

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"I work in digital comms for a transport and technology company. Our office is a mix of suits and 'CCC' (cool corporate casual). I dress the way I feel."

2. Bonny, on maternity leave.

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"My 'work' at the moment is as full-time carer of my five-month-old son. My uniform consists of a nursing bra (if I can be bothered), spew-stained top (optional) and leggings. I wouldn't have it any other way though!"

3. Lucy, farmer.

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"I’m a farmer and sometimes I wear a skirt just because I can."

4. Georgia, in mining.

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"I work on a mining site so hi-vis is essential! I am based in the maintenance office, however I still visit the workshop and surrounding pits during the day. I love my uniform because it's comfy and there’s no stressing about what to wear every day."

5. Sheridan, youth worker.

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"I work as a therapist for young people age 12-26, so I wear whatever I feel like, and what I feel makes me seem approachable."

6. Sophie, business owner.

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"I’m an eco-boutique owner/newly-launched designer. I like to dress with my mood. That’s eclectic AF so it changes every day. But usually it’s creative and I hope it inspires my shoppers to have a bit more fun (and be conscious) with their clothes."

7. Jessie, in corporate.

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"I have to be ultra-professional... executive meetings, media, stakeholders and meeting with Ministers are all a regular thing."

8. Abbey, healthcare.

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"I work in healthcare so I wear scrubs or a uniform, but I’ve started trying to find cute shoes that still fit into the 'black and enclosed' mandatory category. I usually put cute scrunchies in my hair for more personality as we can’t wear much jewellery."

9. Annalise, in production.

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"I am the client service lead at a music and content production company and I live for our office mirror. I love fashion and being able to express myself through what I wear. Most mornings, I wake up a little excited with what I can do to build mylewkfor the day, but other times (especially in summer) I wish I had a uniform so I didn't have to think about it. My work is pretty varied. I go from looking like shit when I'm on set, to being put together for client meetings. And sometimes, just a little bit extra because I'm feelin' it!"

10. Ally, teacher.

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"I am a teacher. We have a fairly relaxed dress code. I do love my fashion though and enjoy dressing for work. If I like my outfit, I feel good for the day. I had to laugh though, one of the grade one boys told me I looked like a dog in this dress. I wasn’t quite sure where he was going with it, he then clarified he meant I looked like a Dalmatian!"

11. Charlie, journalist.

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"I'm lucky to work in a place where most things are acceptable so when I get dressed in the morning it really comes down to how I'm feeling that day. I would probably save time if I prepped an outfit the night before, but I like going with my mood on the day. Today, I feel lazy and uninspired as it's Thursday, so I went with a trusty black dress and white sneakers (also, added some earrings to make it a bit more fun). Fashion massively impacts my confidence - I feel 100 times better when I get dressed up, do my makeup and add accessories. I find it exciting when a banger outfit comes together before work!"

12. Julie, pharmacist.

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"I work in a hospital as a pharmacist. We don’t have a uniform but we need to look professional and modest. I often wear bright colours and prints (think Gorman, Little Party Dress etc.) because it makes me happy. I make sure the outfit is practical for lots of walking and bending over, and other than that, I go for what I like! I often get complimented for being the brightest in the workplace."

13. Stacey, office worker.

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"Here's me 36 weeks pregnant. My work attire is currently leggings, some sort of mumu type dress top thing and Birkenstocks (because I can’t do my own shoelaces up and my fat feet fit into no shoes!!). I work for a big company but our area is pretty casual. I love well-cut jeans or a skirt plus a nice top (I'm a big fan of boat neck long sleeve tops in winter!), a blazer if I’m feeling it and either sneakers, flats or cute ankle boots. I also like midi dresses with sneakers or ankle boots. I think it’s just what suits me best, and it works for our casual office. When I work from home, all bets are off and I’m pretty much in PJs. Right now, I am definitely pushing the limit of our dress code but I don’t think anyone is going to sass me on my last week of work!"

14. Bella, horse trainer.

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"I spend most days in boots and breeches. I feel like it’s my uniform and I take a lot of pride in my business. Even when I’m in the supermarket covered in mud, with huge bags under my eyes and dirt under my fingernails, I’m stoked I get to wear this stuff every day."

15. Elli, school nurse and midwife.

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"I'm a school nurse a few days a week and have lots of fun with my outfits while keeping them professional (closed shoes etc.). I absolutely believe your outfit can make your day!! I also work as a midwife in a hospital and LOVE wearing scrubs, I've got the best of both worlds."

16. Steph, in finance.

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"I work in a credit union and absolutely love having a uniform that I feel nice in. It has taken the stress out of what to wear every day and I can still make it feel like me with shoe choice, minimal jewellery, simple makeup and curling my hair gives me a boost, too."

17. Peta, doctor.

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"I’m a rheumatologist and generally enjoy choosing what to wear each day. As long as the morning chaos with young kids doesn’t make it too hectic. Weekends are casual, unless I'm on call. My work outfit has to be professional, but also OK to move around in. And, on the off chance, OK to do CPR in!"

18. Elise, Executive Podcast Producer.

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"Because I work in audio in a building with a wooden floor I have to pretty much always wear sneakers or flat shoes - high heels are the arch enemy of podcasting! I lusted after these Adidas sneaks for such a long time. I live in fear of them being dirty that I have been seen to walk around the office with one shoe off because I sit on my foot and don’t want the shoe to get marks from my chair on it… These jeans are from Country Road and I live in them. They’re leggings masquerading as jeans. And this shirt I got from ASOS when I was feeling a bit down about my body and was going to a black-tie wedding so I bought a complete suit and this shirt to wear, but ended up just keeping the shirt because it’s lilac with a pussy bow so… no further explanation needed. I also love wearing earrings - which is another arch enemy of working in audio. But I love them so much that I spend most of my day taking them off and putting them back on again when I’m wearing headphones or in the studio."

Amy Clark

Lifestyle Editor

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