As we circle back to work life, the RUSSH team are getting our ducks in a row when it comes to our Summer wardrobe – and therefore – workwear. These are the pieces we cannot live without, in and out of the office. From fashion workwear to accessories, footwear and tote bags, we hope this finds you well.

Elyssa Kostopoulos

Content Director

Consumerism really has its hold on me, because there’s nothing I love more than returning to the office with a sprinkle of new treats to show off. Thankfully, some of these were delivered courtesy of Santa Claus this year, (good news for my wallet), but they have definitely elevated the back-to-office experience, so here goes nothing.

The first item on my summer workwear must-haves was a great ‘work bag’ that doesn’t feel like a work bag. Which is what makes the Coach Brooklyn bag the perfect fit. I opted for the Honey Brown colour in the size 39 – mostly for its versatility and also, to move away from black. It fits my laptop comfortably and even with a Macbook Pro in tow, is such a relaxed and comfortable feel on the shoulder.

I’ve been on the lookout for a lower ‘run-around’ work heel, and spotted these from Tony Bianco. I love the crinkle leather and the colourway is perfect for my wardrobe. They are on pre-order, so while I wait for them, I’ve also been looking at a more ‘summery pair’,  

In the realm of clothing, I have been lusting over this khaki green waistcoat and bermuda short from SIR. I have been wanting to add some more colour into my tailoring, but without it feeling out of black in my wardrobe. I love that I can style either of these pieces back with a neutral too if I want to separate them.

One piece that was on my Christmas wishlist for the working year was a new leather notebook, and with this leather, refillable iteration from Aspinal of London, there’s no doubt my morning was made. The leather is so buttery and I love that I can continuously refill it to cherish for years to come. I also had my initials stamped on the front, for an extra personal touch.

I’m also trying to simplify my office beauty routine this year, and finally added the CHANEL BEAUTY Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint to my product curation. It’s been life-changing, and I don’t use that phrase lightly.

Alys Hale

Music Editor and Creative Producer

One of the many things I love about what I do is how varied my work is. My workwear goes from that which is appropriate in a dive bar where shoes stick to the floor and it's far from fragrant, to full blown black tie with old fashioned romance. The life of a chameleon means I get to have as much fun as possible, all in the name of music. A leather jacket is never a bad investment and this Junya Watanabe number ticks every box for me in terms of classic versatility. There is a theme emerging, as I also need a new black leather tote for everything and have been eyeing up this Aesque beauty, their leather is like butter and I’m sure I could get half my life in there. As I try to break my addiction to the black boot, I’m looking for a heel I can do everything in and these Dries beauties are singing out to me, they are evocative of Nick Cage’s jacket in Wild At Heart whilst maintaining a seriousness. With all the listening of new releases that needs to be done, it might be time to upgrade my headphones to something a little more fitting, and these Beoplay H100s look, quite honestly, impeccable. And of course, in black. 

Olivia Repaci

Creative Studio and Campaign Manager

I used to love anything back to school. The period before school started was better than Christmas, because it meant that I could go to Officeworks with my stationary list and pick out which style of books I would use for each subject, what type of pens I thought were going to be the absolute best and most jealousy-inducing. A fresh Smiggle pencil case was also always on the list, and a popsicle-looking rubber. And don’t get me started on the excitement of new school shoes; getting fitted at Clarks was always the highlight of my summer. Now that I’m at the ripe old age of 27, I still get before-work excitement, but my shopping list has changed quite a lot. I love a written to do list, so this year I want to write them in style and not on scraps of paper. I’ve opted for a Leuchtturm1917 forest green cutie; she feels so chic compared to my notebooks of primary school. I’ll need a pen to write with, duh. It could be time I purchase my first forever pen from Mont Blanc? I think I like this Rollerball style the best. 

Instead of opting for just one big capacious bag, I like to have a cute smaller handbag for fashion purposes, and then a tote for my office stuff like laptop and lunch. Not the smartest plan, but it means I get to shop for 2 bags! I’d love to strut into the office with this stunning green Rodeo. It goes with my notebook! And you’ll be frustrated to know that many buy and returns later I still haven’t found my perfect brown loafer. Maybe this classic Weejun pair will be my saving grace? 

Cassandra Dimitroff

Features and Production Editor

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m an advocate for a capsule-type wardrobe. It’s a way to ease the anxiety of a work day, knowing that just about anything I throw on will go together. And for me, the ideal summer workwear capsule consists of a few basic items. First – a great t-shirt. I really like Jac + Jack for these, as they’re super soft. Second – a great trouser. Camilla and Marc is the go-to. And of course, a good leather shoe. Loving these Acne Studios Leather Loafers, but also a pair of classic AEYDE Mary Janes.

Lilli Corbett

Partnerships Manager

Back to school! Clean slate to reorient yourself and try to remember who you are in a work context. First things first, it’s always a Moleskine weekly planner with Sakura Pigma Micron 005’s. A new perfume is a fun way to change how you feel and create fresh memories, the Maison Crivelli Papyrus is so lovely. ‘Jeans and a nice top’ for non-meeting days in the office, lusting over these Ludovic de Saint Sernin lace up jeans and Marine Serre moon top. I love these Tory Burch pierced mules, they look SO good on and can really lift an outfit, interesting shoes give you allure. Gentle Monster frames because my optometrist told me I need to give my eyes a break from wearing contacts so often.

Samantha Corry

Assistant to Editor in Chief

I think you can’t go wrong with a fresh pair of work shoes, particularly some leather pumps. Comfortable and fashionable. These Dries Van Noten ones have been on my list for a while. And I am in desperate need of a clean good white shirt, my current one has withered and is fading. I quite love the look of Saints white shirt from The Undone, I think the collar is so elegant and a nice twist. And because one can never be lacking on the job; Fisherman Friend Mints are a must, in the flavour Mint (I saw they had Aniseed mint flavour, I just think that is diabolical). I also like to stock up on a few of these crisp white t-shirts from Uniqlo, they do the best jeans and tees. I also got a new prescription for my glasses with these Gucci Optical Frames, so lightweight and cute.

Mia Steiber

Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher

I was kindly gifted a new work tote and I’m obsessed. The Kinnon by Romy black tote fits everything and the kitchen sink. I can’t wait to take it back into the office with me. More on accessories, I finally found the perfect black belt. I got this Camilla and Marc one. I also found these strappy low heels from Nelson Made which I have in my THE ICONIC wishlist for the next time I place an order.

I’m still looking for the right pair of natural linen pants. I probably put natural linen pants in my editor’s list every second month, but my choices keep failing me. The last pair I snagged on Depop fit so poorly that the waistband rose to the middle of my ribcage. I think this time I’m going to try this Venroy pair with a drawstring. I think they’ll match perfectly with the blue St Agni tank I recently bought for the perfect work casual outfit. Throw on a black blazer and that’s my ideal summer workwear look.

Emily Algar

Beauty Editor

Even though I work from home a lot, meetings, launches and shoots means I get ‘dressed’ almost every day. I think my first purchase of 2025 will be a bias cut black trouser. I accidentally burnt my favourite Harris Tapper Irving pair just before Christmas (I basically cried) so thinking to ease my woes, 2025 will be the year I finally pull the trigger on The Row Gala style. But on the topic, Harris Tapper does incredible workwear, I’m deeply obsessed with the Pike Trouser in black silk, with a simple t-shirt or cashmere knit tucked in. I also need a white shirt, lusting over a crisp Charvet, but might settle for Uniqlo in the interim. And shoes! I have big feet so can get away with men’s styles, I love these slim leather loafers from P Johnson. I really like these easy but chic black satin slippers from Tony Bianco, as well. 

As a bonafide bag lady, I need to add a tote. Seriously thinking about a CHANEL 22 in a larger size (I want the reddish chocolate hue), but on a more economical note, A-esque does beautiful totes at a great price point. I adore the reversible sack — it’s easy, relaxed and big enough for my laptop. 

Kirsty Thatcher

Digital Editor

I definitely find a few new purchases helps to soften the transition from holidays to the office. I’m a sucker for a good pair of denim — I wear jeans more often than I’d care to admit — and this darker wash by St Agni is a hue I don’t already have in my rotation. They’re also killing the accessories game at the moment, and I have my eye on this woven tote for when it comes back in stock. Friends With Frank is undefeated in my mind when it comes to easy throw-on pieces, and I’ve had my eye on this white dress for the warmer weather for quite some time. A minimal flip flop is the ultimate wear-with-anything shoe for the Australian summer and I’m after A Emery’s Kinto sandals. I know I’m not alone: they’re regularly sold out, so getting your hands on them can be quite the mission. Practically speaking, I recently found out I need glasses, and after trying on what feels like hundreds of frames, these ones by Dior are the winner. 

Phoebe Holden

Designer

Comfort is always my priority when it comes to fashion but particularly when I’m working. I wear Birkenstock Bostons nearly every single day usually rotating between black leather and grey felt, though I also love the chef clogs. I’m always in pants, either loosely tailored cotton or silk. This is my current go-to pair (in black, surprise surprise). If I’m not wearing a plain white tee from Uniqlo, I like to sport an oversized dress shirt. This Harris Tapper piece gets a lot of love and I have a whole pile of men's shirts from Vinnies that I like to rotate between. 

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