GO FOR THE MUSIC, STAY FOR THE FASHION

We chatted to some seriously fashionable people about what they wore to Boiler Room Sydney

Boiler Room Sydney might have happened a few weeks ago now, but we can’t help but keep coming back to those incredible fits. Whether you opted for a colourful, maximalist look, or dug deep into some Berlin techno vibes, it’s no secret that you might go to Boiler Room for the music, but you really do stay for the fashion.

This week, and all thanks to Absolut Vodka, we had the opportunity to chat to the ever-so-fashionable Elle Hioe and Connor McWhinnie about the thought process behind their iconic Boiler Room fits. Naturally, we may have snuck in a question or two about how us daggy plebs might be able to take a page our of their books and find our own personal style.

Scroll down for the full interview.

Q: What did you wear to Boiler Room Sydney earlier this month?

Elle: I wore a yellow Ai Mei Li top, my mum’s vintage tartan skirt, thrifted furry boots, Gentle Monster sunglasses and orange Egon bag.

Connor: I wore a thrifted top and hat, shorts from a European brand called Bat Norton, a rare Walter Van Bierendonck ‘FLY’ belt bag, Gentle Monster sunglasses and Eytys angel leather shoes. Going deep into my rave roots with this outfit.

Q: Talk us through the fitspo and what went into the process of planning your look?

Elle: It’s a hot summer right now, so I wanted to wear a fun, bright, summery outfit. I centred my outfit around my Ai Mei Li top – there’s a little bit of red on it, so I went with the red tartan skirt and brown boots for a colour difference.

Connor: For me, it always comes down to the music I’m listening to. I’m into club pop, club rap and especially techno. So, I reflected my interests through my fit.

Q: What were your Boiler Room highlights?

Elle: Dancing to the most amazing Eusexua remix with my friends outside! And being at the House of Silky stage.

Connor: X-Club had some absolute bangers.

Q: Just like music, fashion can be a super powerful form of self expression. How do you use fashion to convey your personal identity?

Elle: I use fashion to convey my personality, and interests. So that’s loud, fun, unapologetic, and a little eclectic. Wearing all my accessories and fun pieces are a way to express the way I feel and walk in this world.

Sometimes I’m very colourful and loud, and sometimes I’m chic but maximal in black and silver. Either way, the way I approach dressing is to represent those different aspects of me. I’m also heavily inspired by music and movies.

Connor: Outside of preparing my Boiler Room outfit, I am still always inspired by music. I think it has a strong part in my identity, the same with fashion. So I try to combine the two together to represent who I am as a person, and to show parts of my identity.

Q: What’s the best way someone who might not be so well-versed in fashion find their personal style?

Elle: Think about the person you are, your interests, and how you feel in your clothes. Take a look at your wardrobe and think about what pieces you gravitate to the most and why! Are they comfort based items, is it because of their colour or shape? Is it because of inspiration from your favourite bands or shows?

We are all individual people in our histories and interests. Personal style doesn’t mean you have to be flashy, or the most unique. It’s about taking an approach to dressing that is the most organic to you .That might be layering, that may be choosing the most comfy outfit, or most practical outfit. There’s a lot of room to explore.

Connor: To take small steps in experimenting. Try adding a small change or addition to your outfit if you like the look of it, build from there. Cannot stress that enough and it’s how I experimented with my style, and found out what I was comfortable with. Don’t take HUGE steps straight away. Be kind to yourself.