Q&A

We spoke to celebrity stylist Elliot Garnaut about his fashion tips for the incoming silly season

Ahh, the silly season. Whether it’s fighting over the last Chrissy ham at ALDI, inhaling enough seafood to risk mercury poisoning, or arguing with your uncle about the importance of vaccinations over the dinner table, Christmas really does look different for everyone.

And somehow, in the hubbub of it all, we still have time to stress over what holidays-themed outfit to wear to the office party. Thankfully, we need not fret this year. After recently chatting to none other than celebrity-stylist Elliot Garnaut, we’ve got the insider on everything we need to know style-wise this season.

Q: What trends can expect on the horizon for this silly season?

A: For me, it’s about embracing bits and pieces that you absolutely love. People will always lean into florals, sparkles, etc. But what’s having a real moment is relaxed tailoring for women.

Things like oversized jackets and high waisted trousers. Finding a cool, deconstructed suit allows you to wear it in separates, or even dress it up for work. There are so many corporate cocktail parties, we want something that can be universal across our social and work wardrobe.

Q: Are there any particular designers you’d recommend for that look?

A: There’s some really cool bits and pieces coming through from Australian heritage brands, like Carla Zampatti. She’s got some beautiful tailoring and trousers. What people also don’t realise immediately is that her fabrics are amazing, and that’s whats going to help get that draping effect.

For something more contemporary, brands like Camilla and Marc nail that tailoring and slouchiness, but it’s a little more structured. There’s also a really beautiful Sydney-based brand called ESSE Studios that does great stuff in this category, too.

Q: How can be we more financially savvy and sustainable when it comes to buying new looks for the holidays?

A: When you’re shopping, you ultimately want pieces that will last the test of time. We should be achieving capsule wardrobes that are easily interchangeable between one and the next season. That versatility also means you don’t need to be constantly buying new.

And you can still inject trends into your outfits through high-street retailers like Zara. That way, you can have a really fun time playing with fashion. But it’s a far more sustainable way of going about it.

Q: Are there any trends you’re currently happy to see leaving?

A: Trends are so subjective, people love them or hate them. There’s nothing wrong with clean girl or quiet luxury trends, but they are a safe way to dress. It’s not that I’m happy they’re on their way out, but I am loving the return to bold moments.

People are starting to have real fun with fashion and take risks again, and that’s what’s really fun about fashion. I encourage people, especially when going to events, to take a risk and have fun with it.

Q: We all know it can be harder for men to make a fashion statement with suiting. How would you recommend they can?

A: Monochromatic dressing actually started with men, and it works really well. If you love blue and you have a navy suit from work, grab it and pair it with different shades of blue in your shirt and tie. It’ll start to look really different to that classic look you wear to the office. It’s a bit more of a subtle fashion statement, and it means you don’t necessarily need to go out and buy something new. And in this economy, you really don’t have to either.

Q: What’s your advice to nailing the little details on a silly season look?

A: 99% of people have their phone in their hand, so you should make sure you consider what that phone looks like, too. Finishing touches with brands like Casetify allow you to match your case with the outfit. Even something like a mirror case is amazing, as it goes with everything. Plus it’s a great way to subtly touch up your makeup when out and at events.