Many fashion insiders rarely sit front and centre. They operate behind the scenes, yet so often they’re the arbiters and influencers of taste and style.

How do stylists, photographers, writers, editors and designers actually dress? What sartorial habits and sensibilities have emerged in their personal-professional style after years in the industry? Which uniforms have they honed over decades?

We asked six fashion people for their takes.

Lucianne Tonti, journalist and author – Melbourne

How do you approach getting dressed each morning?

Check the weather, check in with myself – everything is driven by how I want to feel. Is it a day for the attitude of a little heel, or is it more low-key and sneaker-forward? Then build out from there.

Describe your typical day and the role of clothes in that context.

I have three kinds of days: writing from home; meetings and events; or travelling. Writing and travel days are almost always in comfortable pants and oversized tees or jumpers – always natural fibres. Meetings and events are an opportunity to pull outfits together but, honestly, I tend to wear things that work across the spectrum. Oversized jackets, tailored pants, silk shirts, simple T-shirts and knits, or straight-cut dresses and miniskirts if the weather allows. The context is always comfort.

What have you learnt, and what has changed or stayed the same in the way you dress after years working in the industry?

Exposure to expensive clothes has been an education in high quality materials and construction. For me everything begins with what the fabric is made of, how it feels on the body and how long it will last. Nothing annoys me more than a garment that won’t survive the season.

If you were rebuilding your wardrobe from scratch, which five items would you invest in first?

An E Nolan double-breasted suit in black, a Beare Park dress in wool, an Esse trench coat, an Edward Cuming long-sleeve tee.

What’s the difference between being stylish and being in fashion?

Style is an internal process, fashion is an external one.

What’s the last thing you bought?

Black tailored shorts by Edward Cuming.

What does a good outfit do for you?

Gives me a little pep in my step.

What’s a fashion cliché that you don’t subscribe to?

Synthetics are durable – they’re not! They make almost everything a little bit shit.

Jac Hunt, founder and creative director of Jac & Jack – Sydney

How do you approach getting dressed each morning?

With simplicity, with a sculptural approach to form, and with colour – sometimes classic, sometimes neutral, sometimes bright. I match colour to mood. I prefer to colour block: full-colour dressing creates a look that’s put-together and elevated, tactile in its consideration of yarns and fabrics, and creates a shape that feels modern. I’m known to tie knits around my waist, shoulders and sometimes both – sometimes multiple. It adds dimension.

I’m a long skirt and cashmere sweater girl. I love silk sets and a blazer. I love proportion and shape to create a bit of drama. I use colour to express vibe: nuanced neutrals, my core darkest navy. Ox blood is a signature and, when I feel like it, I add in a ridiculous colour – screaming chartreuse, hyper-saturated purple. And I love pink, mainly soft and mid-tone – it’s a teen-of-the-’80s thing.

Describe your typical day and the role of clothes in that context.

My life is clothes. From the moment I wake up, I think about them – what I’m going to wear, how the collection I’m working on is taking shape, what the week ahead looks like. Clothes, to me, are fun and expressive. While my focus is my role as creative director, I’m also running a business that requires me to think beyond the brief, switching between creative direction and commercial decisions to keep the engine running.

What have you learnt, and what has changed or stayed the same in the way you dress after years working in the industry?

My look and approach have become more honed. I’m far less trend-focused now, and I rarely lean into “of-the-moment” pieces. I used to be much more experimental, but I still see that girl in the way I tie and layer clothes. Now, I have a clearer sense of what suits me and what works for me. I still enjoy being playful and bold in my choices, especially when it comes to colour.

If you were rebuilding your wardrobe from scratch, which five items would you invest in first?

A long fishtail skirt, a cashmere crew-neck oversized sweater, a fine merino turtleneck, a silk shirt, and a pair of black and white Nike Cortez sneakers.

What is the difference between being stylish and being in fashion?

I don’t subscribe to a fixed idea of what “stylish” is. I’m drawn to people who fully own their look, whatever that may be. Style is subjective. There’s a very traditional, almost Audrey Hepburn-led idea of what it means to be stylish, but it’s much broader than that. Real style comes from someone expressing their point of view in a way that feels considered, instinctive and entirely their own. It evolves over time. Being “in fashion”, on the other hand, feels more tied to the moment – something fleeting. Style endures; fashion moves on.

What was the last thing you bought?

A bubblegum-pink cashmere sweater.

What does a good outfit do for you?

It elevates the everyday and gives me a supreme feeling of happiness.

What’s a fashion cliché that you don’t subscribe to?

The idea of a Fashion Journey. Don’t relate to it, don’t subscribe to it. To me, getting dressed should feel like a natural part of daily life – something intrinsic rather than contrived. Clothing is self-expression. It’s personal, intuitive and unique to the individual. There can be a tendency for the industry to project a singular idea of what style should look like, but there are countless ways to express style and that’s far more interesting.

James Tolich, photographer and director – Byron Bay

How do you approach getting dressed each morning?

I dress for what’s on that day, whether it’s travelling, working in my home studio or a photoshoot. Different outfits serve different purposes, that is, relaxed fit for travel and work in the office, carpenters’ pants for work on the house, garments with lots of pockets for photography.

Describe your typical day and the role of clothes in that context.

Since no two days are the same for me, and I travel a lot, I keep sets of clothes for different purposes and climates. I like to have staple items, like a uniform, so I don’t have to think too much when I’m packing. Since I’m rural when I’m at home, I keep it simple and wear things I can work in and don’t have to be precious about. These are some of my favourite outfits and carry that lived-in patina.

What have you learnt, and what has changed or stayed the same in the way you dress after years working in the industry?

Always pack a windbreaker. Loose-fitted, relaxed semi-tailored garments are a nice uniform. Clothes should have purpose and utility while being presentable for varied situations – being a photographer can feel like a trade at times, and then at others you are in these ultra-chic environments so you need to toe that line.

If you were rebuilding your wardrobe from scratch, which five items would you invest in first?

Novesta heritage canvas shoes, made in Slovakia. East Harbour Surplus Axle pants in sand or navy (Italian, military-inspired clothing). I’d go on eBay and buy Brooks Brothers shirting from the made-in-USA era. James Perse or LA Apparel T-shirts. A crew-neck sweater from Sunspel. I’d find it hard to pick one jacket but would probably get a Barbour because it’s universal.

What’s the difference between being stylish and being in fashion?

In fashion means you follow trends, which would be exhausting and inauthentic. Being stylish means you have your own flair with clothing and wear things that make you feel amazing, even if they aren’t “this season”.

What was the last thing you bought?

Weejuns by GH Bass. Not an everyday wear, but for more formal attire.

What does a good outfit do for you?

Makes you shine without being flashy and doesn’t feel awkward or uncomfortable in your daily activities.

What’s a fashion cliché that you don’t subscribe to?

That everything you wear should be name or luxury brands. Over the years I’ve seen them appropriate lesser-known brands, and I don’t necessarily think it’s the big houses that set the trends. The best looks I see are usually someone at an airport just rocking it. I’m not generally inspired by the runway.

Ilkin Kurt, stylist and consultant – Sydney

How do you approach getting dressed each morning?

The weather shapes my approach. I’m cold-sensitive, so I keep layering pieces handy. My staple jewellery never changes: a good watch and a ring are a must.

Describe your typical day and the role of clothes in that context.

I’ve leaned into fashion and creative consulting more than styling in recent years, so my typical day has a more corporate approach. Nine-to-five office days and different time-zone Zoom calls have changed my approach to dressing. Good tailoring and comfort are key.

What have you learnt, and what has changed or stayed the same in the way you dress after years of working in the industry?

I’m much more intentional, and I invest in pieces that reflect who I am and work for my lifestyle. What’s changed is my focus on quality, fit and versatility. I pay close attention to fabrics, tailoring and how a garment makes me feel rather than simply how current it is. I’ve become more confident in repeating outfits and building a wardrobe around pieces that I admire and collect rather than constantly seeking something new. I use trends selectively, incorporating them in a way that complements my personal style rather than letting them define it.

If you were rebuilding your wardrobe from scratch, which five items would you invest in first?

Tailored pants, blazer, a well-cut tee, a great cashmere jumper and a quality leather loafer or flat.

What’s the difference between being stylish and being in fashion?

Being in fashion means wearing what’s current, trending and relevant at a particular moment. It’s often influenced by seasonal collections, runway shows, social media and cultural trends. Being stylish is about having a strong sense of personal style and knowing how to dress in a way that reflects your personality, lifestyle and confidence. A stylish person uses fashion as inspiration rather than instruction. They may embrace trends, but they do so selectively, incorporating them into a wardrobe that already reflects who they are.

What was the last thing you bought?

I treated myself to an evening bag from a work trip in Japan.

What does a good outfit do for you?

It literally lifts your mood and confidence. It changes other people’s perspective of you – it projects the strength of you and your ideas.

What’s a fashion cliché that you don’t subscribe to?

Following anything that becomes too mainstream.

Victoria Zschommler, photographer – Northern Rivers & Melbourne

How do you approach getting dressed each morning?

I lean into comfort and convenience while grabbing things that still make me feel and look put together. I don’t mind a bit of variation, but I’m fairly consistent.

Describe your typical day and the role of clothes in that context.

I have a seven-month-old and an almost five-year-old, and I was back on set quickly after having both children. My wardrobe is guided by daily life: parenting, working, or travelling for work. Comfort and convenience are key. Shooting fashion is a physical job, so comfortable shoes are necessary, pants are essential, and black, white or neutrals are ideal so I’m not creating colour casts or bounce onto the subject or product. While I’m breastfeeding and pumping, dresses and nice tops are not ideal. Motherhood doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice personal style, although I now see why mums chop their hair off – postpartum hair loss is real, and a baby tugging it out isn’t cute. My long hair will stay, for now.

What have you learnt, and what has changed or stayed the same in the way you dress after years of working in the industry?

I’ll always be a natural fibre girl doing my best to stay fresh after a 10-hour shoot – good quality counts for a lot. Some of the most skilled people in the industry dress and present themselves in the most unassuming way. I love that you don’t have to look like “fashion” to be working in it.

If you were rebuilding your wardrobe from scratch, which five items would you invest in first?

If budget wasn’t an issue, I’d invest in wishlist pieces that could be well worn and enjoyed, instead of saving them for a special occasion. I’m loving the new Phoebe Philo black-wash jeans, and her oversized khaki trench. A quality loafer by The Row. A Louise Trotter/Bottega Veneta leather jacket. A Lemaire handbag.

What’s the difference between being stylish and being in fashion?

You needn’t dress in statement pieces to be seen. Style is subtle and timeless.

What was the last thing you bought?

I just invested in a Studio Nicholson leather jacket. I bought it online from the UK and I instantly loved it when I put it on. An easy fave that’ll work with many looks for years to come.

What does a good outfit do for you?

If it makes you feel good about yourself, it’s a good outfit. If I’m wearing something that is ill-fitting but trendy, or not sitting on my body the way I like, I find it harder to love my body on those days. I’d prefer to remove that piece from my wardrobe than persist with it.

What’s a fashion cliché that you don’t subscribe to?

That gold and silver jewellery shouldn’t be mixed. Mixed metals can be beautiful.

Ange Yu, senior studio program manager at Broadsheet and model – Melbourne

How do you approach getting dressed each morning?

I’m practical to a fault and my way of dressing reflects that. It’s usually equal parts “what meetings do I have today?” and “how do I feel?”

Describe a typical day and the role of clothes in that context.

In the morning it’s Pilates followed by a walk with my dog. Here it’s pure function: activewear. Then my day switches gears to work. I prefer a uniform. Currently you’ll find me in some version of a simple white tee and a sweater from Uniqlo, jeans from Neuw Denim, loafers on the feet if I have a meeting. Or, white tee and a shirt, Adidas trackies, loafers and a coat if I don’t. Bag: vintage Prada. Scent: now that it’s winter, Portrait of a Lady by Frederic Malle. On the wrist: a vintage YSL watch. In the evening, when I’m not out, we’re going full comfort – hot shower then straight into trackies and a sweatshirt.

What have you learnt, and what has changed or stayed the same in the way you dress after years of working in the industry?

True confidence comes from comfort – the classic “wear the clothes, don’t let the clothes wear you”. As I’ve grown physically, emotionally and mentally, my concept of comfort and confidence has changed, but my ethos has stayed the same.

If you were rebuilding your wardrobe from scratch, which five items would you invest in first?

A bag – a Barbara tote from Bottega or a Bonnie from Prada. An everyday shoe that elevates any outfit – say a Miu Miu loafer. I’m particular with my fragrance so I’d “invest” and stock up on what I already have: Whisky by Perdrisat, and Portrait of a Lady. A good white tee – you know, the one from The Row. And a notebook. I already have my dream notebook, though. My partner gifted me one from Hermes and it’s everything.

What’s the difference between being stylish and being in fashion?

They’re not mutually exclusive. Being stylish comes with the person’s confidence, their swagger. Being in fashion? Wearing the latest collection, the latest style, the latest colourway etc.

What was the last thing you bought?

Bedside tables from Australian designer Rachel Donath. I can’t wear them out, but if I could, I would.

What does a good outfit do for you?

[Boost confidence.] Like I don’t have to google the unknown number calling before I answer.

What’s a fashion cliché that you don’t subscribe to?

That comfortable dressing is boring.

This story is part of Broadsheet’s annual Fashion Issue, presented by Alfa Romeo.