Home Australia Fashion How to dress like an AFW model, according to a leading stylist

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How to dress like an AFW model, according to a leading stylist

May 16, 2025

In partnership with THE ICONIC

There’s something undeniably effortless about the way models move through Australian Fashion Week — weaving from show to show, they have an innate and hard to replicate ability to make even the simplest pieces look chic. It’s not so much a trend as it is a study in nonchalance, and it’s become the uniform of the off-duty model: part street style, part insider knowledge, always a little undone in the best way.

But if you’ve ever tried to recreate that exact balance of polish and ease, you’ll know it’s not as simple as throwing on any old outfit and calling it a day. There’s an art to getting it right — and according to one of the industry’s leading stylists, it starts with having the right foundational pieces in your wardrobe.

As Australian Fashion Week wraps up in Sydney for another year, we tapped Nicole Adolphe, Head of Style at THE ICONIC to break down exactly how to recreate some our favourite model-off-duty street style moments. From the perfect oversized blazer, to heeled boots you can actually walk in (while still looking chic), and the new-season accessories that tie it all together, consider this your guide to dressing like you’re heading backstage, even if you’re just heading to lunch.

Below, THE ICONIC pieces you need — and how to wear them like you’re en route to an AFW runway show.

Look 1

Nothing says ‘model off duty’ quite like an all-black ensemble. Throw in some great leather pants, a boxy jacket, and a distressed bag (that fits the essentials, of course), and you’ve really got our attention. Recreate the look, below.

& Other Stories Boxy Zip Up Jacket

Lioness Midnight Bomber Jacket

Assembly Label Antonia Jersey Tank

Mossman Fairfax Pants

Loop Leather Co Tara Belt

Billini Wez Boots

Marc Jacobs The Small Tote Bag

Look 2

Winter is upon us — a fact that Australian Fashion Week proved for certain. But you don’t have to compromise your style for dreary days. Great layers — a trench coat, soft knit, and some knee high boots — will arm you against chillier temps, while still looking runway ready. Shop the look below.

Minima Esenciales Tabitha Trench Coat

Fate + Becker Charmer Trench Coat

Minima Esencials Ari Wool Blend Roll Neck Jumper

Saint Laurent Sunglasses

S by Sempre Di Verity Knee-High Boots

Polo Ralph Lauren Calfskin Tall Riding Boots

Look 3

Few combinations say you know fashion, without trying too hard, like slouchy pants, a tailored blazer, and a flash of skin underneath. Throw in some new-season sneakers, and a hint of jewellery, and you’ll be looking like you belong backstage.

Friend Of Audrey Pinstripe Blazer

Blanca Marina Blazer

adidas Originals Adibreak Pants

Calli Tracey Knit Top

adidas Originals Samba OG

Look 4

Equal parts undone and considered, this is the kind of look that turns heads without trying to. A crisp, oversized button-up — preferably borrowed or at least made to look that way — under a long duster coat that adds quiet drama with every step. On foot: classic leather loafers, worn like a uniform.

Look 1

Look 2

Polo Ralph Lauren Calfskin Tall Riding Boots

Look 3

Look 4

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