In Uniform: Ash Grat’s Effortless Aussie Style

Rip & Tan: How would you define the essence of your personal style?

Ash Grats: My style is clean, and neutral with statement shapes and textures. I feel the most comfortable in tailored, structured pieces.

Rip & Tan: Which 3 staples are most worn in your weekday uniform? For weekends?

Ash Grats: As I work for myself, my weekday and weekend uniforms end up being much the same! I usually live in trousers and trench coats (when the weather allows) and love a good basic with a twist. 

Rip & Tan: What’s your approach to mornings when you don’t know what to wear?

Ash Grats: I tend to fixate on one or two items of clothing at a time, so whenever I’m stuck I’ll just opt for one of those and build an outfit around it. This is usually a pair of trousers which is probably why I love them so much, they are so versatile.

Rip & Tan: Which three shades are you styling for the rest of your life? 

Ash Grats: Beige, of course! I also love ecru and can’t see my recent love for black ending anytime soon. 

Rip & Tan: What are your thoughts on pops of color or the occasional print? 

Ash Grats: I’m all for it! I think there’s always a way to include a pop of color and still keep the outfit neutral. I’m not usually drawn to a print but chances are that if it’s a combination of neutral tones, I’ll be on board. 

Rip & Tan: What’s more exciting to you—building your capsule wardrobe or styling a special occasion? 

Ash Grats: It used to be styling a special occasion, but I’m starting to move into the mindset that every day can warrant a special outfit. Working for myself means that I don’t need to dress for an office, so my local, laptop-friendly cafe will often get to see some of my favorite outfits. 

Rip & Tan: Do you have a favorite wardrobe purchase or find?

Ash Grats: My current favorites are my black leather boots by St Agni. It’s my first time actually owning a pair of tall boots and I love that they push me out of my comfort zone with styling! 

Rip & Tan: What does timelessness mean to you? 

Ash Grats: I am someone who can part with material items quite easily because I hate the idea of beautiful pieces going to waste. I know that as soon as I stop wearing something as much as I used to, it probably needs to go on to a new home.

So, timelessness to me is best described by the items I can never part with. Pieces that are so aligned with my style that I can never picture not wanting to include them in an outfit.