'Oversized shirts and knit pants are my uniform. Everyone asks where I get the best ones.'

March 11, 2025

I'm a firm believer in finding your style uniform.

We've been sold the dream of the perfect capsule wardrobe — where a tight edit of staple pieces all tie in with each other, with the intention of creating endless looks — but a uniform simplifies the concept even further.

It's about distilling your style down to the outfit you feel truly yourself in. And really getting into the bones of that look — what is it about it that puts you at ease?

Watch: We try 'Style Maths' with Mamamia's Em Vernem. Post continues below.

Mamamia

We all respond differently to clothes; that's what makes personal style so interesting and varied. Some people live in dresses and sneakers. Others swear by a combo of blazers and jeans.

Leaning into uniform dressing is about getting comfortable with outfit repetition, not fearing it.

And because we can't wear the literal same outfit every day, it encourages you to invest in variations of your 'uniform' items to ensure you always have options on rotation.

I landed on my uniform after having a baby almost two years ago. Initially, I was wearing comfortable lounge pants and roomy tops out of pure comfort and necessity.

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Nothing To Wear

Writer wears comfortable lounge pants. In the early days it was all about postnatal ease. Images: Supplied.

But over time, as I adapted to motherhood and started to dress for myself again, I realised this was the signature silhouette that I'd become accustomed to, and it was one I could replicate and elevate in myriad ways.

I began to explore this by seeking out more polished versions of my staple pieces: flared knit pants in different weaves and textures, and oversized shirts in various shapes and designs. The outfit took me from morning coffees to park playdates and impromptu early dinners at the pub. It's a look I've been able to easily adapt for the seasons, too, by changing the weight of the pieces.

Building out my uniform has simplified my morning routine with a toddler and helped with my confidence as a new mum. I don't struggle to get dressed as much, and even on my daggiest days I still feel somewhat pulled-together.

Author wears graphic tees and rib pants. Graphic tees and rib knit pants never fail me. Images: Supplied.

Since sharing my uniform theory on my Instagram page, I've had many women dm to ask where I get the best oversized tops and knit pants.

Here's a breakdown of my favourites and where you can shop similar ones.

Shop knit pants.

Australian brand Nude Lucy is my number one destination for soft pants in woven fabrics. I live in their flared lounge pants and have bought several pairs over the years in different neutral shades — I'm always getting asked about them!

I've also splurged on beautiful chunky knitted pants from local label Zulu & Zephyr (it's a good idea to wait for their sales), and found more affordable rib knit pairs at H&M.

Now that this style of pant is so popular, you can generally find options at all the high street shops like Country Road, Seed Heritage and Glassons.

Nude Lucy Zosia Knit Pant, $120.

Nude Lucy knit pants. Image: Supplied.

Glassons Straight Leg Knit Pant, $49.99.

Glassons brown knit pants. Image: Supplied.

H&M Flared Rib Knit Pants, $49.99.

H&M flared rib knit pants. Image: Supplied.

Atmos & Here Annie Rib Knit Pants, $69.99.

Atmos & Here knit pants. Image: Supplied.

Cotton On Wide Leg Knit Pants, $59.99.

Cotton On Knit pants. Image: Supplied.

Shop oversized shirts.

I tend to vary between button-up shirts, denim shackets and roomy graphic tees depending on the weather and what the day calls for.

If you're looking for a good quality oversized tee, some of my favourite cuts come from homegrown labels Assembly Label and Thrills. You can see my shopping edit of graphic t-shirts here, featuring go-to brands like Sabbi and JGR & STN.

When it comes to shirting, I think bigger is better: I often size up for a larger fit I know will cover my bum, because knit pants can often be see-through or figure hugging and I like that extra coverage.