How to nail couple-dressing without looking like Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears

This story is part of the April 28 edition of Sunday Life.See all 14 stories.

His and hers. These words once defined how we dressed and shopped, but, in 2024, the phrase feels old-hat. Across the industry, from luxury labels such as Balenciaga and Margiela to the high street, more brands are dissolving (or at least blurring) gender lines, and writing a fashion prescription that is more inclusive, with fewer rules.

Though it may be years before we see department stores merge the men’s and women’s departments, smaller brands are already showing how they can be more “playful” when it comes to notions of couple dressing, and what unisex clothing means to their customers.

Take Bassike, whose coordinating denim pieces are beloved by men and women alike, and which feature in this Sunday Life shoot with models – and real-life couple – Dominique Elissa and Tom Bull.

Tom: Commas tank, $455, jacket, $795 and trouser, $555. His own shoes. Dominique: Commas top, $695, jacket, $795 and trousers, $555. Camilla & Marc Rhys pump, $750.Credit: JEDD COONEY

Deb Sams, one half of the Sydney-based brand (which she started with Mary Lou Ryan in 2006), says “universal” – the pair’s preferred term for unisex – has been part of Bassike’s DNA since they launched denim in the late noughties.

“I’ve always been very influenced by menswear, my own personal style can be quite tomboyish,” says Sams. “I love the idea of wearing a guy’s jean – oversized, belting it in – with a heel. Men’s T-shirts, sweaters – it’s very intrinsic to our brand.”

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of its first unisex style, the Classic Slim Universal jean, Bassike is this month relaunching its most successful genderless styles in a capsule that will include a denim jacket, anoraks and, of course, jeans.

Despite the general trend towards unisex dressing, which has been fuelled in part by celebrities, ranging from Hailey Bieber to Rihanna, Sams says Bassike is sticking with its men’s and women’s categories. “Men and women have different body shapes, we wear clothes differently and we want different things,” she says.

Tom: Venroy trench coat, $350, and trousers, $180. Jac + Jack “Foley” lambswool sweater, $450. His own shoes. Dominique: Venroy trench coat, $340. Jac + Jack “Quad” long-sleeve tee, $160. Senso “Cooper II” loafers, $259. Her own socks.Credit: JEDD COONEY

Other brands, such as COMMAS, whose suiting also features in our shoot, take a more fluid approach. Creative director Richard Jarman says, it “didn’t make sense” to separate the brand’s website into men’s and women’s wear. “Our foundation lies in menswear, however since day one, we’ve had women embracing COMMAS,” he says.

“We love seeing our clothes on all people [and] love that it can give them a certain feeling and be so flattering. I think that clothing is a means of expression, and people now have more opportunity and confidence than ever to express themselves.”

Indeed, for models Elissa and Bull, who have been dating for a year, there’s plenty of crossover in their respective personal styles. Elissa says she loves a bit of “twinning” in their fashion repertoire. “I feel more put together when our outfits complement each other. Denims, coats and knits are great ones to wear together,” she says.

Tom: Jac + Jack “Beckham” cashmere sweater, $450 (also around shoulders), and “Hiles” pants, $380. Dominique: Jac + Jack “Adara” silk pants, $450, “Talo” silk shirt, $380, and “Elmo” sweater, $560. Adidas sneakers, $150.Credit: JEDD COONEY

Indeed, couple dressing works best when it’s done with some subtlety. Think less Bridget Jones matching Christmas sweaters and more complementary silhouettes and tones. Still, if you’re keen to go the full head-to-toe denim combination, a la Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears, don’t let anyone hold you back – confidence is key to pulling it off.

While Elissa and Bull don’t set out to share wardrobes, the couple both love an oversized trench, which can easily be shared, especially with the addition of a belt to cinch the waist or create a more tapered line.

“I love to play with colour and texture, while keeping the silhouettes quite classic,” Elissa adds. “I definitely have my staple wardrobe that is a mix of vintage and designer. Life’s too short to dress simple though, and I am not afraid to play around with my fashion choices.”

And, how’s this for a fashion romance: on their first date, Bull presented Elissa with a Chicago Bulls jumper. “It’s my favourite piece in my wardrobe,” she says. Game, set, match.

Fashion editor, Penny McCarthy; Hair, Darren Summors using Oribe; Make-up, Aimie Fiebig using Rare Beauty at Sephora; Fashion assistant, La La Ryan.
STOCKISTS Adidas; Bassike; Jac + Jack; Senso; Venroy.

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