One Outfit For Life is a clothing related project asking the question; ‘If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?’
The idea explores why we gravitate to certain looks; outfits that work for the various aspects of our life—work, home, hobbies, going out with friends—, whilst also reflecting our unique personalities. In this series, we ask people of different styles, professions and ages to think about what they wear and why one outfit is the best fit for their life and why each interviewee came up with their particular outfit ahead of all other available choices.
Here we speak with Borna Bosnjak, watch journalist and cofounder of Melbourne watch retailer WatchPoint. Borna has an elevated casual style, mixing new (Informale, The Real McCoys) with vintage pieces (Issey Miyake, Lanvin, Universal Geneve). This combination allows Borna to effortlessly move throughout the day as a journalist, watch retailer and man about town.
You can follow on Instagram at OneOutfitForLife.
If you could only wear one outfit, what would it be and why?
As I’m sure others have said, this is a nigh impossible to answer question. As much as I’d love to say stiff, durable Japanese denim or a suit I oh-so-casually throw on every morning, the reality needs to be a lot more utilitarian than that. With this in mind, breathable fabrics and layers are my best friend. Raw cotton or linen for trousers is a must, and on top is usually a combination of a shirt and comfy sweater with an optional tie. Shoes are by far the most difficult, as I’m not one of those people that can exist in one pair of boots no matter what. I love a leather tassel loafer as much as I do a modern, low-profile sneaker, so if I had to pick one, the right answer would probably lie somewhere in the middle; perhaps a pair of beat up white sneakers. There’s a charm and carelessness to them that I really appreciate in others, and I hope my attempts at such nonchalance carry the same aura.
How does this collection of clothes allow you to move between the various aspects of your life?
I’ll consider accessories as not part of this ensemble in my endeavour to ever bend the rules in my favour, which will give me much-needed versatility. Lose the tie and undo a few buttons—roll up the sleeves, even—it’s instantly more casual. Most of my time is spent in and around the city, vintage watch and clothing stores, and wherever they’re serving excellent food. This combination strikes the perfect balance where I wouldn’t feel out of place in any of those scenarios, save for perhaps those “cocktail attire” evenings I attend as a watch journalist.
List what you are wearing:
I adore these raw cotton trousers from The Real McCoy’s; they fit like a glove and have an appearance that wouldn’t be marred by heavy wear despite their light colour. On top, this cotton oxford shirt from Informale, and a vintage Issey Miyake V-neck knit sweater and equally vintage Lanvin tie. I said beat up white sneakers, so I went with what I had; a pair of Nike Dunks I seriously overpaid for, and promised I would wear the sh*t out of to make my money’s worth. For specs, my partner and I wear matching Rigards frames. Hers are in patinated bronze, and much cooler. A watch is a non-negotiable, and it’s usually something vintage from the 1950s or ’60s. Today, it’s this imperfect Polertouter Micro-Rotor. It’s the first Universal Geneve I ever bought (nearly a decade ago), and the best I could get at the time. I love it.
If money was no object, what is the ultimate version of this outfit?
The price of an object is rarely congruent with my affinity for it, and all of these pieces are much more important to me than their monetary value. I own more expensive alternatives to all of these things, but these are some of the most special to me. If I could change one thing, though, is to somehow make the fabric of The Real McCoy’s pants indestructible. I got big thighs, what can I say?
What is the origin of this look for you?
Lots of part-time job money wasted figuring it out, changes in how I view and feel about myself, landing in some happy medium between what I think I can pull off, and what I think is the golden standard for the style that I’m going for; not that I could tell you who or what that is.
How do you feel when you wear this?
I feel like me on my best day, but comfortable enough to wear on my worst.
Imagine you were put in charge of designing a capsule wardrobe based around your style.
What would it comprise? Brown. I joke, but there is a concerning amount of brown in my closet. To try and answer this question seriously, versatility would again be key, and not one piece could be part of the closet without being able to be worn with at least two other things. That means lots of high-quality basics that won’t need to be regularly replaced, and a muted colour palette. Add everything in my “essential” outfit, thrown in a short, spring jacket; a long, warm coat; some green pants made of a rough-and-tumble fabric; and a suit easily separated into separates. Voila, you’ve got half of my closet. And watches. Lots of watches.
