Hey, I Like Your Style! Inside the wardrobe of creative producer and model, Debbie Tram

“I don’t spend as much time mulling over what I’m going to throw on in the morning as I used to.”

We know personal style is a journey (I’m looking at you, Tumblr years), so we’ve introduced a new series Hey, I Like Your Style!, diving into the fashion psyche of our favourite creatives. We’re talking the good, the bad and the 2007.

While the internet has made our fashion icons feel closer than ever before, even the most effortless of outfits came from a closet with some (well-dressed) skeletons. Clickable product tags, photo archives and lives chronicled in 30-second clips just don’t tell the full story.

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For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.

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These are the stories behind the wardrobes, exploring how we develop our own personal style. There’s a brilliance behind the way we choose to express ourselves and at FJ, we know every outfit has a story.

This week, we’re taking a step inside the wardrobe of Australian creative producer and model, Debbie Tram. Moving between Sydney and Melbourne throughout her twenties, Debbie experimented with “a lot of changes” in her style. Now in her thirties, she chooses to prioritise pieces that will stand the test of time – staples like high-quality denim, soft T-shirts, blazers and tanks. Read on for her style journey.

Who are you and what do you like to wear?

My name is Debbie and I’m a producer/agent at a creative artist management agency and sometimes a model. My outfit of choice most days is a pair of baggy jeans paired with a simple tee or tank and a denim jacket or blazer on top. I generally keep it pretty simple and love playing around with contrasting fabric textures, layers and fits.

What has your style evolution looked like? Do you feel like you’ve gained confidence in the way you dress?

I definitely feel more in tune with my personal style now that I’m in my thirties. I’ve been buying a lot less, and the pieces I do invest in, I have in heavy rotation. I don’t spend as much time mulling over what I’m going to throw on in the morning as I used to.

I lived in Melbourne for most of my mid-twenties and I think moving from Sydney to Melbourne and back saw a lot of changes to my wardrobe. I went through a band tee phase, a relaxed linen phase, a Steve Jobs/turtleneck phase [and a] Japanese ill-fitting polyester garment phase. Now I’m [in] my lazy jeans and tank top phase. Thank goodness for Depop!

Personal style is a journey. Have you ever felt like you needed to fit into a particular fashion box?

Hmm, my style has definitely been influenced by people, places, trends [and] sub-cultures… around me, but I can’t say I’ve ever felt like I need [to] fit into any particular box.

Take us back to those awkward teenage years. Do you have any fashion regrets?

The year is 2007 and I’m in my emo phase with my side swept fringe I cut myself, and I’m wearing my quirky graphic tee and skinny jeans that are way too cropped. No regrets though.

What are the most expensive and least expensive items in your wardrobe?

The least expensive item is this blue and white striped men’s button-up shirt I picked up from Footscray Savers for six dollars and have worn to death. The most expensive item is an Acne Studios orange suede jacket that I’m too scared to wear out in case it rains or I spill something on myself.

What is the most meaningful fashion piece you own?

My mum gave me a gold necklace for my 30th that she bought around the year I was born. It has a pendant on it that says ‘爱’, the Chinese symbol for love.

Who or what influences your style?

The Commission SS22 lookbook. I think about it at least a few times a day lol.

What’s in your cart at the moment?

I’ve been getting back into knitting this winter so the only thing in my cart is balls of yarn. Although I have been obsessively trying to hunt down a pair of vintage Prada slingback kitten heels I saw somewhere online once, no luck yet.

What fashion piece are you saving for right now?

I just bought the Commission Roadhouse Bag which I’ve been eyeing for ages so now I’m being good.

What are the wardrobe items you wear on repeat?

Acne Studios 2021 jeans and denim jacket, Wales Bonner Adidas sneakers, FM 669 tee, and every winter I get excited to put on my favourite coat by Nehera.

Who are your favourite local designers?

I love Rutt Knitwear, hearing Rachel talk about her brand and her relationship with her makers is so inspiring. [The] same goes with Pseushi – Wes works closely with all his local manufacturers, and I love seeing him document their processes on Instagram.

Liz of Peiyi is an incredible accessories designer and everything her brain comes up with is absurd and magnificent. The one and only show I saw at AAFW 2023 was Speed and I was in complete awe – Alvi is a powerhouse. My most recent purchase is a necklace by Phoebe Cutler and it’s currently my favourite piece of jewellery.

For more of Debbie’s outfits, head here.