Expert Series: The Reoutfitter’s Guide to Building Your Perfect Summer Wardrobe
Introducing the first expert in our Expert Series for this year: Sera Murphy from The Reoutfitter. A talented stylist dedicated to sustainable fashion, she brings innovative and trendy looks that capture our admiration.
As a lifelong fashion person who has worked in the industry in various buying roles, Korean-American Sera Murphy never felt glamorous enough, never had enough resources or connections, and often felt like a bit of an outsider in her world. Her identity and relationship with how she looked and what she wore were upended when she first moved to Hong Kong in 2016 and took time off to become a mom. Dressing up was no longer a necessity while chasing two toddlers.
Over the span of four years, two babies, and several moves—from Hong Kong to New York to where she now resides in Singapore—she wanted to live with less but dress in a way that matched her new lifestyle. In that process, she realized that many other women like her had also lost their sense of identity with parenthood. Thus, the idea of the "Re-outfitter" was born: rediscovering yourself through clothes and re-creating a wardrobe that not only reflects who you want to be externally but also harnesses the power of clothing to make you feel positive on the inside.
Can you share The Reoutfitter’s philosophy?
The Reoutfitter's shopping and styling philosophy is rooted in the client’s life and personal style. Even for clients who believe they don’t have a personal style, they still have preferences—and we make sure to work within that framework while subtly pushing them forward to elevate their style. Because every client’s journey is different, we apply the “shopping better” approach based on where they currently are in their fashion journey.
For some clients, that means shopping less but investing in better-quality pieces. For others, it means strategically filling the gaps in their wardrobe rather than repeatedly buying the same things.
I admire how you've merged your passion for fashion with educating clients about sustainable shopping and helping them find the right pieces. What motivated you to become a sustainable fashion stylist?
My approach to sustainability actually happened naturally as it aligned with my own personal style goals! I used to have a walk-in wardrobe in New York and a corporate discount at a big-name retailer, so new clothes were constantly coming in. At one point, the metal bars in my wardrobe even broke from the sheer weight of everything I had hanging!
Moving all of that stuff across multiple global relocations, adapting to different climates, watching some pieces disintegrate from lack of use, and realizing I wore less than 75% of it—it really started to get to me. So I began shifting my shopping habits, slowly. I bought less, but when I did, I focused on investing in better-quality pieces. I took a physical inventory of what I owned to avoid buying duplicates. I kept mental notes on price-per-wear. I restyled and rewore what I could.
Through this process, I realized that these small, simple steps are incredibly beneficial—yet they’re often overlooked when we think about personal styling or shopping. This is why I work with clients to review their existing wardrobes before we ever set foot in a shop, no matter how small or large their wardrobes are. I believe that understanding where you are and where you have been is paramount to building a wardrobe that will work for you moving forward.
How do you balance style trends with sustainability in your styling sessions?
There’s a common fear that following trends isn’t sustainable—but I have to disagree. In fact, exploring trends can be a valuable tool in shaping your personal style for the long run. It’s a bigger-picture approach, but trends offer lessons that can guide your wardrobe choices for years to come.
Take the pleat-front pant, for example—a game-changer for anyone looking to soften their midsection. While this style is undeniably trendy right now, it has long been a staple in more formal, corporate-apparel brands. Once you recognize what works for you, you’ll know what to look for beyond the trend cycle, making shopping more intentional and sustainable.
I always encourage my clients to try new things and pay attention to how they feel in them—because feeling great in a garment is far more important than someone else’s idea of what’s flattering. When you love how something makes you feel, you’ll actually wear it, which is the most sustainable choice of all.
And if you’re worried that stores only carry trendy pieces, think again. I always tell my clients to look beyond mannequins and front-page displays. Once you dig a little deeper, you’ll realize that nearly every style has a place in the market—sometimes, it just takes a little searching to find it.
What are the key fashion pieces for Spring/Summer 2025 that you consider essential for a sustainable wardrobe?
First, a classic cotton or linen button-down shirtdress—a true wardrobe staple. It doesn’t need to be printed; a solid color, black, or white works just as well. The beauty of this piece lies in its versatility—you can dress it up or down with accessories, and it always feels effortlessly put together. With so many fun cuts available, the key is to ensure it's breathable and comfortable in cotton or linen.
Second, a gold or silver flat sandal. A little shimmer instantly elevates a casual summer outfit, pulling the look together without trying too hard. It’s an easy way to add polish while staying comfortable and practical.
Third, spring and summer are the perfect seasons to reassess your prints. If your wardrobe leans too floral, why not switch it up with a stripe this season? Or, if you don’t have any prints at all, this is a great time to introduce something fresh. Think beyond the usual florals and stripes—fruits, travel-inspired motifs, subtle branding, animals—something that feels uniquely you.
What do you consider to be the top five fashion trends for 2025, and how can we interpret these trends sustainably?
1. Utility
Think structured cargo pants, belted jackets, and functional yet polished pieces with lots of pockets and hardware details. Instead of chasing fast-fashion versions, look for vintage, as utility is something that always comes and goes. It can be as simple as a larger pocket on your shirt or one cargo patch on your jeans. You might even already own something with a utilitarian edge!
2. Minimalism
Understated elegance is yes, still having a moment! Clean lines, neutral tones, and impeccable tailoring. This is an easy trend to embrace sustainability because it’s about investing in well-made basics that never go out of style. If you’re shopping, prioritize quality over quantity, and if you already have minimalist staples, experiment with styling them in new ways like adding different accessories or styling minimalist pieces with more bold pieces.
3. Textures
Metallics, sheer layers, intricate weaves, and embellishments are making waves. The key here is not to buy into novelty pieces that won’t last, but rather to explore textures in a way that integrates seamlessly into your existing wardrobe. It can be as simple as a ribbed top vs a flatweave. A metallic accessory, a sheer layering piece, or even a secondhand find can help you tap into the trend without excess.
4. Tailoring
Blazers with unexpected details, wide-leg trousers, and asymmetrical cuts are redefining classic silhouettes. Instead of buying into trend-driven tailoring, consider having an existing piece altered: take the sleeves up or off to make it a waistcoat! If alterations are out of the question, consider styling your old tailoring in more fun and casual ways: pop a brooch on your blazer, wear your old suit skirt with an oversized casual shirt, get creative with it!
5. What's Old is New
The 90's and 00's are back! For fellow millennials, it might be time for our old pieces to shine: see what you have in your wardrobe that you've kept from your hey-days. That "going out top" that you wore over leggings can be repurposed and modern but tucking it in or getting it cropped. Longer trousers, square toe shoes, waistcoats, anything is game! The key is to use your old pieces in fresh ways, so wear 1 piece of old with something new to keep the look current.
What’s your ultimate piece of advice for someone looking to build a sustainable and stylish wardrobe?
My ultimate advice? Be intentional—with what you buy, what you keep, and how you wear it.
Sustainability and style aren’t about having a perfect capsule wardrobe or swearing off shopping forever! It’s about making conscious choices that align with your lifestyle, personal aesthetic, and values. Start by understanding what you actually wear. Take stock of your wardrobe, identify gaps, and resist the urge to keep buying the same things. Invest in quality over quantity, prioritize versatility, and don’t underestimate the power of re-styling. Most importantly, give yourself grace. Your wardrobe is meant to evolve with you, and the most sustainable approach is one that works for you, not against you.
What defines a sustainable lifestyle for you?
For me, a sustainable lifestyle is more a "mindful lifestyle." Balancing my personal needs with long-term impact. It’s not about perfection or rigid rules; it’s about being intentional with what I consume, how I live, and how I prioritize needs over wants.
In fashion, it means shopping with purpose, wearing what I own, and making thoughtful purchases that align with both my style and values.
Most importantly, sustainability isn’t just about the things we buy (or don’t buy). It’s also about my mindset — learning to appreciate what I have, making informed decisions, and embracing the idea that less can be more when done with intention.
Interested in learning more? Check out The Reoutfitter's website to dive deeper into their services in Singapore and worldwide, and stay updated by following their social media channels!
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