five creative ways to ‘frock up’ that don’t involve dresses

If you’re anything like us, you don’t need an excuse to bust out some fun duds – popping the cosy trackies and sensible shoes to the side in favour of a cowboy hat and eye-catching garb is one of our favourite things to do. But if you’re looking for one… Frocktober is just around the corner.

Every October, the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) encourages folks to frock up to raise money for vital medical research into ovarian cancer, the most lethal and least understood reproductive cancer. You might think there are early detection tests for ovarian cancer like there are for cervical screenings, but there aren’t… yet. Supporting OCRF’s stellar work helps fund crucial scientific research into early detection, prevention and targeted treatments, and these scientists need your help to achieve a breakthrough that will help increase survival and reduce the lethality of ovarian cancer.

It’s time to bust a move in fun clothes and bust some myths along the way. You might think ovarian cancer only affects people over the age of 60, but in fact, it can occur at any age. According to recent data, 40 per cent of ovarian cancer cases in Australia are found in women under 60 years old. And shockingly, this form of cancer has a five-year survival rate of just 49 per cent.

What better way to start a conversation than with a wearable conversation piece? Frocktober is the OCRF’s month-long fashionable fundraiser for ovarian cancer research and has a brand-new look for 2024. This year, it isn’t just about frocks, it’s about wearing something bold and head-turning to ‘Frock Ovarian Cancer’. Get your workmates or pals together to register and frock up with your flock because we can all take part in supporting this important cause and start talking about a disease that sadly just isn’t talked about enough.

WAYS TO FROCK OVARIAN CANCER – WITHOUT THE FROCKS So this year, while dresses are always welcome, they aren’t strictly necessary because here’s the thing: frocking up is more of a mindset than a rule. And we love breaking fashion rules. Frocktober is for everybody, so let’s take action by dressing up and speaking out. If you need inspiration, here are our top picks for frock-free and ethical fabulousness, so you can double down on the good impact this October.POWER UP THE PANTSUIT If we’ve learnt one thing from the business-casual trend, it’s that suits don’t always equal boring. Take a leaf out of New Zealand label Kowtow’s book and pair a chic sleeveless blazer with swish trousers for a playful take on corporate dressing. Glitz up the look with sleek gold hoops and heels, or play it down with some comfy dad sneakers.  

LET YOUR SLACKS DO THE TALKING Why not go bold with a pair of colourful slacks from Yevu? After all, spring is in the air so emulate the flowers and let your bottoms bloom. This Ghanaian made and co-owned label is a business with purpose, supporting ethical manufacturing while giving everyone the opportunity to be nicknamed Fancy Pants.
BREAK OUT A JUMPSUIT There’s nothing quite like strutting into a room while wearing a jumpsuit. There’s something both fun and powerful about wearing a one-piece you can do high-kicks in, like this lush velvet playsuit by slow fashion label Anna Cordell. It’s cool, it’s classy, it’s comfortable. It’s also cute and custom-made but that’s enough alliteration for today. Channel your inner Bowie and slink into a romper.EMBRACE A TWIST ON SMART CASUAL Whether you work from home or work on site, you’re bound to feel profesh and chic in an upcycled shirt from House of Thickett. This Melbourne-based label makes the most out of your dad’s pre-loved shirts and turns them into something wonderful. Not a boring button down in sight. GO MATCHY MATCHY WITH A TWO-PIECE SET Maybe it started with Clueless but we just can’t go past matching plaid, especially when it includes a vest – a highly underrated fashion piece. It’s less ‘private schoolkid’ and more ‘grown-up glamour’. The rise of co-ords in recent years is an absolute treat for folks who love both simplicity and compliments. Be prepared to get a lot of the latter.TURN HEADS WITH A PROM-WORTHY PUFFED SKIRT Steel yourself for audible gasps with this lush taffeta piece from Emma Mulholland on Holiday. We firmly believe skirts are the ultra gender-neutral wardrobe staple because all you need is a waist and with this bubblegum number, a simple tee is the perfect go-with for a laidback look. Get creative with footwear: chunky sneakers? Yes. Cowboy boots? Absolutely. Get people talking and feel like a star.

This guide was created in partnership with the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.
Register to become a fully fledged Frocker this Frocktober to don some head-turning looks, start important conversations and raise funds for ovarian cancer research. Get your whole office, sports team or girl group involved!