Jesinta Campbell, Megan Gale, Princess Mary: Do you fit your city’s style stereotype?
- From: News Corp Australia
- May 30, 2014
THE AUSTRALIAN typecast might be of a bikini clad babe, but our state capitals tell a different story of style.
While Adelaide’s trendy tribe opt for a mixed bag of vintage and modern, Melbourne shrouds itself in layers and its favourite hue of black. Do you suit the style stereotype of your state? Or are you more daring, like Gold Coast is to Brisbane? Leave your comments below
Melbourne girls gave up fighting with the weather years ago, embracing its famous “four seasons in one day” climate as a chance to celebrate layers which are an art form in this town. Silhouettes are architectural, tipping a style nod to stately city buildings and vibrant street, laneway life.
Style stereotype: Urban chic with dollop of European elegance
Fashion details: Layering, scarves, boots, hats, black woollen coats, casual knitwear, skinny blue jeans, leather jackets
Favourite shopping districts: Flinders Lane in the CBD, Collingwood’s Smith St, Hawksburn’s Malvern Rd, Armadale’s High St, Fitzroy’s Brunswick St and Myer in the CBD.
Celebrity icons: Asher Keddie, Lauren Phillips, Dannii Minogue
Fashion is fast, bold and body conscious in Sydney. Impact is everything and life revolves around the water, whether it’s the beach or the harbour, and while there is little inclination to cover up, elegance is never sacrificed.
Style stereotype: Trendy with a pinch of poshness
Fashion details: simple sleeveless shirts, soft leather jackets, statement bikinis, high heels for day, tight dresses for night, structured handbags, expensive denim
Favourite shopping districts: Westfield in the CBD, David Jones, Military Rd in Mosman, Crown St in Surry Hills and Oxford St in Paddington
Celebrity icons: Lara Bingle, Jodhi Meares
One of the most artistically minded cities in Australia forsakes any rules when it comes to fashion, with cold winters and baking summers giving its style distinctive seasons. Adelaide girls take risks with prints and colour, mixing modern with vintage happily. A more conservative, fresh country style is also popular.
Style stereotype: Eclectic with a pinch of country chic
Fashion details: Vintage dresses, printed blouses, bright ensembles, black coats, boots, clogs
Where to shop: boutiques such as Wild Child Style Lab in Hyde Park, In Love Again in College Park for vintage finds and The Little Boutique in Grange. Locals also love Bunkr which just opened in Rundle Mall.
Celebrity icons: Melanie Vallejo and Ally from the Bachelor
It may be known as Brisvegas but that is just because Brisbane style glows in the warm weather and women here have a natural style to cope with the climate. Colour is celebrated and residents revel in the joy of dressing up for night time, or air-conditioned events.
Style stereotype: Sunny with a side of sophistication
Fashion details: Colourful sundresses, tailored tops in vivid brights, Havaiana thongs, mini dresses, wedge heels
Favourite shopping districts: James Street, Newfarm, Fortitude Valley and heading to Indooroopilly’s Westfield.
Celebrity icons: Stephanie Rice, Quentin Bryce
Like their sisters in Brisbane, Gold Coast girls don’t shy away from bold colour or daring silhouettes thanks to the warmer climate. A little more brash than Brisbane, they also love their sparkles, sequins and vivid swimwear.
Style stereotype: Fun with a sprinkling of flashy
Fashion details: mini skirts, gold jewellery, sequined dressed, all white ensembles, low cut singlets
Where to shop: Tourists still flock to Pacific Fair and Cavill Mall in Surfer’s Paradise, but locals love the new High Street precinct for its popular chain stores and Robina Town Centre for designer stores.
Celebrity icons: Jesinta Campbell, Sophie Monk, Kirsty Hinze
The beach may be central to Perth culture and style, but girls take their fashion very seriously here. The outdoor lifestyle in a perfect climate makes a healthy glow and athletic bodies the best fashion accessories here, along with some investment jewellery in this wealthy city.
Style stereotype: Urban seaside with a splash of sex appeal
Fashion details: Bold bikinis, shorts, gold jewellery, sculptural dresses, corporate silhouettes for work, T-shirts for weekends
Where to shop: Beaufort St, Mount Lawley and Baby Terrace in the Claremont Quarter
Celebrity icons: Megan Gale, Nicole Trunfio, Jessica Gomes
The heat dictates style in our most northern capital where locals, backpackers and tourists stick to cooler fabrics and silhouettes — opting for comfort over classic or conservative. With many local designers drawing inspiration from the indigenous cultures, colours stick to a neutral, earthy palette.
Style stereotype: Laid back with a hint of traveller chic
Fashion details: Linen pants, cotton shirts, hats, sandals, beaded jewellery, kaftans
Where to shop: Mindl Beach Sunset Markets for work by local artisans, the airconditioned Casuarina Square for traditional chain stores and iconic Australian jeweller Paspaley pearls
Celebrity icons: Jessica Mauboy
The oldest city in Australia loves its vintage clothes. Character is what distinguishes this capital’s look and style is never forsaken for substance.
Style stereotype: Simple sophistication with a dash of vintage glamour
Fashion details: Vintage and retro inspired designs, quirky accessories, gloves, boots, black dresses and layering, woollen jumpers and coats
Where to shop: Luxe, Yeltuor and Belle and Paige on Murray St, Flirt in King St, Oyster and Pearl and Ally and Me in Liverpool St
Celebrity icons: Princess Mary, Rachael Taylor
Originally published as State of fashion across our capitals