Australian Street Style

[BokuAlec]

Living in Brisbane, I noticed the teenagers had a lot less individuality than teenagers in the UK. I think this is due to Australia's infamous "tall poppy syndrome" where people don't want to stand out (for fear of being cut down).

And it's nice to think Australia is a season ahead, but really most of the population will wear the clothes stocked in high street stores which will get their clothes a season behind.

 

[misstarshine]

Living in Brisbane, I noticed the teenagers had a lot less individuality than teenagers in the UK. I think this is due to Australia's infamous "tall poppy syndrome" where people don't want to stand out (for fear of being cut down)...

Its true, especially out of the capital cities where wearing skinny jeans was weird till about 6 months ago and now thats all everyone wears! Of course in places like Newtown, sydney, its in to look a little different, but in a similar way

 

[*tata*]

more piccys everyone! www.threethousand.com

OMG i know this girl....i went to primary school withe her

 

[misstarshine]

I just read though this thead and i have to say i'm upset at how much everyone is bagging out aussie style.I have to admit that i am often very critical of the teenage girls and how they all dress the same, but their teenagers and isn't that what all teenages do?

Australians might not dress the same as other countries, but i thinks thats because of our lifestyle. We are very laidback. I know heaps of people that dress really individually and look amazing, but at the same time because of their lifestyle they don't leave the house in an immaculate outfit everytime because they do things which don't allow perfect outfits like surfing, firetwirling, sport and even work.

I think Australians also tend to think that they are lesser than the rest of the world. Personally i love aussie style because i can dress up if i want, but i can wear jeans and thongs when i can't be bothered spending an hour thinking of what to wear.

 

[BokuAlec]

I have to admit that i am often very critical of the teenage girls and how they all dress the same, but their teenagers and isn't that what all teenages do?

Not necessarily. I'm 17 and have dressed confidently with my own style ever since returning to my native England. I spent my early teenage years (13-16) in Brisbane and everyone did seem to dress the same. I would sometimes be ridiculed for wearing something not part of the 'uniform'. (Again, it's the same old story of wearing something 'uncool', and then it becoming 'cool' later.) So yes, Brisbane teenagers at least do all dress the same.

Before I lived in Australia I lived in Malaysia for 5 years. I was still a kid really but I do remember all different styles represented. This was largely due to Malaysia being full of so many different cultures, but people were free to experiment with fashion and no one was really critical!

Now I'm back in London and finishing school here. Having a unique style is applauded here. Even in the school setting people express themselves through their clothes. With my friends, we all wear different clothes with varying degrees of care for fashion. One friend wears basketball, sporty clothes. One friend wears very preppy clothes. One friend simply doesn't give a damn. My girl friends are the same as well - whilst they might swap and share items and fashion tips, they all have their own unique style. To the point where if someone lay out an outfit on the floor I could tell you whose it was. In Australia, all the girls and guys seem to have the same wardrobe!

I'm sorry for going on about it, but it's something I feel really strongly about. Fashion is such a passion of mine and when I moved to Brisbane I was so distressed by going to any shopping centre and seeing everyone wearing board shorts and a t-shirt (everything from Billabong or Quiksilver). It's not that I think everyone should be interested in fashion, because everyone has different hobbies. But it's the fact that rather than embracing different styles, or even being indifferent to different clothes; Australians seemed to be offended by the possibility someone might not wear the year's uniform (trends move slow there) from the shop of choice. Again, I think it all comes down to Australia's famed tall poppy syndrome.

Disclaimer: There are exceptions. There are stylish people. Etc etc. I'm just talking about the majority of the Australians I came across.

 

[misstarshine]

BokuAlec i agree with you, especially on the whole Brisbane fashion. I just thought people should know that rather than compare our style to other people we should look at what is unique to Australia. Teenagers in Australia are extreamly critical of anyone dressing slightly differently to the herd. I think that in Australia generally it's not till people reach their 20's that they start looking for their style and even then its usually not till their mid 20's. Boys very rarely even get to that stage. I had a male friend in high school that liked to have his hair done with gel and wear safari suits whilst riding his skate board and he still gets bagged out by everyone even though we are now 25. These are people who think its funny to wear the same t-shirt and shorts everyday for a month!

 

[Avantster]

But it's the fact that rather than embracing different styles, or even being indifferent to different clothes; Australians seemed to be offended by the possibility someone might not wear the year's uniform (trends move slow there) from the shop of choice. Again, I think it all comes down to Australia's famed tall poppy syndrome.

Great post, BokuAlec. I think tFS can certainly do with more people like you. Karma!

IMO the key here is a being open minded. And because some people aren't, others become afraid to stand out. Which brings me back to the idea that Australians as a whole are very trendy. And it doesn't help that we are often a good six months or so behind when it comes to trends. I know that's a pretty big generalisation but I think it is accurate.

It's not that I expect people to put a lot of thought into their outfits, or to look unique all the time. But before following the crowd, just a thought of 'Is this really me?', would be nice.

 

[~Blythe~]

Yes, in fact I would say a lack of cash actually forces you to be just a little bit more creative with your pieces and outfits!

moolulu I don't really see the majority of Australians being a season ahead of the rest of the world. IMO if anything, in terms of style and being fashion forward we are a season behind... Though I'm sure there always are a few that shine ahead.

The reason I said that we were lucky to be a season ahead is because... I know that when the spring/summer 2007 collections go on show in Sept/Oct, like many people, I will be looking to them to draw inspiration and apply some of the elements to my own summer wardrobe. Regardless, it takes some trends more than a couple of seasons to become established and sometimes a trend will 'peak' here (or 'die') before the rest of the world.

Anyway, that is speaking from personal observations I have made when I go overseas. Unlike 20 years ago when we use to be 2 years behind, I think alot has changed.

 

[~Blythe~]

... I was so distressed by going to any shopping centre and seeing everyone wearing board shorts and a t-shirt (everything from Billabong or Quiksilver).

The founders of Billabong and Quicksilver should be burnt at the stake Cringe worthy labels like this give us a bad name

 

[misstarshine]

moolulu i think your right about the whole seasons thing. I always think when i look at the new shows how lucky it is that we can start wearing all the clothes straight away if we want.

 

[aliceee]

bumping this thread..

www.threethousand.com.au

 

[aliceee]

same source:

 

[aliceee]

more.....

 

[aliceee]

more!

 

[superstarjeans]

Lovely! So eccentric...I love it!

 

[Inaya]

Thanks for all the pics!

 

[kathkt]

some of the choices of clothing are weird..
But i do love the grey dress one of the girls are wearing

 

[mnis]

some of the choices of clothing are weird..
But i do love the grey dress one of the girls are wearing

I agree,Some of the people look weird,
dont like the denim on demin outift, or the white leggins/singlet with blue striped dress over the top
I love the grey coat though
Thankyou aliceee for posting karma

 

[misstarshine]

Thanks aliceee Karma for you!

 

[ckashie]

IMO one thing sums up Australian street style right now...

Footless tights. At uni today, everywhere I went I could count at least five girls wearing them. I even saw a boy wearing them with black shorts