I’ll be the first to admit: Arriving in Sydney for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, I expected a laid-back aesthetic to dominate the streets. I was in the land of sun and surf, after all, and even though the country was technically on the brink of its “winter” season, the weather lingered in the mid-70s, which, as someone from New York would consider, meant shorts, tees, and sandals all week long.
The scene outside Carriageworks (the official venue for MBFWA) was anything but. Formalwear (and I mean beaded, strapless gowns) and seriously-all-out ensembles were surprisingly the norm, with stacked stilettos, more off-the-runway Gucci than I could possibly count, and — what I found to possibly be the coolest part of the local street style scene — an undeniable support for Aussie designers (of the most prominent were favorites Ellery, Alice McCall, and Dion Lee). And while I may not plan on wearing a massive tulle dress to fashion week next season, it was refreshing to see showgoers take their personal style so seriously (and done well, at that).
Click through to see 30+ outfits that stole the show this past week in Sydney. Let’s just say we’re officially declaring the city down under a seriously underrated street style destination.
It's no surprise Aussie brand Ellery was a street style favorite in Sydney. Just look at those sleeves!
Ellery top.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
Channel your inner '90s child and swap the jacket-over-your-shoulders for the jacket-wrapped-around-your-waist.
Gucci bag.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
Give your classic striped button-up an upgrade by pairing it with some contrasting striped trousers.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
Feel the breeze in an open-backed blouse.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
Leave it to Kanye West's muse, Christine Centenera, to take a sleepy-time slip dress ouside the bedroom with an oversized cardigan and thigh-high boots.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
Amp up an all-black look with a billowing-sleeved blazer and some cut-out heels.
Ellery blazer.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
The type of top you don't want to eat spaghetti in.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
If you want to take the town but don't want your feet to kill, consider mules your footwear BFFs.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
We spy those mules.
Gucci shoes.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
The friends who denim together, stay together.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
Take it back to the '70s with a colorfully-printed silk blouse.
Gucci top.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
Go big with your outerwear. We dare you.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
When D.I.Y.-meets-couture...
Dog Harajuku jacket, Poppy Lissiman bag and sunglasses.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
A refreshing, non-leather-jacket take on model off-duty style.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
Double the sleeves, double the fun.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
A going out top that screams, "Ready to party!"
Photographed by Asia Typek.
Proof a parka can be street style, too.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
A creative, belted take on the omnipresent choker trend.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
Tie one on for size.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
Pattern-mixing at its finest.
Gucci dress, Louis Vuitton shoes.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
Take the bomber fad into summer (because those nights can get chilly) with a bold, printed version.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
There's nothing we love more than a piece of clothing with a hidden surprise.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
An prime example of unexpected layering that surprisingly works.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
Frayed, exposed hem denim? Yes, please.
Gucci bag.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
#Twinning.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
Does anything look cleaner (and cooler) than an all-white ensemble?
Photographed by Asia Typek.
Oversized is an understatement with this varsity-inspired jacket.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
Dress down a gold pleated skirt with a simple band tee and block heel booties.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
If you're sick of your plain old denim, try a pair that looks more formal than laid-back.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
Go for mod vibes with a boxy jacket, mini skirt, and gold hoop earrings.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
As much as we love the wide-legged pants, we're giving 10 points for the killer top knot.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
We've never seen a headband look this cool.
Vintage jacket.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
The high fashion, non-Taylor Swift way to do a matching set.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
The easiest way to take your outfit to the next-level? A patterned neck scarf.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
It's impossible to go wrong with a Peter Pan-collared button-up, boyfriend jeans, and those Gucci mules.
Gucci bag and shoes.
Photographed by Asia Typek.
Extra-long sleeve game: strong.
Photographed by Asia Typek.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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