EllBee

Okay, I've only been in Aus for 3/4 weeks but so far I've struggled going out because of the dress codes. In Melbourne, I got in to places okay in jeans / converse but I actually left a couple of bars because I just felt like I was being stared at - everyone else in there was super dressy. And painfully hipster

In Perth, I had to abandon 1 night out because I couldn't get in anywhere with flip flops (really nice beaded ones, not rubber, beachy ones) and then after buying a pair of cheap flats still felt a bit under dressed despite wearing the nicest skirt +top I've packed!

So am I just choosing the wrong places? Or is getting dressed up a country-wide phenomenon? I just want to go for a quiet drink in jeans, t-shirt and trainers!

EllBee

Sorry-thought I had posted this in the Barbie!

old.sparkles

It is now

Bermudashorts

I remember when we first moved, we used to comment that people made more effort with their outfits just out and about shopping at weekend. We put it down to warmer weather, in UK you see a lot of people and jeans and coats for much of the year but here we would see people out in pretty dresses and so on just to go shopping. I don't notice it now, but I do remember we used to comment on it.

In the evening, hmm don't know I don't really just go out to bars or if I do it is after work so everyone in work attire. Or we go to smart restaurants and there it is natural to be smart.

Jon77

You should move to Brissy / Queensland where wearing flip flops to any event is considered the height of fashion.

Are you considered a snob in Queensland if you wear shoes?

Bermudashorts

Yes you get that too of course. I was in Collaroy earlier and I passed three people who were wandering about barefoot. (not on the beach either)

Pollyana

You do get weird looks if you aren't either barefoot or in flip-flops

Pollyana

Wait till you get to the Northern Territory - or even north Queensland, however skimpy your clothes you'll feel overdressed! The difference from London is that fewer people will judge you on your dress, there is more of a sense of anything goes. Once you're away from the main cities its a lot more chilled out and people dress more for themselves than for those around them

Dress codes are generally in city centre bars, and even then not in all of them, don't forget your ID too!

All good apart from that?

Hebe

The general wear in Melbourne is certainly smart casual - would wear flip flops in my local after the beach but def not in a smart bar in the city or out in the evening. Jeans and t-shirts are ok but it depends on how you wear them and teamed with heels or boots and a jacket with a great bag is good.

scottishcelts

THis is true!

bobbyftm

Yep, foot loose and fancy free is just the way we like it

brissybee

Sorry, I have to disagree with this.

Bare feet in public is just plain disgusting imo. Obviously it's the norm at beach and pool areas but it turns my stomach to see children (and adults ) bare foot in shopping centres.

I also think it's pretty poor when men get about bare chested in public. Don't get me wrong... there's plenty to like about a nice manly chest... just not at the shops. And, I can't stand the shorts fashion for women at the moment where the pockets hang longer than the shorts. Yuck.

You can still be cool without being trashy.

I found Melbourne did take it's fashion image pretty seriously (which I liked, though I'm a big advocate for comfort dressing at home) but Queensland is pretty lax. Jeans at posh restaurants seem ok... but I'm not a fan of that myself.

Wear whatever you want I guess. But please, wear something.

scottishcelts

Bare feet is a way of life here for some, and something they've always done since they started walking. It's not for me though.

brissybee

Trouble is, spitting on the pavement and smashing beer bottles is also a way of life for some.

Pollyana

Ah, a Brisbanite dressed for a night out just got on the train, swaying dangerously atop her stiletoes, her top is so low she could breastfeed without adjusting it, and her skirt us so short her knickers are hanging down below it Charming picture......