I Visited Australia and Learned a Lot About Style—Here's What I Won't Wear Again

Last week, I made the 15-hour flight from Los Angeles to Sydney to attend Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia for the first time. Over the course of the week, I got a taste of the fashion scene by sitting in the audience at dozens of shows and presentations. What I learned is that it’s a fashion week brimming with cool designers that have distinct points of view that that range from strong swimwear (at brands like Matteau and Bondi Born) to elegant eveningwear (just look to Christopher Esber and Michael Lo Sordo). I was also introduced to rising brands like Anna Quan and Double Rainbouu that rightfully gained buzz among the fashion set there to see their new collections.

When I wasn’t taking in the runway shows, I was also meeting with fashion insiders at dinners and events and spending time exploring the fashionable neighborhoods in Sydney. Spending time with the locals and observing the street style scene, it became very clear that style in Australia has its own set of rules that I found myself adopting during my time there. Ahead, find out what I learned about style in Sydney, see my Australian fashion week outfits, and shop the looks I wore.

SKIP: Head-to-toe Designer Looks

WEAR: Mix Luxe and Affordable Fashion

Instead of wearing an outfit plucked straight from the runway, Australian fashion girls love to blend luxury designer pieces with more affordable fashion finds. I followed suit by pairing this newly launched set from the Song of Style collection at Revolve with the Chanel heels I've owned for years.

SKIP: Trendy Denim

WEAR: Straight-Leg Jeans

One thing I definitely notice more in the States: super-trendy denim styles. Instead of jeans with more experimental silhouettes or finishes, the Aussie fashion set was spotted wearing classic styles like straight-leg jeans.

SKIP: Just Labels From Back Home

WEAR: Australian Designers

Whether it's well-established local designers like Christopher Esber, buzzy labels like Réalisation Par, or newer brands like Matteau, a visit to Australia is definitely a time to show support for the local talent. You'll spot the locals wearing all of their cool homegrown labels.

SKIP: Accessories as an Afterthought

WEAR: Thoughtful Accessories

During the shows at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, I noticed that accessories were often the focal point of outfits I was seeing on the street style scene. I made sure that mine did the talking for some of my looks like this one where I swapped in tall boots with a suit instead of heels like I would normally wear.

SKIP: High Heels

WEAR: Comfortable Shoes

The locals opt for sneakers and low heels over shoes that are challenging to walk in. In Sydney, comfort always wins out.

SKIP: Too Many Trends at Once

WEAR: One Major Trend at a Time

The Aussie fashion set definitely leans into the trends of the moment, but they limit their outfits to one major trend at a time (like the puffy sleeves in my outfit here).

This press trip was paid for by IMG. Editor's opinions are her own.

Next up: 17 pieces I've been wearing on repeat.