Style by Sally: Challenging the Australian Fashion Identity
Australian women are facing a fashion reckoning, as influencer Style by Sally dares them to take a long, hard look in the mirror. The question is simple but profound: Am I extra or am I basic? For too long, Australians have been complacent when it comes to personal style, especially when traveling abroad. Sally encourages women to step out of their comfort zones and elevate their fashion choices.
Reviewing Jaguar in Australia! I wore Wool blazer made in Italy with a silk scarf from Lake Como.
From Haute Couture to Kmart Basics
Once upon a time, dressing up meant something entirely different in Australia. Growing up in Melbourne, I remember when Italian haute couture was prized and worn with pride. My family would purchase exquisite pieces straight from Italy, and the city’s streets were a vibrant catwalk. Melbourne’s fashion scene had an unmistakable European flair — elegant, bold, and distinct. Walking around the city felt like strolling through a style magazine spread.
Fast forward to today, and the streets of Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and even Tasmania are an entirely different story. Where once there was flair, there is now an overwhelming sea of fast fashion, primarily from China. It’s common to see Kmart T-shirts paired with discount shorts — a stark contrast to the curated outfits of the past. Instead of Italian leather, it’s synthetic fabrics that pill and fade after just a few washes. AFL tops, ripped T-shirts, and no shoes at all are now commonplace, diluting any sense of style identity.
Glamorous Glomesh Bags: A Lost Icon
Remember the days when a Glomesh bag was the ultimate statement of Australian style? These sparkling mesh accessories were once synonymous with elegance and class. Whether it was a gold clutch or a shimmering silver shoulder bag, owning a Glomesh piece meant you appreciated quality and craftsmanship. Nowadays, such classic items seem to have faded into nostalgia, replaced by cheap, mass-produced bags that lack personality. It’s a symbol of how the mindset towards fashion has shifted — from curated opulence to disposable convenience.
Made in Australia: A Vanishing Pride
The concept of ‘Made in Australia’ has become almost obsolete.
Once a symbol of quality and craftsmanship, locally produced clothing has been largely replaced by mass-produced imports. It’s disheartening to see the fabric quality suffer, with garments that look worn out after minimal use. This change isn’t just a reflection of consumer habits but also a loss of pride in what once defined Australian fashion.
Traditional ozzie home
Supermarkets as Fashion Hubs
The supermarket has surprisingly become a significant player in the Australian fashion landscape. Brands like Coles’ Mix Apparel, Woolworths’ Essentials Clothing, and Aldi’s seasonal fashion collections have become household staples. The problem? These garments lack durability and style, catering more to practicality than personality.
Yes, I wore bespoke vintage fabric dressed made for my Ferrari drive.
Discount Fashion Stores Taking Over
Beyond supermarkets, budget fashion stores like Best&Less, Big W, and Target dominate the wardrobe choices of many Australians. While these stores are accessible and affordable, they rarely inspire a sense of individuality. The fabrics are often cheap, and the styles lack the boldness that once characterized Australian fashion.
Me wearing Country Road Australia, when the fabrics were amazing.
Why Does It Matter?
When traveling abroad, Australians often blend into the crowd, lacking the distinctive style that other nationalities exude. Style by Sally’s challenge isn’t just about looking good; it’s about reclaiming a sense of identity through fashion. Dressing up should feel like a celebration, not a chore.
Are Australians too basic? Perhaps. But there’s still hope to reignite that spark. As Style by Sally advocates, it’s time to embrace fashion as a form of self-expression and not just a necessity. Let’s make dressing up exciting again.
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