The four wardrobe changeovers required for the distinct seasons of the Northern Hemisphere don’t really apply Down Under and so the question of how to dress for Australian seasons can be inherently complex. Of course, there is a definite joy to be found in the more temperate yearly climate, but this also calls for some strategic forward planning.
What to wear in an Australian summer obviously differs from what to wear in an Australian winter, but honing your wardrobe can serve you well year-round. Our seasons tend to blend into each other, so why not merge your wardrobe basics accordingly? The very unpredictability of the Australian climate — which sees us frequently basking in 25-degree sunshine during winter — means a few styling tricks are required.
Bank on breathability for spring
Comfort is integral to thinking about how to dress for Australian seasons. In general temperatures are on the warmer side but can be deceptive at times, especially in spring. A clear blue sky might belie a crisp chill, or what seems a refreshing rain shower actually results in stifling humidity. This is where natural materials can be your greatest asset.
So what to wear in an Australian spring? Silk tops with cotton-based jeans offer a wonderful way to cope with the sometimes-fickle weather. Mary Katrantzou silk blouses in a bright print offer coverage by way of long sleeves, while also maintaining breathability, and a splash of spring colour. Cotton is man’s best friend when it comes to tops. Button-down shirts from Polo Ralph Lauren are 100% cotton and come in a variety of versatile shades.
Accessories complete summer simplicity
In summer, the Australian climate can become too hot to handle, at which point a swim at Bondi, or simple cotton sundress are sometimes the only remedies. There are of course other options for a sweltering day and rallying the help of some striking accessories can offer the ideal counterpoint to simple shift dresses, white T-shirts and worn-in denim.
Look to brands like Dion Lee for minimalistic slip dresses, or Alex Perry for an elegant evening approach. These designers’ innate understandings of our seasonal patterns make them great references for how to dress for Australian seasons year-round, too. All it takes to complete your refined summer looks, then, are striking accessories like a statement bag or jewellery.
When working out what to wear in an Australian summer, the more comfortable the design, the more confident you will feel. So using accessories to update straightforward silhouettes is an effective way to look as great as you feel. Model Gemma Ward uses her cat-eye sunglasses for twin purposes: shade from the harsh Australian glare and as a statement accessory to complement a simple monochrome Ellery outfit of a black pinafore dress and white fishnet sleeveless top. Sunglasses can elevate men’s outfits, too. Twin brothers and models Zac and Jordan Stenmark show how it’s done when they wear their Cutler & Gross frames with jumpers and tailored shorts on a day out yachting.
Versatility is your best asset in autumn
Autumn is one of those in-between seasons that can be difficult to dress for at the best of times. Couple that with an Australian tendency for unexpected heat waves and things become extra tricky. So when thinking about what to wear in an Australian autumn, versatility is always a virtue.
Impeccably tailored blazers, for example, make for wonderful transitional pieces because they can be worn tossed on over your shoulders if the day turns out warmer than expected. A jacket from Balmain, for example, will also work seamlessly through to evening because it can be worn just as easily with jeans as with a little black dress. Guys can even rock a sneakers and chinos look from day to night with the help of an expertly tailored blazer from the likes of Brunello Cucinelli. The same blazer will work overtime in winter, too, when layered with knitwear, such as a jumper in fine merino.
Focusing on versatility can be useful when thinking about how to dress for all Australian seasons and also our tendency for social spontaneity. Unexpected social engagements crop up year-round, so dressing with versatility in mind can simplify the sudden change of scenery from work to evening drinks.
Unexpected details simplify winter layering
The inevitable fear once winter rolls around is that we'll end up looking like a yeti in our layers of bulky clothing. Sleek-silhouetted jackets can remedy this though, like those from Scanlan Theodore. When trying out the double jacket look, consider contrasting textures; a lightweight trench works well over a streamlined leather moto jacket, for example, offering both warmth and interest.
When contemplating what to wear in an Australian winter, “buildable" garments can be your best friend. In other words, pieces that can be layered easily to adapt to whatever the weather might throw at you. Successful layering is all a matter of understanding proportions and how they interact with one another.