So…do Aussies dress too casually these days? Join the debate on dressing down
- Replies 1
Some comments feel casual on the surface—but can leave a lasting sting.
Melanie Quick and her sister were just out for coffee when a stranger’s words made her question how Aussies really view self-expression.
The simple question wasn’t rude—but it revealed something deeper.
‘Why are you so dressed up? Where are you going?’
Melanie and her sister Courtney had done nothing more than wear stylish outfits for a casual outing.
Melanie wore a cream quarter-zip sweater, tucked into a silk maxi skirt with flats, while Courtney donned a faux fur coat with black jeans.
It wasn’t formalwear—but in a country where activewear is the unofficial uniform, their look stood out.
That passing comment prompted Melanie to reflect on Australia’s increasingly casual fashion culture.
‘My mum always encouraged us to wear what makes us feel our best, and always shares stories about how stylish her own mother was, so I guess a sense of self-expression runs in our family,’ she said.
‘I always found so much joy in putting together an outfit, even if it’s for something simple, like getting a coffee. I don’t enjoy wearing activewear unless I’m working out or at home.’
So when the question came—laced with what she felt was subtle judgement—Melanie didn’t explain.
‘I just said we were here for coffee and offered no other explanation,’ she said.
She later shared the interaction on social media, where it struck a nerve with others who felt Australia had lost its sense of style.
Source: TikTok/melanieclairequick
‘Australia is honestly one of the most poorly dressed countries… every other country I’ve travelled to, people dress to the 10s wherever they go but here we call it a “day out in town” if it’s more than a T-shirt and jeans,’ one person wrote.
Another added: ‘I found that when I was in Europe, genuinely no one batted an eye at my outfits, everyone was so stylish and put together, especially in Italy. But when I dress like this in Australia, all I get are stares and questions like “Who are you dressing up for?” Ummm myself? We hate individuality here.’
Melanie believed this fashion aversion had cultural roots.
She pointed to Australia’s laid-back culture—where 78 per cent of people say they wear activewear as casual wear—and suggested there may be a deeper discomfort with confidence and ambition.
‘When someone dresses a bit differently or is “overdressed”—Tall Poppy Syndrome comes into play, which affects how we react to confidence and ambition,’ she said.
‘Even something as small as dressing nicely can be seen as being attention-seeking.’
The term ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’ refers to the tendency to criticise people who stand out or achieve too much.
Fashion commentator Jacob Loaf echoed this idea, linking the trend to a national case of ‘cultural cringe’.
‘Australians fear dressing up,’ he said.
‘When people even want to wear pants and nice shoes as opposed to a Gymshark tee and Kmart pants, it’s frowned upon.’
‘Why is hyper-casual clothing the societal norm?’
The topic has also popped up in fashion forums and Reddit threads, where users often compare Aussie style to that of Europeans or Americans.
One user noted our warm climate might be partly to blame.
‘Coats, blazers, and jackets that can add polish to an outfit aren’t needed much,’ they wrote.
Others said the lack of walkable cities—and time spent commuting on public transport—encouraged comfort over style.
Some felt our fashion market was too limited.
‘Our mainstream fashion is very basic, and our niche brands can be over-the-top colourful—so if you want something nicer and elegant, it’s next to impossible to find,’ one person argued.
Another pointed to a lack of formal events in Aussie life, saying people had fewer opportunities to dress up.
Despite all the opinions, Melanie said she had no plans to change her approach.
‘I think it’s time we start to embrace individual style and celebrate people who want to express themselves through fashion,’ she said.
‘At the end of the day, what we wear is an extension of who we are, and I love seeing people feel confident and happy in their clothes. I truly think that deserves to be celebrated.’
If you’ve ever been judged for putting effort into your outfit, you’re not alone—and it’s not always about being “overdressed”.
Sometimes, even the most everyday items can stir up strong opinions about what’s considered stylish versus unacceptable.
Another story recently sparked debate over a popular type of footwear that some people love and others love to mock.
Read more: Are these boots considered 'bogan' or chic? Fashion fans say their piece!
Would you feel comfortable dressing up for coffee—or would you expect a comment too?
Melanie Quick and her sister were just out for coffee when a stranger’s words made her question how Aussies really view self-expression.
The simple question wasn’t rude—but it revealed something deeper.
‘Why are you so dressed up? Where are you going?’
Melanie and her sister Courtney had done nothing more than wear stylish outfits for a casual outing.
Melanie wore a cream quarter-zip sweater, tucked into a silk maxi skirt with flats, while Courtney donned a faux fur coat with black jeans.
Stylish sisters questioned for casual coffee attire. Image source: TikTok/melanieclairequick
It wasn’t formalwear—but in a country where activewear is the unofficial uniform, their look stood out.
That passing comment prompted Melanie to reflect on Australia’s increasingly casual fashion culture.
‘My mum always encouraged us to wear what makes us feel our best, and always shares stories about how stylish her own mother was, so I guess a sense of self-expression runs in our family,’ she said.
‘I always found so much joy in putting together an outfit, even if it’s for something simple, like getting a coffee. I don’t enjoy wearing activewear unless I’m working out or at home.’
So when the question came—laced with what she felt was subtle judgement—Melanie didn’t explain.
‘I just said we were here for coffee and offered no other explanation,’ she said.
She later shared the interaction on social media, where it struck a nerve with others who felt Australia had lost its sense of style.
Source: TikTok/melanieclairequick
‘Australia is honestly one of the most poorly dressed countries… every other country I’ve travelled to, people dress to the 10s wherever they go but here we call it a “day out in town” if it’s more than a T-shirt and jeans,’ one person wrote.
Another added: ‘I found that when I was in Europe, genuinely no one batted an eye at my outfits, everyone was so stylish and put together, especially in Italy. But when I dress like this in Australia, all I get are stares and questions like “Who are you dressing up for?” Ummm myself? We hate individuality here.’
Melanie believed this fashion aversion had cultural roots.
She pointed to Australia’s laid-back culture—where 78 per cent of people say they wear activewear as casual wear—and suggested there may be a deeper discomfort with confidence and ambition.
‘When someone dresses a bit differently or is “overdressed”—Tall Poppy Syndrome comes into play, which affects how we react to confidence and ambition,’ she said.
‘Even something as small as dressing nicely can be seen as being attention-seeking.’
The term ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’ refers to the tendency to criticise people who stand out or achieve too much.
Fashion commentator Jacob Loaf echoed this idea, linking the trend to a national case of ‘cultural cringe’.
‘Australians fear dressing up,’ he said.
‘When people even want to wear pants and nice shoes as opposed to a Gymshark tee and Kmart pants, it’s frowned upon.’
‘Why is hyper-casual clothing the societal norm?’
The topic has also popped up in fashion forums and Reddit threads, where users often compare Aussie style to that of Europeans or Americans.
One user noted our warm climate might be partly to blame.
‘Coats, blazers, and jackets that can add polish to an outfit aren’t needed much,’ they wrote.
Others said the lack of walkable cities—and time spent commuting on public transport—encouraged comfort over style.
Some felt our fashion market was too limited.
‘Our mainstream fashion is very basic, and our niche brands can be over-the-top colourful—so if you want something nicer and elegant, it’s next to impossible to find,’ one person argued.
Another pointed to a lack of formal events in Aussie life, saying people had fewer opportunities to dress up.
Despite all the opinions, Melanie said she had no plans to change her approach.
‘I think it’s time we start to embrace individual style and celebrate people who want to express themselves through fashion,’ she said.
‘At the end of the day, what we wear is an extension of who we are, and I love seeing people feel confident and happy in their clothes. I truly think that deserves to be celebrated.’
If you’ve ever been judged for putting effort into your outfit, you’re not alone—and it’s not always about being “overdressed”.
Sometimes, even the most everyday items can stir up strong opinions about what’s considered stylish versus unacceptable.
Another story recently sparked debate over a popular type of footwear that some people love and others love to mock.
Read more: Are these boots considered 'bogan' or chic? Fashion fans say their piece!
Would you feel comfortable dressing up for coffee—or would you expect a comment too?
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