So…do Aussies dress too casually these days? Join the debate on dressing down

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.


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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!

Key Takeaways
  • A woman’s casual outfit led to a deeper conversation about fashion culture in Australia.
  • Melanie Quick felt judged when a stranger questioned why she was dressed up.
  • Social media users agreed, pointing to Tall Poppy Syndrome and ‘cultural cringe’.
  • Commentators blamed weather, lifestyle, and market limitations for Australia’s casual style.

Would you feel comfortable dressing up for coffee—or would you expect a comment too?
 

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IT'S ALWAYS NICE TO SEE PEOPLE TAKE PRIDE IN THEIR DRESS WHEN IN PUBLIC HOWEVER, NOT ALL CAN AFFORD TO BUY 'NICE' CLOTHES. HAVING SAID THAT, IT COSTS NOTHING TO TAKE PRIDE IN CLEANLINESS AND TIDYNESS - BRUSHING THAT HAIR, WASHING THAT PAIR OF SHORTS ETC. HAVING SAID THAT, WHATEVER HAPPENED TO 'DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER'. DRESS UP OR DRESS DOWN I SAY BUT BE CLEAN AND RESPECTFUL TO OTHERS WHEN OUTSIDE OF YOUR OWN HOME.
 
The fashion accepted today as normal is disgusting cloths too tight bottoms hanging all screwed up out look like they came out of the rag bag a lass serving in a lunch restaurant was wearing shorts boots and a padded jacket, yes it was cold but to go to work dressed like that to my mind is unacceptable bring back sensible uniforms. We see people in restaurants also dressed like this where is your self respect and pride ? 😔
 
IT'S ALWAYS NICE TO SEE PEOPLE TAKE PRIDE IN THEIR DRESS WHEN IN PUBLIC HOWEVER, NOT ALL CAN AFFORD TO BUY 'NICE' CLOTHES. HAVING SAID THAT, IT COSTS NOTHING TO TAKE PRIDE IN CLEANLINESS AND TIDYNESS - BRUSHING THAT HAIR, WASHING THAT PAIR OF SHORTS ETC. HAVING SAID THAT, WHATEVER HAPPENED TO 'DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER'. DRESS UP OR DRESS DOWN I SAY BUT BE CLEAN AND RESPECTFUL TO OTHERS WHEN OUTSIDE OF YOUR OWN HOME.
My mum taught me it’s not what you wear it’s how you wear it and cheap things can look just as stylish if worn correctly
 
I like to dress in something nice when i go out. As a child my mother never dressed me nicely, however, my grandmother always made sure when i was with her, that i dressed well for outings. And it's with great thanks to my nanna that i take pride in what i wear when out. So often i go to the supermarket and see others dressed in tight active wear, shabby jeans, shorter than short shorts, there seems to be no self pride these days. Even older women dress in daggy trackies and Tshirts and i think it's sad that all our wonderful pride in clothing and appearances has deteriorated so much. But then maybe i'm just too old fashioned.
 
My mother always brought us up to have HOME clothes and GOING OUT clothes . We were certainly NOT well off . When we came home from school we had to change out of school clothes before we were allowed outside . When we went out we changed into our Going out clothes even if only for visit to friends with her . Clothes were ALWAYS washed ironed neatly and put away . Even now at 87 I still do this . Yes I often get asked ” Where are you going ? What are you all dressed up for.) I still have nice clothes I spent hours sEwing myself and I intend to show them off regardless. I might be unemployed but I am not homeless and struggle on pension I don’t go out looking like it.
 
My friends of a certain age also go a bit further when out of the house. But at home nice tracksuits look nice and are comfy.
My daughter takes me out and the makeup goes on as does a stylish outfit.
My grandchildren and even great children are always well put hogether.
Because they might wear a t shirt and jeans doesn’t mean they are slobs. Times change
 
I don't dress up, but I do put clothes on that are fit for being called good dressy clothes. As for that active wear, I don't think many of them have ever visited a gym & they look terrible on some people. I like bike pants for around the yard, but I'd never wear them out.
 
Why make such a vile comment veggie patch.so innapropriste. And sad hope you arnt speaking from experience
I don't go to places of depravity, decadence and indulgence disguised as a safe place for "worshippers". More like gullible lemmings duped by fat pig priests with sanctimonious smiles that take your money, while you take his lies.

Religion is the root of all evil and by far the most hypocritical concept developed by humankind.
 
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My mother always brought us up to have HOME clothes and GOING OUT clothes . We were certainly NOT well off . When we came home from school we had to change out of school clothes before we were allowed outside . When we went out we changed into our Going out clothes even if only for visit to friends with her . Clothes were ALWAYS washed ironed neatly and put away . Even now at 87 I still do this . Yes I often get asked ” Where are you going ? What are you all dressed up for.) I still have nice clothes I spent hours sEwing myself and I intend to show them off regardless. I might be unemployed but I am not homeless and struggle on pension I don’t go out looking like it.
Same here only I had a pinny as well. My nan used to embroider pretty pinny,s for her girls.
 
I don't go to places of depravity, decadence and indulgence disguised as a safe place for "worshippers". More like gullible lemmings duped by fat pig priests with sanctimonious smiles that take your money, while you take his lies.

Religion is the root of all evil and by far the most hypocritical concept developed by humankind.
Actually I thought the root of all evil was money. . However , I hear your opinion you are entitled to it as I am entitled to challenge it.
For me I don’t go down the laneways I have a chat with himself up there . I have known many a whited sepulchre but many more decent people with strong beliefs and it’s these people I prefer to side with.
 
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Actually I thought the root of all evil was money. . However , I hear your opinion you are entitled to it as I am entitled to challenge it.
For me I don’t go down the laneways I have a chat with himself up there . I have known many a whited sepulchre but many more decent people with strong beliefs and it’s these people I prefer to side with.
If you do a detailed analysis into the cost of human life attributed to major natural disasters (fires, floods, famines, earthquakes, plagues, hurricanes, cyclones, etc) versus major religion related disasters (war, terrorism, uprisings, etc), you will find religion wins out convincingly in the terms of body count.

Hence the statement "religion is the root of all evil".
 
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If you do a detailed analysis into the cost of human life attributed to major natural disasters (fires, floods, famines, earthquakes, plagues, hurricanes, cyclones, etc) versus major religion related disasters (war, terrorism, uprisings, etc), you will find religion wins out convincingly in the terms of body count.

Hence the statement "religion is the root of all evil".
Can’t deny your thinking although I wish I could. There are two sides the bad and the good, give me an analysis of the the positive good done in this world so that I can compare fairly.
 
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My mother always brought us up to have HOME clothes and GOING OUT clothes . We were certainly NOT well off . When we came home from school we had to change out of school clothes before we were allowed outside . When we went out we changed into our Going out clothes even if only for visit to friends with her . Clothes were ALWAYS washed ironed neatly and put away . Even now at 87 I still do this . Yes I often get asked ” Where are you going ? What are you all dressed up for.) I still have nice clothes I spent hours sEwing myself and I intend to show them off regardless. I might be unemployed but I am not homeless and struggle on pension I don’t go out looking like it.
We were also brought up the same way , I don’t dress to please others as long as I’m clean and tidy I’m happy 😃, I don’t sew anymore as it’s cheaper to buy clothes .
 

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