A friend becomes a best friend after a successful closet raid. Australians at university popularized op-shops around Perth and Melbourne. Rather than hitting the pricey Country Road or Myers department store, many head toward the popular used clothing stores for their fashion finds. On a night out, Australians focus on a few major staples when dressing. The following items are some of the most crucial and loved items in an Australian college student’s wardrobe.
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Combat Boots
Maybe a season behind the United States’ use, Australian women wear their slightly tattered combat boots with variety. For one, we (I, as an adopted Australian) love to throw them on for nights out in pubs or dark dance clubs. Paired with dark opaque tights and a fitted black miniskirt, the boots can do no wrong. Not only do they protect against the chill of the Melbourne night, but from the elements of the drunken biddies running around with half empty raspberry vodka’s splashing around in their glass. They provide an edge that girls with heels can’t seem to match: you can dance on a slippery and quite dangerous d-floor.
Sam Edelman “Karla” Suede Flat Boots
Rugby Jumpers
The best option for a casual day at uni? The rugby jumper. Residential college life at college in Australia is quite prideful. The various college students wear their colours with pride: varying from a hideous brown/orange and sunburnt yellow combination to a striped mess of orange, black and red. But the rugby jumpers are not so much a fashion statement for their colours, but for the combination of the colours’ symbolism. Students must apply, interview for, and be accepted into each individual residential college based upon their achievements and interests. The college becomes a part of their identity, just like a girl’s favourite pair of jeans. The jumpers are the best option for crawling out of bed in the morning to uni to avoid the glares and stares of other girls who actually took the time to care.
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Chunky Knits
Loose knits, large cardigans, short sleeve and holey jumpers. The whole variety of chunky knits have hit the Australian scene with as much excitement as the release of the September Vogue. As a chic addition to an outfit, a vintage-esque jumper can also serve the dual purpose of covering up for nights out on the town. The variation is also perfect for the typical uni day. Pairing a loose oatmeal cardigan with black leggings and chocolate combat boots is a great way to convey a simple and classic look.
BDG Marled Cable Fisherman Cardigan
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Oxford Flats
Generally only appropriate for daytime, oxford flats are a great way to add some flair to an outfit. Since the preppy look is not in style (there is no J.Crew, Banana Republic, or Madewell to be seen), the flats add a polished touch to an oxford button up and straight black jeans. The flats can be recycled through many different outfit changes: with a light summer skirt, jeans, and shorts. I would hesitate to pair the flats with any tights, as one would easily risk clashing the two-out-of-three rule* since oxford flats tend to be in the brown family.
*tights must be the same color as your skirt/shorts or shoes