Four styling lessons from the streets of Australian Fashion Week

Words by Daisy Henry

Take note.

Arriving at Carriageworks for Australian Fashion Week (AFW) is like entering another world. There are well-dressed people everywhere, lining every entrance to the building, with photographers frantically taking pictures and media girls, microphones in hand, conducting on-the-spot interviews.

It’s a melting pot of colour, fabrics, silhouettes, and personal style. Some people opt for props, accessories or even a live dance routine to accompany their look (yes, I did witness this), while others keep it classic in monochrome or a matching suit. There really is no rulebook.

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Although the runways are undoubtedly the main drawcard for events like AFW, street style comes in at a close second. To make the most my attendance, I’ve been allocating myself time throughout the day to simply walk out into the thick of it and observe the wellspring of inspiration on the streets.

Part of my job is taking field notes every day, scribbling down new ways to style sheer clothing, and paying close attention to the way people accessorise, or match oversized shorts with boots. If I were to distill my observations into four styling lessons, here’s what they’d be.

1. Long layers

I’ve seen plenty of cosy knits worn over long skirts, structured or oversized blazers over dresses, and layers over layers.

2. Sheer everywhere

On the flip side, see-through styles have been ubiquitous. Sheer lace and leather is always a winner IMO, but there are plenty of ways to make it feel new by playing with unexpected silhouettes.

Over-accessorised

From neck scarves worn with statement hair clips, to stacked jewellery and bags dripping in trinkets, the rule is: Before you leave the house, add three more accessories.

3. Shorts and knee-high boots

One of my favourite looks has been relaxed, wide shorts in dressy fabrics like leather or satin (i.e. not jorts) worn with a pair of sexy knee-high boots.

4. Shades of black

I’m from Melbourne, so I could be biased, but nothing beats a good all-black ensemble. The key is to play with textures, and a little silver hardware goes a long way too.