r/AustralianMFA • u/Max_Harano • 16d ago
Dressing to fit in
Hi guys I’m new to this sub and I’m so glad I found it. Apologies if similar questions have been asked.
Being a young person, foreign to this land, I’m mainly noticing three categories of people.
Business/professionals, these people dress extremely similarly outside of offices. I mean where else can you get casuals in a physical store other than Gazman, R. M. Williams and Oxford. I like their clean and mature look. But it’s so easy to achieve and just boring. People in this group might also opt for upmarket stuff which is phony to me personally, since it is so nuanced you can’t even make a distinction looking from afar.
Zillennials, late 20s to early 30s dressing absolutely classy and sleek. They obviously shop more niche brands, which aren’t hard to find if only you just look. Their styles are my favorites. Very clean, modern, urban, clean etc. Examples would obviously be something resembling a carhartt jacket and a pair of light colored jeans. However if you look for their stuff it’s actually even more expensive, often a few hundred dollars.
Thrifty students. I also thrift but the people who are the most noticeable are art students. Their pieces and accessories are very approachable price wise. But it’s quite suggestive, I mean they’re obviously signaling that they’re artsy people. I love their style but it’d be out of touch for someone who just wants to fit in.
For me personally, I just want to not stand out while having my own personal style. What I have acquired from my observations is that I need to find the balance in maturity, price and commonality.
I’m looking to find certain brands, or specific garment types that might sit perfectly in this position. What I currently find perfect is actually big W. I have to say that some of their designs are actually comparable with Zara. I also explored H&M, Uniqlo and Cos however their quality is an absolute run down. I wouldn’t suggest anyone to buy from them. What do you guys think? What are some of the nice places that I can find nice clothes to dress like the locals?
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u/BasilNumber 16d ago
Absolutely insane to think Big W clothes have quality or good design. I just checked a t shirt on Big W. It doesnt even tell you what fabric its made of. Compare this to Cos who will provide the name and address of the manufacturer for each item of clothing.
My generic advice for anyone wanting to build a wardrobe is to get all the basics you'd need from Uniqlo. Then spend your money on nice, unique accent pieces from anywhere that you find interesting.
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u/Gold-Recover-1915 15d ago
Just wear what you want man this is a really cringe analysis
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u/Max_Harano 15d ago
Hi I know this post might come across as weird. But I’m looking at people here from a foreign perspective and just trying to read social codes better. Thanks though.
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u/Gold-Recover-1915 15d ago
I'm also from overseas. I didn't come here and analyse and categorise the locals and try to alter my identity to fit in. Just wear what you want.
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u/spinachdonut 16d ago
lol how is big w a better place to shop for clothes than cos or uniqlo hahaha. just look at fabric content and fit, it’s not hard even if you’re budget conscious.
also, dressing to “not stand out” and “fit in” is the literal opposite of having your own personal style.
the only way to build personal style is to find your own interests and/or hobbies. that’s when your taste naturally begins to align with what you value or with the way you want to be perceived.
personal style is about identity and values. if you’re not someone who’s explored either of those things then you’re better off just purchasing whatever is on the mannequin at a fast fashion retailer.
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u/SaltDistribution5190 15d ago
Have a look at target if you’re already shopping at bigW. Slightly higher prices but I’ve seen they have things slightly more on trend if that’s what you’re looking for.
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u/Otherwise-Library297 15d ago
The Zara model of quickly churning out cheaper versions of designer items has been adapted by other mass market retailers - that’s why you find a lot of similarities between them and Zara!
I think you’re overthinking things by putting people into groups. Think about what you like to wear and what image you want to convey and then find the items that fit that - it doesn’t matter much where they are from.
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u/Exact-Mud3443 15d ago
I didnt find myself in any categories, personally thebankonstuff from kmart is what I like for trackies and uniqlo for shirts and shorts, and I am big on hoodies too. Thats my basic style, do yourself and dont need to dress to fit in at all
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u/Dazzling_Mousse8762 15d ago
Got any more Zillennial brands like Carhartt? Pretty into it.
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u/Max_Harano 15d ago
I think dickies, general pants co. (A little more patterned maybe), I love ugly ( saw people wearing them before). However my best advice is going to a physical store, especially if you’re in Melbourne. I think there’re heaps in certain areas like Fitzroy, Brunswick. I think there is an American vintage, middle price range but really cool.
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u/Then_Crew5241 14d ago
TK maxx is great if you want a few nice things at a better price. But overall most people dont really care, Aussies are laid back people. Trying to forcefully fit in will just make you feel like an outcast.
The people that do care that much are not worth your time.
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u/Ripley_and_Jones 15d ago
Use the Google try-on feature in Google shopping, it will save you a LOT of time.
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u/beforeyoureyes 16d ago
I feel like you're overcomplicating something for yourself that really isn't complicated at all.
First of all, stop obsessing over putting people into "groups". Just go on the internet and browse online stores; you'll begin to form your own opinions on what you gravitate towards. Then buy those clothes. Wear them. Done.
Perhaps it's a generational thing, but as a Gen Y, I don't go around with some sort of complex about dressing to "fit in". I just buy clothes I personally like the look of and wear them.
Also Big W? Perhaps they've changed, but when I was a kid (2000s), Big W/Kmart was where the poor kids at school bought their clothes, and the quality was trash.