Overview
Summer is fast approaching, and for many this means a total review of your wardrobe. Trenchcoats and scarves are being boxed in your garage, whilst singlets and sunnies are making a comeback as the days grow hotter and longer.
Here we've compiled a list of stores around Sydney that will help you look the part in the coming months. From high-end pieces to straight streetwear, there's bound to be at least one store that caters to your tastes.
TOPS
With over 300 stores in 30 countries, Italian business 7Camicie has only recently found its way to Sydney. Housed in a modest store in Paddington, their button-up shirts are not for the faint-hearted. The designs feature vibrant colours and loud designs, which are often contrasted with more subtle cuffs and collars. Other shirts also have multiple collars, patterned inner lining and an abundance of buttons, which make them a little less formal.
You might be surprised that each shirt has so many different intricacies. Wear one of these and you’re guaranteed to turn heads.
Address: 446 Oxford St, Paddington
Phone: (02) 9331 0088
Visit website
Incu has long been hipster heaven in Australia, and their diverse range of niche brands has made the store a staple with the cultured demographic. Of particular note is growing Australian brand Vanishing Elephant, whose checked and vintage print shirts are great for this summer. Their pocket tees and singlets will also be suitable for a day outing, coming in a handful of brighter colours.
More conventional shirts from A.P.C and Oliver Spencer can also be found at Incu. Throw one of these on before you hop on your fixie bike.
Address: Shop 19-20, 500 George St, Sydney (The Galeries) and 256 Oxford Street, Paddington
Phone: (02) 9283 7622 and (02) 9331 6070
Visit website
It’s always essential that you stock up on a handful of plains for summer. This is exactly what you'll find at Bassike - nothing outrageous, but some high-quality, dependable tees and singlets that are easy to piece together an outfit with. When it’s not blank, simple stripes and patterns are on offer. However, the unorthodox cuts and details add some subtle spark to these basics.
These pieces of clothing may not seem like the most exciting things to spend your money on, but it’s often the case that less is more. Plus, it’s unlikely that anything you pick up here will be going out of fashion soon.
Address: 26 Glenmore Rd, Paddington, 11 Macmilan Court, Avalon and 803 Military Road, Mosman
Phone: (02) 9360 3606
Visit website
BOTTOMS
Above the Clouds is relatively new on the Sydney streetwear scene, but the wonderfully modern boutique has already made a huge name for itself. The store is named after a Gangstarr song, so you know it’s going to be good.
Above the Clouds stocks boardshorts from Sydney-based brand Venroy. With clean, bold designs and an above-the-knee cut, these comfy casuals are a slick addition to any wardrobe. Above the Clouds also sold A.T.G. leopard print boardshorts last summer, and this season features some other pieces which are just as daring. Keep an eye out for some exciting Above the Clouds collaborations in the near future.
Address: Shop 2, 256 Crown St, Darlinghurst
Phone: (02) 9356 4404
Visit website
Alfie's is a great store if you're looking for something snazzy without being overdressed. Located just a short drive from the CBD, they stock classic brands such as Lacoste and Fred Perry, but some smaller companies too.
Among these is Melbourne-based Mr. Simple, who have an excellent range of chino shorts at a modest price. They're avaliable in everything from royal blue to mustard, and easy to either dress up or dress down. Their long chinos come in a slim fit, and look great when pinrolled for the subtle ankle-flashing that's proven popular.
Address: 264 Darling St, Balmain
Phone: (02) 9555 5222
Visit website
Okay, so Topshop hasn’t actually opened yet, but the UK giant has secured a prime location in the CBD and is set to open before Christmas. Whilst it is better known for catering to females, male counterpart Topman offers plenty of options for guys seeking to keep it smart.
A quick browse on their online store reveals chino shorts, twill shorts and dress shorts in an assortment of styles. Coloured denim is also available for the braver fashionistas who want to match the summer weather with an equally bright pair of slacks. Here’s hoping that the online range will be replicated in Sydney, and at a reasonable price.
Address: Former Gowings Building, Corner Market and George Streets, Sydney (Opening Christmas 2011).
FOOTWEAR
Footage used to deal heavily with Nike Air Max and runners, but the store has primarily focused on the higher end of streetwear in recent years. Here you’ll find a nice collection of the classics from Vans, Sperry and Converse, plus some cuts you’ll have trouble finding anywhere else. Lace these up and throw on some Mr. Simple chino shorts for a crisp look that’s hard to fault.
Every once in awhile Footage will still stock a pair of Nikes to please all the street veterans and homies out there. You might come for the shoes, but don’t be surprised if you leave with a whole outfit.
Address: 13C Burton St, Darlinghurst
Phone: (02) 9332 1337
Visit website
Spring Court offers some suave options for those seeking footwear with particular craftsmanship and quality. Having started in 1936, this vintage French manufacturer has been making shoes longer than most people have been alive.
Mid-cut canvas sneakers offer a nice casual alternative to mainstream brands, and are apparently made of Egyptian cotton. Fancy. Leather and suede products from Schmoove will add plenty of class to your outfit, and are available in tan and lighter shades for a summer feel. Roll up those skinny jeans even further, as these European shoes are guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
Address: 113A Commonwealth St, Surry Hills
Phone: (02) 9281 6687
Visit website
Espionage has been a cornerstone of the Sydney sneaker scene for years, and not without good reason. Their collection of Nikes reigns supreme in this city, and you’ll find yourself at least one pair of runners that are too nice to ever run in. It also hosts a collection of Adidas, Puma and Reebok items, which will undoubtedly please the older generation of sneakerheads. Colourful and extra-wide shoelaces are also available for those replicating that retro b-boy look.
The epic window display at their newest store, Sneakerology, will brighten up your shopping experience. Cop a pair of kicks and buy a subtly matching cap for a sneaky colour code.
Espionage Address: Shop 2, 22-26 Goulburn St, Sydney
Espionage Phone: (02) 9264 9704
Visit website
Sneakerology Address: Level 1, Shop 1020, 188 Pitt St, Sydney (Westfield)
Sneakerology Phone: (02) 8072 8889
Visit website
ACCESSORIES
Capsule carries a load of accessories, from belts to snapbacks and even a few surprises. This includes Navajo print socks, which should be worn with shorts and pulled all the way up for that grandpa swagger.
If you want to keep trendy but don’t have the dough, sunglasses from Vans go for just under $20. Capsule also stocks watches from O’Clock, which have silicone bands that stretch and slip onto the wrist like bangles. These are super cheap and extra bands can be bought individually of the watch face. This makes them a convenient choice when you want to switch colours depending on your mood and outfit.
Address: Shop 1001B, Level 1, 188 Pitt St, Sydney (Westfield)
Phone: (02) 8246 9124
Visit website
Nothing screams summer in Sydney more than Bondi, and cult boutique Tuchuzy is synonymous with the suburb’s fashion circuit. Tucked away just minutes from the world famous beach, Tuchuzy now has a store just for men.
Wewood offers wooden watches in a range of earthy shades, and the company plants one tree for every watch sold. Look savvy and be an environmental superhero at the same time. Long cross necklaces from Stolen Girlfriends Club work perfectly when draped over basic tees, and their studded gold rings are suitable for those seeking bling with a little more edge. Aviators and wayfarers from Oliver Peoples are a fresh take on these classic styles.
Address: 90 Gould St, Bondi Beach
Phone: (02) 9365 5371
Visit website
Halfsleeve has an impressive range of headwear that offers a piece for everyone to enjoy. Caps from streetwear favourites Mishka and Only NY are a regular feature, whilst vintage NBA snapbacks also pop up every once in awhile. Three new Halfsleeve snapbacks will also drop in November to accompany their own line of baseball and pocket tees.
For something a little more understated, five-panel and camp caps from Coal and New York Hat Co. use simple designs with a tight, snug fit. Also available is a collection of 9five and Waiting for the Sun sunglasses in plastic and wooden frames, which are fashionable and easy on the wallet.
Address: Shop 3, 133 Goulburn St, Surry Hills
Phone: (02) 8021 0869
Visit website