It’s Always Summer Somewhere

On a recent trip to Melbourne, several locals described the city as Australia’s version of New York. Melbourne might not be as pretty as Sydney, which has a beach culture similar to that of Los Angeles, but they said that it was more interesting.

Low-rise streetscapes and communities of artists and hipsters can make parts of Melbourne feel like Brooklyn. But a palpable warmth and friendliness among residents set its atmosphere apart: Strangers kept in touch after chats on the street, sending messages to recommend coffee shops and, in one instance, to extend an invitation to a birthday party.

In late December and early January — summertime in Melbourne — the place was sleepier than expected for what is technically Australia’s most populous city. Lots of people had left to spend the holidays in lands beyond. Northcote and Preston, two up-and-coming neighbourhoods, often felt like ghost towns. Fitzroy, known as a hipper area, was buzzier, even though its two main thoroughfares, Brunswick Street and Smith Street, weren’t exactly bustling.

Seeing a quieter version of Melbourne made it easier to notice recurring elements of residents’ style. It’s a place where you can see a lot of black. Though the shade was by no means universal, it was far more popular than you might expect for summer. Many people were tattooed — not just full sleeves on arms, but designs covering heads and every appendage. Observing the style outside, another city came to mind: Berlin.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

Melbourne street style NYT_1 — A chunky fringed skirt is styled with platform boots in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2023. Photograph by Simbarashe Cha/The New York Times.

Melbourne street style NYT_2 — Chunky fringe is softened by tassels and slipper-like clogs in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2023. Photograph by Simbarashe Cha/The New York Times.

Melbourne street style NYT_3 — Women in monochrome outfits stop to chat about a recent visit to the National Gallery of Victoria museum, in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2023. Photograph by Simbarashe Cha/The New York Times.

Melbourne street style NYT_4 — Rosette appliques give a dress dimension in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2023. Photograph by Simbarashe Cha/The New York Times.

Melbourne street style NYT_5 — A solid-red handbag pops against an assemblage of stripes, patterns and patchwork in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2023. Photograph by Simbarashe Cha/The New York Times.

Melbourne street style NYT_6 — Technicolor pants in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2023. Photograph by Simbarashe Cha/The New York Times.

Melbourne street style NYT_7 — Electric-purple hair in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2023. Photograph by Simbarashe Cha/The New York Times.

Melbourne street style NYT_8 — A burnt yellow shade brightens up a bowl cut in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2023. Photograph by Simbarashe Cha/The New York Times.

Melbourne street style NYT_9 — A black outfit functions as a backdrop against which colorful tattoos pop in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2023. Photograph by Simbarashe Cha/The New York Times.

Melbourne street style NYT_10 — A romper makes tattoo sleeves look more like actual sleeves (and patterned tights) in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2023. Photograph by Simbarashe Cha/The New York Times.

Melbourne street style NYT_11 — A red jacket pops in a crowd in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2023. Photograph by Simbarashe Cha/The New York Times.

Melbourne street style NYT_17 — Tattoos are displayed in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2023. Photograph by Simbarashe Cha/The New York Times.

Melbourne street style NYT_12 — A peachy look bookended by red hair and shoes in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2023. Photograph by Simbarashe Cha/The New York Times.

Melbourne street style NYT_13 — Red twists evoke the thick links of a chain necklace in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2023. Photograph by Simbarashe Cha/The New York Times.

Melbourne street style NYT_14 — A racing jacket in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2023. Photograph by Simbarashe Cha/The New York Times.

Melbourne street style NYT_15 — Cool-weather staples Ñ corduroy pants, a sweater vest Ñ are given a summery spin in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2023. Photograph by Simbarashe Cha/The New York Times.

Melbourne street style NYT_16 — A man on a casual stroll in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2023. Photograph by Simbarashe Cha/The New York Times.

More expert coverage from T Australia:

Find more articles like this in our bi-monthly print magazine. Subscribe and save!